by Sam Borcia

A pastor at a Lake Zurich church and school who has been accused of sexually abusing minors three separate times has been permanently replaced, even as the archbishop continues to praise him.

Cardinal Blase Cupich, the Archbishop of Chicago, wrote in a recent letter to the community at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Parish in Lake Zurich, informing them that Father David F. Ryan would no longer be with the parish.

“I first of all want to thank you for your unwavering patience over the past few years when legal matters have required your pastor, Father David Ryan, to temporarily step away from ministry. These occasions have not been easy for you or for him,” Cupich said.

Father Steven Lanza is the current interim administrator of St. Francis de Sales Catholic Parish.

“At the same time, you deserve to know that there is little likelihood that the accusations against Father Ryan will be resolved within the foreseeable future. Consequently, it has become clear to me that in fairness to you, I need to provide for a more permanent leadership of the parish,” Cupich said.

The position of pastor is now vacant, allowing the parish to begin the process and search for a successor.

“Father Ryan has dedicated his life as a priest over these years since the day of his ordination and has provided exemplary leadership of your parish, which you know better than I. As you know, he has served well beyond the age of retirement established in the Archdiocese, a further testament to his dedication,” Cupich said.

“Yet, it is clear to me that it is time for new leadership so that the parish can build on the growth you have accomplished together during the years he served as your pastor. I also hope that you will see this change as a kindness to Father Ryan and continue to support him and each other as the parish moves forward into the years ahead,” Cupich added.