Update
Fr. Placidus Sander, osb (1927-2021)
Fr. Placidus Sander, osb was born in Oregon in 1927, professed monastic vows in 1947, ordained in 1952, and died in 2021.
In the apostolate of Westminster Abbey he served in the following capacities: 1. Theology teacher at Christ the King Seminary, Mission BC: 1954-1997 2. Rector of Minor Seminary at Christ the King Seminary, Mission BC: 1955-1965 3. Vice-rector at Christ the King Seminary, Mission, BC: 1973-1988.
In November of 1987, the Papal Nuncio received an anonymous letter signed “Former Seminarians,” alleging that Fr. Placidus was known to have been involved in homosexual activities with high school seminarians and asking that he be removed from his role as vice-rector. This was done nine months later.
In 1997, after accusations were brought forward by three men that Fr. Placidus had sexually abused them during their time as minor students at the Seminary of Christ the King, he was tried in criminal court. Though the court acquitted him of these charges, he did admit to a single sexual encounter with “an older seminarian” and to kissing one student twice. He was immediately removed from classroom teaching but continued to act as a spiritual director for major seminarians, lead the chant program and work in the Abbey kitchen.
In 2017, Fr. Placidus retired to the infirmary of the Abbey, where he lived until his death on October 15, 2021. Two civil claims regarding the same accusations from the 1997 criminal case have been settled. Two other claims are still in the midst of legal action.
If you are aware of misconduct committed by Fr. Placidus or another member of the community, we invite you to report such behaviour through the independent reporting channel accessible here.
Commitment to Transparency and Healing:
A Joint Statement by Westminster Abbey, The Seminary of Christ the King, and the Archdiocese of Vancouver
Regarding a Past Abuse Case
The following statement is made on behalf of Westminster Abbey, The Seminary of Christ the King and the Archdiocese of Vancouver.
Over the past several years, we, Westminster Abbey, The Seminary of Christ the King and the Archdiocese of Vancouver, have been involved in litigation in relation to a civil action commenced by D.H., a former grade eight student of the minor seminary, arising from sexual abuse which occurred in the late 1970s by Fr. Placidus Sander, OSB, then Vice-Rector of the minor seminary. In striving for restorative justice, the Abbey, Seminary and Archdiocese reached a resolution of D.H.’s claim with a settlement on terms inclusive of the content of this statement. We will provide further transparency by publishing all documents we disclosed in this litigation. In so doing, and in response to hearing D.H.’s recount of the abuse and its impact on his life, we freely acknowledge and accept the credibility of D.H.’s claims of abuse by Fr. Placidus and the grievous harm he has suffered and continues to suffer as a result.
We also acknowledge, with sadness and remorse, any failures in admitting D.H.’s credibility or appreciating the magnitude and gravity of the damage he experienced or experiences now. With regret for any actions we have taken or omitted to take which have caused D.H. additional pain and suffering, the Abbey, Seminary, and Archdiocese are deeply sorry and extend to D.H. our sincerest apologies. In the spirit of reconciliation by which we all seek to be made whole as individuals and a community, it is hoped the monetary and non-monetary terms of the settlement will serve as both penalty and remedy as part of the journey of healing.
We hope and pray that this resolution will continue the process of healing for everyone involved, including D.H. and his family. May this healing, begun at the root, extend to generations to come with ever deeper mutual understanding and a strong foundation in justice.
