UPDATE 20 March:
There is now a site Pray For Cantius: https://www.prayforcantius.com/
The intent is to start a round the clock Rosary for Fr Phillips and St. John Cantius. There is a signup form for additional activities such as fasting, holy hours, novenas or Masses.
UPDATE 18 March:
From a reader…
A dear friend who has been a parishioner of St. John Cantius for over 20 years was shocked to hear the recent news…being something of a social activist for causes like this, he suggested signups for a round-the-clock Rosary for Father Phillips, with the intention as you stated, for a swift resolution to this matter.
The signup is here: http://signup.com/go/SzQRgrW
There are time slots for every 20 minutes all day and all night at least through the end of May, and we can extend it if needed.
Thought you might like to let your readers know about this.
___ Originally Published on: Mar 17, 2018
REALLY BAD NEWS
Below is a statement from the Canons at St. John Cantius in Chicago. HERE But first some context and comments.
One thing you must be clear about from the get go.
A letter from the Archbishop of Chicago was read at the Saturday evening Mass at St. John Cantius, so this information is now public. In the letter that was read aloud it was clear that allegations against Fr. Phillips have nothing to do with minors! According to my interlocutor, Fr. Phillips has not been accused of breaking any civil laws. Instead, the allegation concerns an improper relationship with an adult male.
However, Fr. Phillips has been removed as pastor of the parish and Superior of the Canons. He also had to leave the parish. An interim superior has been chosen from among the group itself. Given that Phillips seems not to have broken any civil laws the move against him seems pretty sudden and draconian, but I guess that’s what they do around there.
I understand that the text from the Cardinal, which was read aloud at Mass on Saturday and which will be read at all the Masses on Sunday (as I write, tomorrow) will be released – or some statement will be released – by the Archdiocese in some form soon. I’m guessing Monday. Meanwhile, the Canons have posted their own statement on their website, below.
Please note two important items in the Canon’s statement below: “We hope and pray for a swift resolution to this matter….”
SWIFT!
Everyone who can do something in addition to praying should also prompt, move, push and plead that this be swiftly investigated and swiftly resolved. In justice, this must not drag out, to the detriment of his good name and the good works which have multiplied over the years at the now world-famous St. John Cantius.
Also, because Fr. Phillips belongs to the Congregation of the Resurrection (Resurrectionists), they will be doing the investigation.
Now the statement from the Canons:
Statement from the Canons Regular regarding Fr. C. Frank Phillips, C.R.
This statement is in response to the letter of Cardinal Blaise J. Cupich read at all our Sunday Masses today which tells of Fr. Phillip’s removal as pastor of the parish and removal of superior due to complaints of inappropriate conduct. A statement from the Archdiocese of Chicago will be forthcoming.
STATEMENT OF THE CANONS REGULAR OF ST. JOHN CANTIUS Sunday, March 18, 2018
REGARDING FR. C. FRANK PHILLIPS, C.R.We know that the news of complaints of inappropriate conduct against Fr. Phillips, our founder, present a difficult time for the faithful in our parishes and friends of our community.
The Canons Regular will remain focused on our mission of “Restoring the Sacred” and will continue our vital work at our parishes and apostolates.
Fr. C. Frank Phillips, C.R. our founder, has been pastor of St. John Cantius for 30 years and our superior for 20 years. As soon as Fr. Phillips became aware of the complaints he has been open and transparent with us, his community, and the Archdiocese of Chicago.
We ask for your patience and understanding while the Congregation of the Resurrection conducts an investigation into the complaints.
We hope and pray for a swift resolution to this matter and we ask that you keep the Canons Regular, Fr. Phillips, and any who are affected by this difficult situation in your prayers.
For my part, I hope for a swift resolution to this especially because I don’t believe the allegation. I just don’t.
Fr. Phillips has a right to a good name and reputation. That’s a compelling reason for this to be handled swiftly.
Please, at least say a prayer to St. Michael the Archangel to defend everyone involved from diabolical attacks, which must be underway right now with terrible fury.
St. Michael the Archangel….
St. John Cantius, pray for them.
Mary, Queen of the Clergy, intercede for them.
