FR. MIQUELI CLEARED OF ANY CHARGES
(posted Nov 2017)
For close to two years now, there has been an investigation into the lawsuit against Fr. Peter Miqueli brought by the parishioners of our parish and those at Roosevelt Island. It has been announced that Fr. Miqueli will be cleared of the charges brought against him. There are a few things that need to be made known of this outcome. First of all, it is important to note that any investigation was largely spearheaded by the Archdiocese. What was found in the investigation by the Bronx District Attorney, was that Miqueli had improperly reimbursed himself for $22,450 in personal expenses from the parish account. By any logic, accidently accrediting yourself for that amount of money would be met with serious ramifications in any other kind of business or company. However, Miqueli was simply allowed to just pay that money back.
According to the release by the Bronx DA (and specifically not the letter from Bishop Walsh) that money came out of “hard-earned money donated by parishioners for the betterment of the parish.” It was reported that “the Archdiocese did not scrutinize the finances of the parish to ensure it was in compliance.” So during his time at our parish, Fr. Miqueli, who was in charge of the parish finances could not figure out the protocol for a simple and appropriate reimbursement. Also, even though parishioners from two different parishes contacted the Archdiocese about looking into the parish finances under Miqueli’s control, as the DA states, the Archdiocese did nothing. It is also important to note that the Archdiocese claims to have done an audit in 2014 of our parish led by a third party mediator who found no irregularities. Why wasn’t this money that was improperly reimbursed to Miqueli found then? The Archdiocese led that audit and, if the DA was able to find it, it should have also been found back in 2014. The quality and the outcome of that audit should really highlight the intentions of the Archdiocese when it acts alone versus when it is pressured by the local government.
The DA has made recommendations to the Archdiocese on how to go about more oversight of current finances in the parish that the Archdiocese has agreed to. These recommendations are surprisingly simply the re-issuing of the Archdiocesan Financial Policies and Protocols. These are the exact same recommendations and directives that were given to Fr. Miqueli by the Archdiocese in 2015. When the parishioners continued to reach out to the Archdiocese informing them that Miqueli was not following these directives, once again our calls for help fell upon deaf ears. The re-issuing of these directives now is a distraction from the fact that following them or not, will not receive any response from the Archdiocese, as we have experienced with the case with Miqueli in 2015. It appears that the investigation into Fr. Miqueli did not take into account any handling of cash money over his time on Roosevelt Island and at St. Frances. The inability for cash to be accounted for, especially when he had security cameras turned off, the cash was carried in open and unsealed bags to the rectory, and was stowed openly in his room, is unfortunate. If someone can wrongly reimburse themselves for $22,000 of recorded money, what is stopping them from “reimbursing” themselves of as much cash as they want as it sits in their bedroom?
The tone in which the letter from Bishop Walsh was written painted the Archdiocese in a way that made it seem as though they were fully cooperative and happy to help with the investigation. Us as parishioners reached out to the Archdiocese for help innumerable times before the story of Fr. Miqueli hit the media and their response was only silence. For the Archdiocese to send a letter in which they attempt to make themselves be seen as the helpful hand in this situation when for years they have done nothing is disrespectful. To talk down to us by using self-righteous language, such as phrases about how the alleged estimated stolen money is a “far cry” from the reimbursement money found, is disrespectful. To have subjected us to years of dealing with this issue and creating a fault in many people’s spiritual lives is nothing but ultimately disrespectful.
God Bless the Parishioners and Parish of St. Frances de Chantal.
CLICK: Official response to the letter from Bishop Walsh by The Concerned Parishioners of St. Frances de Chantal
(posted Nov 2017)
For close to two years now, there has been an investigation into the lawsuit against Fr. Peter Miqueli brought by the parishioners of our parish and those at Roosevelt Island. It has been announced that Fr. Miqueli will be cleared of the charges brought against him. There are a few things that need to be made known of this outcome. First of all, it is important to note that any investigation was largely spearheaded by the Archdiocese. What was found in the investigation by the Bronx District Attorney, was that Miqueli had improperly reimbursed himself for $22,450 in personal expenses from the parish account. By any logic, accidently accrediting yourself for that amount of money would be met with serious ramifications in any other kind of business or company. However, Miqueli was simply allowed to just pay that money back.
