Radju Marija Received Several Anonymous Letters on Fr Charles Fenech's Improper Behaviour

By Rachel Attard & Stephen Calleja
Malta Independent
October 31, 2014

http://www.independent.com.mt/articles/2014-10-31/local-news/Radju-Marija-received-several-anonymous-letters-on-Fr-Charles-Fenech-s-improper-behaviour-6736124710

Sources have told The Malta Independent that the Radju Marija board received a number of anonymous letters alleging improper behaviour by Fr Charles Fenech. Radju Marija employees had also informed the parent company in Rome about the accusations levelled against Fr Fenech.

The board is understood to have known about the allegations about Fr Fenech for a number of years, but the friar was allowed to continue leading the station and present a radio programme every day. He was still presenting such programmes until a few days ago.

Fr Charles Fenech, who has been accused of sexually abusing a number of women, has been stopped from administering his duties as a priest, The Malta Independent has learnt.

Fr Frans Micallef, Dominican Provincial, in reply to questions by The Malta Independent, said that Fr Fenech has also been removed from the post of director of the Kerygma Movement.

The decision means that Fr Fenech cannot celebrate Mass in public, give Holy Communion, cannot hear confession and give last rites.


On Wednesday, The Malta Independent reported that Fr Fenech is facing charges of sexual abuse. The case regarding sexual abuse on vulnerable women by the Dominican friar has been before the Curia Response Team for at least eight years.

On Wednesday, The Malta Independent also sent questions to the Dominican Priory, and these were answered on Thursday.

Asked about Fr Fenech's role as director of Radju Marija, the provincial said that although the radio station forms part of the Dominican Convent, the appointment of a director does not fall under its remit.

The provincial has however directed Father Charles to hand in his resignation to the international directors of Radju Marija.

In this respect, The Malta Independent is informed that a meeting of the station's Maltese board of directors was to be held last night, during which the matter was to be discussed.

Fr Frans Micallef, Dominican Provincial

Fr Frans Micallef, Dominican Provincial

In its comments to The Malta Independent, the Dominican Province said it has warned Father Fenech several times in the past and took several steps against him. It did not specify what these actions were. It pointed out that there were several times when accusations were levelled against him and later withdrawn.

The province said that in this way it is not passing judgment on Father Charles, but it is considering all eventualities.

It said it is always ready to cooperate with the police for the whole truth to come out.

The Curia had told The Malta Independent that a decision on whether the priest is to continue with his duties must be taken by his religious order. The decision has now been taken.