Official Release of Legionaries:
Last May, it was revealed that Fr Thomas Williams LC fathered a child a number of years ago. In that light, the Legion asked Fr Thomas to take a year for prayer and penance, to discern his future course in the light of God’s will.
Following that time, Fr Thomas has written to the Holy Father to request dispensation from the obligations of his ministry.
The Legion and Regnum Christi are grateful for the many contributions Fr Thomas made during his time with the congregation. We continue to accompany him with our prayers and fraternal support wishing him the best in the years ahead.
Fr John Connor LC has published a reflection on Regnum Christi Live. (SEE BELOW)
Yours in Christ,
Jim Fair, Director of Communications, Legion of Christ and Regnum Christi (Image source: BING)
Blog release by Fr. John Connor friend of Fr. Thomas Williams:
Roughly a year ago, I heard the news that our brother Legionary Fr Thomas Williams LC fathered a child a number of years ago. As a result, Fr Thomas discontinued his public ministry and took a year for prayer and penance to discern his future course in the light of God’s plan.
Fr Thomas, after much prayerful reflection and discernment, has written to the Holy Father to request dispensation from the obligations of his ministry.
Such decisions are not easy. We all balance success and failure, joy and sorrow in our lives. None of us escapes sin and the need to ask forgiveness.
I have known Fr Thomas well for the better part of a decade. I have appreciated and enjoyed his friendship, his wisdom and counsel and I deeply respect his decision about his future. After recently finishing spiritual exercises he wrote me saying “I came to the serene conviction that what God expects of me now is to devote myself to caring for my child and his mother. By responsibly and lovingly accepting the consequences of my actions, I will continue to serve God and his Church. I know I should be with my son and try to be the kind of father he needs.”
I have complete confidence that Fr Thomas will continue to be a valuable instrument in God’s plan and positively influence many, many people for the good of Christ’s Kingdom. I hope all of you will join me in praying for the success of Fr Thomas in his new life.
Excerpt from last year's press release of Fr. Thomas Williams:
Fr. Thomas Williams, LC, PhB, ThD of the Legionaries of Christ apologized for his misconduct on Wednesday, May 15, 2012. He is a famous priest of National Catholic Registrar, Zenit News, and television appearances on NBC,CBS and Sky News. He has 14 books published.
The Legionaries has been sadly disgraced due to some immoral conduct of the deceased founder, Fr. Marcial Maciel Degollado. The order has taken serious action to reprimand these members. Let us pray for the Order of the Legionaries that has done much good despite the sinful behaviour in some members. We are all sinners in the eyes of God; all must repent and do good despite the sin in our lives. Let us also pray for all victims of abuse; for healing and a restoring of the love of God in their hearts.
His personal website has ceased to operate. He was ordered to take a year leave from public ministry. Fr. Williams is living with his parents and undergoing cancer treatments.
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