According to the release by the Bronx DA (and specifically not the letter from Bishop Walsh) that money came out of “hard-earned money donated by parishioners for the betterment of the parish.” It was reported that “the Archdiocese did not scrutinize the finances of the parish to ensure it was in compliance.” So during his time at our parish, Fr. Miqueli, who was in charge of the parish finances could not figure out the protocol for a simple and appropriate reimbursement. Also, even though parishioners from two different parishes contacted the Archdiocese about looking into the parish finances under Miqueli’s control, as the DA states, the Archdiocese did nothing. It is also important to note that the Archdiocese claims to have done an audit in 2014 of our parish led by a third party mediator who found no irregularities. Why wasn’t this money that was improperly reimbursed to Miqueli found then? The Archdiocese led that audit and, if the DA was able to find it, it should have also been found back in 2014. The quality and the outcome of that audit should really highlight the intentions of the Archdiocese when it acts alone versus when it is pressured by the local government.
The DA has made recommendations to the Archdiocese on how to go about more oversight of current finances in the parish that the Archdiocese has agreed to. These recommendations are surprisingly simply the re-issuing of the Archdiocesan Financial Policies and Protocols. These are the exact same recommendations and directives that were given to Fr. Miqueli by the Archdiocese in 2015. When the parishioners continued to reach out to the Archdiocese informing them that Miqueli was not following these directives, once again our calls for help fell upon deaf ears. The re-issuing of these directives now is a distraction from the fact that following them or not, will not receive any response from the Archdiocese, as we have experienced with the case with Miqueli in 2015. It appears that the investigation into Fr. Miqueli did not take into account any handling of cash money over his time on Roosevelt Island and at St. Frances. The inability for cash to be accounted for, especially when he had security cameras turned off, the cash was carried in open and unsealed bags to the rectory, and was stowed openly in his room, is unfortunate. If someone can wrongly reimburse themselves for $22,000 of recorded money, what is stopping them from “reimbursing” themselves of as much cash as they want as it sits in their bedroom?
The tone in which the letter from Bishop Walsh was written painted the Archdiocese in a way that made it seem as though they were fully cooperative and happy to help with the investigation. Us as parishioners reached out to the Archdiocese for help innumerable times before the story of Fr. Miqueli hit the media and their response was only silence. For the Archdiocese to send a letter in which they attempt to make themselves be seen as the helpful hand in this situation when for years they have done nothing is disrespectful. To talk down to us by using self-righteous language, such as phrases about how the alleged estimated stolen money is a “far cry” from the reimbursement money found, is disrespectful. To have subjected us to years of dealing with this issue and creating a fault in many people’s spiritual lives is nothing but ultimately disrespectful.
God Bless the Parishioners and Parish of St. Frances de Chantal.
CLICK: Official response to the letter from Bishop Walsh by The Concerned Parishioners of St. Frances de Chantal
CRIME WATCH DAILY - WPIX 11
On Tuesday, May 24, at 2pm, Crime Watch Daily on WPIX 11 will covered the story on Fr. Peter Miqueli.
If it becomes available online, the link will be posted on this page when available.
On Tuesday, May 24, at 2pm, Crime Watch Daily on WPIX 11 will covered the story on Fr. Peter Miqueli.
If it becomes available online, the link will be posted on this page when available.
CHURCH MILITANT
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LENTEN CELEBRATION
CHURCH MILITANT
Original Post (1/28/16)
"Church Militant" takes the time to delve deep into this history of Fr. Peter Miqueli and his story.
Click image below for video.
Original Post (1/28/16)
"Church Militant" takes the time to delve deep into this history of Fr. Peter Miqueli and his story.
Click image below for video.
CHURCH MILITANT COVERAGE
Original Posting (12/14/15 - 12/18/15)
Following the events that transpired here at St. Frances de Chantal, Michael Voris from "Church Militant" reported on and investigated the events that occurred here at our parish.
Original Posting (12/14/15 - 12/18/15)
Following the events that transpired here at St. Frances de Chantal, Michael Voris from "Church Militant" reported on and investigated the events that occurred here at our parish.
