Dear St. Paul’s High School community members,
Yesterday, the Jesuits of Canada clarified and released new details to us regarding the Jesuits who have been credibly accused of sexual abuse of minors in Winnipeg. The clarification provides a distinction between St. Paul’s High School, St. Paul’s College and the old St. Paul’s College (High School). The new details provide more specific information about the credible accusations to date.
Father John Pungente, S.J. – teacher from 1964 – 1967, 1971 – 1976, principal from 1976 – 1983
- Accused of a single incident of inappropriate behaviour at St. Paul’s High School in 1971.
Father George Topp, S.J. – teacher from 1968 – 1974
- No allegations have been made arising from his assignment in Winnipeg.
As a clarification, the list of credibly accused Jesuits released on Monday indicated that there were two Jesuits assigned to work at St. Paul’s College; however, the Jesuits of Canada have now explained that these men were assigned to St. Paul’s College (High School), which was formerly located at the corner of Ellice Avenue and Vaughn Street from 1931 – 1964.
Father John Lepine, S.J. – teacher at St. Paul’s College (High School) from 1946 – 1947.
-No accusations of inappropriate acts arising from his assignment in Manitoba.
Father Wilfred Harris, S.J. – teacher at St. Paul’s College (High School) from 1946 – 1948.
-No accusations of inappropriate acts arising from his assignment in Manitoba.
I encourage any victims of abuse to notify the appropriate law enforcement agency in the location where the abuse took place.
For reports of abuse involving Jesuits, victims are further encouraged to contact Mr. William Blakeney, the Province’s delegate for allegations of misconduct. He can be reached confidentially via email at wblakeney@jesuits.org, or in writing to the Jesuits of Canada, 25 Jarry St W, Montreal, QC H2P 1S6.
I ask our community to continue to join me in prayers for the victims who have been gravely harmed by those who betrayed the trust placed in them.
Sincerely,
Mr. Kevin Booth ‘78
President
St. Paul’s High School
Click HERE to read full statement from the Jesuits of Canada Province.
