Introduction to the Case

A retired Chicago priest has been reinstated after the Archdiocese of Chicago cleared him of decades-old sexual abuse allegations that emerged half a year ago.

Background of the Allegations

Monsignor Daniel Mayall was cleared of the allegations by the Archdiocese’s independent review board, which found there was “not a reasonable cause to believe Monsignor Mayall sexually abused the person making the accusation,” Cardinal Blase J. Cupich wrote in a letter Wednesday. The former Holy Name Cathedral rector was accused of assaulting a child nearly 30 years ago while he was assigned at St. Francis Borgia Parish in the Dunning neighborhood, which he served from July 1993 to January 2002.

Service History of Monsignor Mayall

Mayall “strenuously denied the allegation,” Cupich wrote in February when the allegations emerged, and was barred from all parish and school activities. Mayall served as the rector of Holy Name Cathedral from January 2002 to August 2016. He also served as the pastor of St. Joseph Parish from July 2016 to January 2019, and as the senior priest of Saints Joseph and Francis Xavier Parish in Wilmette from July 2018 to June 2021.

Response from Cardinal Cupich

“It is important to stress that the welfare of the children entrusted to our care is of paramount importance. For this reason, we take all allegations of sexual misconduct seriously,” Cupich wrote Wednesday. "… I publicly affirm that Monsignor Mayall is a priest in good standing and express sincere appreciation for his many years of service to the People of God in the Archdiocese of Chicago.”

Similar Cases

Earlier this year, Rev. Matthew Foley was reinstated to St. Gall Parish after being cleared of sexual assault allegations of a minor that dated back 30 years when Foley was associate pastor of St. Agatha in Chicago’s North Lawndale neighborhood. At least three other sexual assault allegations have been reported by Chicago Archdiocese since July. These include accusations against Rev. Ronald Kondziolka at St. James Parish in Sauk Village, Rev. David Ryan, who was similarly accused before but cleared and reinstated in 2023 and Rev. Curtis Lambert.

Conclusion

The reinstatement of Monsignor Daniel Mayall after being cleared of sexual abuse allegations highlights the Archdiocese of Chicago’s commitment to investigating such claims thoroughly. The process, though lengthy and undoubtedly challenging for all parties involved, underscores the importance of ensuring the safety and well-being of children within the church community.

FAQs

• Q: What were the allegations against Monsignor Daniel Mayall?
  • A: Monsignor Daniel Mayall was accused of sexually abusing a child nearly 30 years ago.
• Q: How did the Archdiocese of Chicago handle the allegations?
  • A: The Archdiocese’s independent review board investigated the allegations and found no reasonable cause to believe Monsignor Mayall committed the abuse.
• Q: What was the outcome for Monsignor Mayall?
  • A: Monsignor Mayall was reinstated after being cleared of the allegations.
• Q: Are there other similar cases within the Chicago Archdiocese?
  • A: Yes, there have been other allegations and reinstatements, including that of Rev. Matthew Foley.