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PETITION VICTORY
Original Post (12/12/15)
The online petition calling for Fr. Peter Miqueli's removal has been officially closed due to it's victory.
Thank you to all who signed!
Original Post (12/12/15)
The online petition calling for Fr. Peter Miqueli's removal has been officially closed due to it's victory.
Thank you to all who signed!
ZWILLING COMMENTS
Original Post (12/11/15)
Joseph Zwilling, Director of Communications of the Archdiocese of New York, comments on the events and lawsuit regarding
Fr. Peter Miqueli: CLICK HERE TO READ
A response:
While Zwilling continues to protect our pastor, Fr. Peter Miqueli, there are elements of his defense that are utterly false. He says that "The archdiocese has, from the beginning, taken these allegations seriously," but this is hardly true. Had they been taking us seriously, we would not have had to go to the media for them to listen to us. For the past three years we have reached out to them and have been stonewalled with the most minimal efforts of help.
He says that a forensic audit by the archdiocese is currently taking place. If the archdiocese is trying to protect itself, which as every time they issue a statement it is evident they are, the audit will be sloppy and not turn up any wrongdoing. Taking the audit into their own hands is suspicious and cannot be trusted.
One thing that Zwilling absolutely fails to comment on is Fr. Miqueli's relationship with Keith Crist. This is a completely true, and sickening fact. There is no question about the two and their relations. The archdiocese has been well aware of the two being together and yet has done absolutely nothing, showing that they clearly approve of what is occurring.
Lastly, anything that has been said by our parish about Fr. Miquei is more true than anything the archdiocese has said or will say. The archdiocese is in the defense and is well experienced in covering things up. We as parishioners have gone to such lengths because of our convictions of Fr. Peter Miqueli. We have dealt with him and have personally witnessed his wrongdoing. The archdiocese has not. For them to try to understand the situation by staying in their offices and not really meeting with us to learn more about the situation, they cannot grasp the suffering we have been going through.
In this situation, the archdiocese has something to lose. They have secrets they are protecting and Fr. Miqueli is a crucial element in them. If we did not stand firm in our attitude toward Fr. Miqueli, we would not have been fighting this for as long as we have been. The archdiocese, Cardinal Dolan, Zwilling, and Fr. Miqueli made this into the media circus that it has become. If the archdiocese had nothing to hide, and really cared about the issue at hand when first brought up three years ago, the extent to which this has escalated, would not have occurred.
God Bless St. Frances de Chantal and its Parishioners.
Original Post (12/11/15)
Joseph Zwilling, Director of Communications of the Archdiocese of New York, comments on the events and lawsuit regarding
Fr. Peter Miqueli: CLICK HERE TO READ
A response:
While Zwilling continues to protect our pastor, Fr. Peter Miqueli, there are elements of his defense that are utterly false. He says that "The archdiocese has, from the beginning, taken these allegations seriously," but this is hardly true. Had they been taking us seriously, we would not have had to go to the media for them to listen to us. For the past three years we have reached out to them and have been stonewalled with the most minimal efforts of help.
He says that a forensic audit by the archdiocese is currently taking place. If the archdiocese is trying to protect itself, which as every time they issue a statement it is evident they are, the audit will be sloppy and not turn up any wrongdoing. Taking the audit into their own hands is suspicious and cannot be trusted.
One thing that Zwilling absolutely fails to comment on is Fr. Miqueli's relationship with Keith Crist. This is a completely true, and sickening fact. There is no question about the two and their relations. The archdiocese has been well aware of the two being together and yet has done absolutely nothing, showing that they clearly approve of what is occurring.
Lastly, anything that has been said by our parish about Fr. Miquei is more true than anything the archdiocese has said or will say. The archdiocese is in the defense and is well experienced in covering things up. We as parishioners have gone to such lengths because of our convictions of Fr. Peter Miqueli. We have dealt with him and have personally witnessed his wrongdoing. The archdiocese has not. For them to try to understand the situation by staying in their offices and not really meeting with us to learn more about the situation, they cannot grasp the suffering we have been going through.
