ARCHDIOCESE OF PHILADELPHIA

The Oblates of St. Francis de Sales, a religious order, today notified the Archdiocese of Philadelphia of allegations of sexual abuse against Rev. Dennis Killion, O.S.F.S. from the time when he taught at Salesianum School in Delaware approximately twenty years ago. Fr. Killion's planned assignment to Saint Bede the Venerable Parish in Holland, Bucks County in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia had just been announced in the parish this past Sunday. He was scheduled to begin serving and residing at the parish on August 18, 2008.

Upon learning today of the allegations from the Oblates, Cardinal Justin Rigali immediately withdrew his approval for Fr. Killion to serve at Saint Bede the Venerable Parish and anywhere within the Archdiocese. The Oblates this morning also informed the Archdiocese that Fr. Killion has been placed on administrative leave pending an investigation.

Father Killion had previously served in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia as Assistant Principal of Archbishop Wood Boys High School in Warminster, Bucks County (1986-1990) and as a faculty member at Father Judge High School in Philadelphia (1991-2006). The Archdiocese has never before received any allegation against Father Killion.

While serving within the Archdiocese, Fr. Killion completed the screening procedures of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, including the appropriate police and child abuse background checks, and received a positive recommendation and clearance from the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales.

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia recognizes that this public notice may be painful to those who have been abused. If anyone needs assistance please contact the Victim Assistance Office for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia at 1-888-800-8780.

Contact
Donna Farrell
Director of Communications
215-587-3747