Sam Tiesi, had been received, prompting the swift removal of a plaque honoring his memory. Just two weeks after this homily and the announcement of the Integrity and Truth Initiative, Sheridan revealed that credible allegations against a now-deceased friar, Franciscan Fr. In the homily opening the academic year, Sheridan said, 'I also apologize for any way that we have failed to protect you or have not taken seriously any concerns you have voiced, and I again ask your forgiveness.' He was apparently alluding to stories of mishandling of sexual misconduct incidents, as first reported by National Catholic Reporter in April 2018, and again in October 2018, with several of those incidents occurring during Sheridan's tenure.

Francis' Province of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus (the congregation that operates the university) and as chairman of the university's Board of Trustees.

Richard Davis, resigned abruptly in January from his position as minister provincial of the Third Order Regular of St. Van Tassell has been chairman of the board for a just short while.

Malachi Van Tassell, chairman of the Board of Trustees, thanked Sheridan for his years of service as president. In an April 8 press release, Franciscan Fr. In his own statement, Sheridan said that he made the decision 'after a great deal of prayer,' and that he feels 'called to continue my service to the Catholic Church in another capacity.' Some expressed relief, while others have worried about finding a better replacement.Įven in the midst of this turmoil, the alumni magazine, Franciscan, is already soliciting requests for fond memories and stories of Sheridan, as the next issue of the quarterly publication will be dedicated to him.Ĭommenters on the school's official Facebook page thanked Sheridan for his service and expressed dismay for his decision. Reactions to the news of the April 5 resignation of Sheridan and subsequent search for a new president have been mixed. The final straw, however, may have been controversy over assignment of a novel to a high-level literature seminar that conservatives found objectionable and that Church Militant picked up as a cause against Sheridan.

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