In this situation, the archdiocese has something to lose. They have secrets they are protecting and Fr. Miqueli is a crucial element in them. If we did not stand firm in our attitude toward Fr. Miqueli, we would not have been fighting this for as long as we have been. The archdiocese, Cardinal Dolan, Zwilling, and Fr. Miqueli made this into the media circus that it has become. If the archdiocese had nothing to hide, and really cared about the issue at hand when first brought up three years ago, the extent to which this has escalated, would not have occurred.
God Bless St. Frances de Chantal and its Parishioners.
THREE HORRID YEARS WITH OUR DISGRACEFUL PASTOR
Original Post (10/12/15)
A Message to the Parishioners of St. Frances de Chantal and Others:
On October 12, 2015, it officially marked three years since Fr. Peter Miqueli arrived at our parish. With every day that passes, the greatness that our parish once had diminishes that much more due to our corrupt pastor. We have been fighting a long battle and have seen the crookedness of his ways and how he is being protected by higher ups in the Archdiocese of New York. While his stay at our parish is long overdue, we cannot give up our fight. This parish has had so much great history throughout its 88 years. For in only three years time to have Fr. Miqueli crush the community and spirit of our parish, is certainly beyond devastating.
We must fight, not just for the removal of Fr. Miqueli, but also to save the history of our parish. We must fight to take back our special place of worship. We must fight for all our previous pastors who have helped build our parish to its greatness. We must fight for the families that have grown up in this church and have made it their home. We must fight for all the wonderful memories that have been created here. Lastly, and most importantly, we must fight to show that St. Frances de Chantal and its parishioners are one with God, as strong as ever, and cannot be suppressed.
May God bless our cause, may God bless our parish, and may God bless you.
Original Post (10/12/15)
A Message to the Parishioners of St. Frances de Chantal and Others:
On October 12, 2015, it officially marked three years since Fr. Peter Miqueli arrived at our parish. With every day that passes, the greatness that our parish once had diminishes that much more due to our corrupt pastor. We have been fighting a long battle and have seen the crookedness of his ways and how he is being protected by higher ups in the Archdiocese of New York. While his stay at our parish is long overdue, we cannot give up our fight. This parish has had so much great history throughout its 88 years. For in only three years time to have Fr. Miqueli crush the community and spirit of our parish, is certainly beyond devastating.
We must fight, not just for the removal of Fr. Miqueli, but also to save the history of our parish. We must fight to take back our special place of worship. We must fight for all our previous pastors who have helped build our parish to its greatness. We must fight for the families that have grown up in this church and have made it their home. We must fight for all the wonderful memories that have been created here. Lastly, and most importantly, we must fight to show that St. Frances de Chantal and its parishioners are one with God, as strong as ever, and cannot be suppressed.
May God bless our cause, may God bless our parish, and may God bless you.
ARCHDIOCESAN DIRECTIVES
Flyer handed out on the weekend of July 11-12th 2015 after each mass.
Please read, spread the word, and continue to pray for our parish.
Flyer handed out on the weekend of July 11-12th 2015 after each mass.
Please read, spread the word, and continue to pray for our parish.
RENT PAYMENT FLYER
Original Post (6/7/2015)
Flyer handed out on the weekend of June 6-7th after each mass.
Original Post (6/7/2015)
Flyer handed out on the weekend of June 6-7th after each mass.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR IN ROOSEVELT ISLAND'S "THE WIRE"
Original Post (4/3/2015)
In the parish bulletin from March 29, 2015, Fr. Miqueli boasts about recent payments:
"Recently I received a phone call from the Archdiocese of New York thanking me for taking the parish off IPF, which is financial aid for parishes that are unable to pay their bills. I explained that the only reason I was able to accomplish it was because of the generosity of our parishioners. The three years prior to my coming to St. Frances de Chantal, the parish received $820,000.00 over three years for bills they were unable to pay. This will now be the third straight year that all of our bills are paid in full with no help from the Archdiocese."
Upon reading this, something should not seem right.
It is important to understand how much Fr. Miqueli stretches the truth in his bulletin entires.
The Roosevelt Island publication, The Wire, reported that on March, 14, 2015, a letter to the editor revealed a different truth about his attitude toward paying bills:
Original Post (4/3/2015)
In the parish bulletin from March 29, 2015, Fr. Miqueli boasts about recent payments:
"Recently I received a phone call from the Archdiocese of New York thanking me for taking the parish off IPF, which is financial aid for parishes that are unable to pay their bills. I explained that the only reason I was able to accomplish it was because of the generosity of our parishioners. The three years prior to my coming to St. Frances de Chantal, the parish received $820,000.00 over three years for bills they were unable to pay. This will now be the third straight year that all of our bills are paid in full with no help from the Archdiocese."
