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Feb 17, 2008 3:55 pm US/Central
Local Priest's Former Flock Told Of HIV News
Local Church Officials Traveling To Rome Monday To Request Priest Be Defrocked
Marianne Martinez
NORTH RICHLAND HILLS (CBS 11 / TXA 21) ―
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Former Catholic priest Philip Magaldi has confirmed he is HIV positive.
KTVT / KTXA
During a day of worship, parishioners at St. John the Apostle Catholic Church in North Richland Hills learned former priest Philip Magaldi is HIV positive. Priests at St. John read a letter from the Diocese of Fort Worth to the congregation. The letter explained that Magaldi has been HIV positive since as early as 2003.
"Let us all pray that we as a Church might continue to do everything possible to provide for the safety of our children and of all in our community," the letter said.
Magaldi, who has been accused of sexual abuse, served at St. Johns from 1993 until 1999. He was dismissed amid allegations of sexual abuse.
"It's just sad it has to be people like this," said parishioner Edmundo Martinez. "They give the Roman Catholic church very bad publicity."
The Diocese informed the victims of alleged abuse of Magaldi's diagnosis. Church officials also encourage anyone who has come in close contact with Magaldi to notify the Diocese.
Prior to serving at St. John's, Magaldi worked at churches in Naconi, Henrietta, Montague and Bowie. He came to North Texas after an embezzlement conviction in Rhode Island.
Catholics said they were saddened by the news, but will pray for the congregation, the victims and Magaldi.
"It's unfortunate, but at the same time Bishop Vann is doing a good job about being up front and open about it," said parishioner Al Martinez. "It's our faith that's going to carry us through this."
Bishop Kevin Vann is asking the Vatican to defrock Magaldi, who is 71 years old.
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