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.