Upon reading this, something should not seem right.
It is important to understand how much Fr. Miqueli stretches the truth in his bulletin entires.
The Roosevelt Island publication, The Wire, reported that on March, 14, 2015, a letter to the editor revealed a different truth about his attitude toward paying bills:
This letter to the editor shows that during his time at the Cabrini Parish, Fr. Miqueli had a problem with paying money when required.
Therefore, do not believe anything he writes in his columns, as he is not only almost certainly lying to you, but attempting to make himself seem better than he actually is.
Therefore, do not believe anything he writes in his columns, as he is not only almost certainly lying to you, but attempting to make himself seem better than he actually is.
CHRISTMAS COLLECTION
Original Post (1/30/2015)
According to Fr. Miqueli's excerpt in the bulletin, the 2014 Christmas collection was one of the best they ever had.
It is now the end of January and no one knows how much the church collected.
It seems as though Fr. Miqueli is going to keep it a secret like he did with the 2014 Easter collection (which was also never posted in the bulletin).
Original Post (1/30/2015)
According to Fr. Miqueli's excerpt in the bulletin, the 2014 Christmas collection was one of the best they ever had.
It is now the end of January and no one knows how much the church collected.
It seems as though Fr. Miqueli is going to keep it a secret like he did with the 2014 Easter collection (which was also never posted in the bulletin).
NEWS ARTICLE
Original Post (11/6/2014)
NOVEMBER 6, 2014 - BRONX TIMES REPORTER: CLICK HERE FOR ARTICLE
Joseph Zwilling, the Archdiocese of New York spokesman, defended Miqueli in the article.
Pay attention as he and the Archdiocese will now try to cover up the truth and fabricate lies in order to protect Miqueli. Do not be fooled.
UPDATE (11/20/2014)
NOVEMBER 20, 2014 - BRONX TIMES REPORTER: CLICK HERE FOR ARTICLE
Original Post (11/6/2014)
NOVEMBER 6, 2014 - BRONX TIMES REPORTER: CLICK HERE FOR ARTICLE
Joseph Zwilling, the Archdiocese of New York spokesman, defended Miqueli in the article.
Pay attention as he and the Archdiocese will now try to cover up the truth and fabricate lies in order to protect Miqueli. Do not be fooled.
UPDATE (11/20/2014)
NOVEMBER 20, 2014 - BRONX TIMES REPORTER: CLICK HERE FOR ARTICLE
LETTER TO THE PARISH
Original Post (10/27/2014)
If you recently received a letter at your home about the situation with Fr. Miqueli, please know that everything contained in the letter is of utmost importance and what is written about minimum donations is HIGHLY suggested.
Original Post (10/27/2014)
If you recently received a letter at your home about the situation with Fr. Miqueli, please know that everything contained in the letter is of utmost importance and what is written about minimum donations is HIGHLY suggested.
EASTER COLLECTION
Original Post (6/8/14)
There is still no word on the amount for the Easter collection.
It has been almost 2 months now.
UPDATE (7/15/14)
Almost three months now and we have yet to hear any numbers from Easter.
UPDATE (8/7/14)
Closing in on 4 months since Easter, and the parish is still unaware of any Easter collection amount.
UPDATE (10/5/14)
Six months now and still no idea of how much the church collected on Easter.
Interesting that the biggest collection of the year wasn't recorded in the bulletin.
Where is this money Miqueli?
Original Post (6/8/14)
There is still no word on the amount for the Easter collection.
It has been almost 2 months now.
UPDATE (7/15/14)
Almost three months now and we have yet to hear any numbers from Easter.
UPDATE (8/7/14)
Closing in on 4 months since Easter, and the parish is still unaware of any Easter collection amount.
UPDATE (10/5/14)
Six months now and still no idea of how much the church collected on Easter.
Interesting that the biggest collection of the year wasn't recorded in the bulletin.
Where is this money Miqueli?