Former Holy Name Cathedral Rector Accused of Sexually Abusing Minor 30 Years Ago

Accusation Made Public Through Letter from Cardinal Blase J. Cupich

A former Dunning priest has been accused of assaulting a child nearly 30 years ago, according to a letter sent by Cardinal Blase J. Cupich, archbishop of Chicago. In the letter sent Saturday to parishioners, Cupich said Monsignor Daniel Mayall, who served as pastor at Saint Francis Borgia Parish from July 1993 to January 2002, had been accused of “sexual abuse of a minor” about 30 years ago.

Monsignor Mayall’s Career and Assignments

Mayall later served as the rector of Holy Name Cathedral, where he once lived, from January 2002 to August 2016, and was among the clergy who joined Cupich for Mass on the 175th anniversary of the parish last November, according to the Chicago Catholic, the archdiocese’s publication. He also served as pastor and senior priest of St. Joseph Parish in Wilmette between July 2016 and June 2019, and senior priest of Saints Joseph and Francis Xavier Parish until June 2021, when he retired.

Response and Investigation

Mayall was ordered by the church to remain out of the ministry and to refrain from all parish and school activities, according to the letter. Cupich said the church had started its own investigation and had reported the allegations to authorities. “While Monsignor strenuously denies this allegation, he has agreed to cooperate with this direction,” Cupich wrote in the letter.

Concern for the Well-being of Children

“I want to stress that the welfare of the children entrusted to our care is our paramount concern. … In the meantime, as we go through this process together, know that you are in my prayers,” Cupich wrote.

FAQs

* Who is Monsignor Daniel Mayall?
Monsignor Daniel Mayall is a former priest who served at several parishes in the Archdiocese of Chicago, including Saint Francis Borgia Parish, Holy Name Cathedral, and St. Joseph Parish in Wilmette.
* What is the accusation?
Monsignor Mayall is accused of sexually abusing a minor approximately 30 years ago.
* What is the response from the Archdiocese?
The Archdiocese has started an investigation and reported the allegations to authorities. Monsignor Mayall has been ordered to remain out of the ministry and refrain from all parish and school activities.
* What is the current status of Monsignor Mayall?
Monsignor Mayall has retired and is no longer involved in active ministry.