WAUKEGAN, Ill. — The Archdiocese of Chicago has removed a north suburban priest accused of grooming and sexual misconduct involving adult seminarians.
Father Xamie Reyes of Little Flower Parish in Waukegan will live away from the parish pending the outcome of an investigation into the charges, according to a letter sent to parish members on Saturday by Cardinal Blase J. Cupich, Archbishop of Chicago.
Cardinal Cupich has appointed Reverend Ismael Garcia, the parish’s associate pastor, as administrator of Little Flower Parish, effective immediately.
In his letter, Cardinal Cupich says the allegations received against Father Reyes “do not involve children and youth, but they do involve seminarians.”
“I know that this is unsettling news, but I take seriously the responsibility to ensure those
serving you are fit for ministry and that all are kept safe,” Cardinal Cupich writes in the letter. “I do appreciate your patience as we work to evaluate thoroughly these allegations. Only by doing so can we remain true to our promise to keep everyone safe.
“The Archdiocese of Chicago takes seriously all allegations of misconduct and encourages everyone experiencing it to come forward. They will be received with dignity and
compassion. Complete information about reporting misconduct can be found on the
archdiocesan website at archchicago.org.”
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