Holy Name Province statement regarding
Reverend Kevin Downey, O.F.M.

The following 4/24/17 statement from the Franciscan Friars Holy Name Province, was shared with the Diocese of Arlington. Reverend Downey served as Pastor of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Triangle, Virginia, from July 2011 to May 2016.  

April 24, 2017

Dear Brothers and Sisters:

Last May, Father Kevin Downey, O.F.M., was placed on leave of absence as Pastor of St. Francis of Assisi, as well as from all ministerial environments, when a complaint of alleged misconduct with a minor in another state, was made against him. 

As part of its zero tolerance policy, Holy Name Province put into effect its protocols and procedures, which are automatically implemented when claims of misconduct or unlawful behavior of any kind is reported. 

The Province launched an independent investigation. A thorough investigation of the allegations was led by an outside attorney with more than 25 years of experience in these types of matters. It should be noted that at no time during or after the investigation was Fr. Kevin reinstated to ministerial environments.

The investigation has concluded.  The independent investigators found a claim to be credible. Consequently, the independent investigators recommended that Fr. Kevin be removed permanently from all public ministries. The Province Compliance Board accepted the recommendation presented by the investigators and, in turn, advised me, as Provincial Minister, to take action on this recommendation.

I, as Provincial Minister, with the approval of the Provincial Council, have accepted and acted upon this recommendation, permanently removing Fr. Kevin from all public ministries. In addition, he has officially resigned his position of pastor at St. Francis.

Please know that maintaining safe environments and protecting children and vulnerable adults is one of the Province’s utmost priorities. These strenuous efforts have been validated through our accreditation status by an independent firm that evaluates protection policies and procedures of major organizations.

I ask you to draw upon the strength of the Holy Spirit, personally and as a community of brothers and sisters in Christ, and pray for all those connected to this investigation. As Christians, especially during this Easter season, we believe that healing and reconciliation are possible for those who trust in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. 

Thank you for the abundant support that you have given to the Province and our friars. Please know that you are always in my prayers. 

Media Inquiries

For all inquiries please contact the Director of Media Relations, Angela Pellerano
at (703) 841-2517 or by email at a.pellerano@arlingtondiocese.org