Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Catholic Priest Flees the Country After D.W.I. Charge

The Rev. Matthew Wydmanski, pastor of Corpus Christi Church on the cities east side, has allegedly returned to his native Poland. 

He is facing aggravated DWI and felony reckless endangerment charges after his Aug. 6 arrest.

Wydmanski failed to appear for a court hearing last Friday and now has a bench warrant out for his arrest.

The Pauline Fathers, who own and staff the church and they released this statement Friday afternoon, August 19th.

On August 6th, Fr. Matthew Wydmanski, O.S.P.P.E., Pastor of Corpus Christi Church, which is owed and staffed by the Pauline Fathers, was arrested by Buffalo Police for driving while intoxicated, reckless endangerment and reckless driving. 

He was arraigned in Buffalo City Court and pleaded not guilty.

The case was scheduled for a preliminary hearing . 

Fr. Matthew did not show up for the preliminary hearing, and on August 11, he apparently left the country, flying from Toronto to his native Poland. 

Fr. Matthew is not a citizen of the United States. 

Fr. Matthew is a member of a religious order, and as such is under a vow of obedience to his superiors. 

Fr. Matthew did not have permission to leave the United States. 

As Provincial of the order, I did not give Fr. Matthew permission to leave, and I do not condone his actions. 

The Pauline Fathers consider it an honor to serve Corpus Christi Parish, and do not condone drunk-driving or fleeing to avoid prosecution.