A few weeks ago we reported on the scandal involving Father Antony del Castillo, a priest of the Institute of the Incarnate Word (IVE), who had relations with a young woman of just 18 years of age in the framework of a summer oratory organized by the Servants of the Lord and of the Virgin of Matará (SSVM) in Jonzac.
At that time, the Institute reacted by urgently transferring the priest to Peru, in what seemed to be a disciplinary and preventive measure. However, reality shows another side.
A video on Instagram from Peru
Antony del Castillo himself recently posted on his Instagram account a video recorded from Peru, showing himself relaxed, speaking in French, without alluding at all to the scandal that motivated him to be evacuated from France. The publication has caused outrage among those who know the case, as it shows that there is no real sanction or recognition of the seriousness of the facts.
The usual strategy
This episode reveals once again the usual strategy of the IVE: when a scandal erupts, the priest is quickly relocated to another country, away from the scene of the events and the local media coverage. Nothing is said about investigations, canonical sanctions or accompaniment of the victim.
Silence of the diocese
The diocese of La Rochelle, where the scandal occurred, has not issued a public statement to date clarifying what concrete measures it has taken in the face of this case. Institutional silence leaves both the victim and the Catholic community that has the right to know the truth in the shadows. To top it all off, he is still listed as a parish priest on the diocese’s website.
A scandalous cynicism
That the priest appears on social networks as if nothing had happened is outrageously cynical. The image of normalcy contrasts with the deep pain that the young woman and her family are going through, who feel betrayed by a congregation they had trusted.
Demand for transparency
The Church cannot continue to tolerate these manipulations. Cases like that of Antony del Castillo must be thoroughly investigated and communicated with transparency. It is not enough to hide the priest on another continent or to allow him to continue with a public life without consequences.
We demand that the Holy See and the diocese of La Rochelle give clear explanations and act with pastoral responsibility in the face of this case.
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