Pray for Healing, Justice — Sexual Misconduct Allegations Surrounding Father Xamie Reyes

Summary — Why we are praying now

The Archdiocese of Chicago announced that Father Xamie Reyes, pastor of Little Flower Parish in Waukegan, Illinois, has been removed from his pastoral duties while the Archdiocese investigates allegations of grooming and sexual misconduct involving seminarians. The Archdiocese states the allegations do not involve minors but do involve adult seminarians. Because this matter touches individuals' dignity, potential betrayal of trust, and spiritual health, we are urgently calling the Epifia community to pray for truth, protection for victims, pastoral accountability, and — above all — the salvation of everyone involved in Christ.

Highlighted reason to pray: to seek God’s justice and mercy where trust has been broken, to protect and heal seminarians and parishioners, and to pray for the repentance and salvation of everyone involved — including Father Xamie Reyes and those who may have been harmed.

About Father Xamie Reyes — background (what we know)

Father Xamie Reyes served as the pastor of Little Flower Parish in Waukegan, Illinois. Recent communications from the Archdiocese informed parishioners that allegations have been received involving grooming and sexual misconduct directed toward adult seminarians. Following standard practice in many dioceses when serious allegations are raised, Father Reyes has been asked to live away from the parish while the Archdiocese conducts its investigation and evaluates next steps. An associate or another priest has been appointed to serve as parish administrator during the interim.

Important note: at this time these are allegations under investigation and no final canonical or civil determination has been publicly announced. Our prayer focus is not to presume guilt but to ask God for truth, protection, and healing while authorities and Church leaders complete their review.

Recent developments & timeline

1. October 18, 2025: Cardinal Blase J. Cupich of the Archdiocese of Chicago sent a letter to parishioners of Little Flower Parish announcing that allegations of grooming and sexual misconduct had been received and stating Father Reyes would live away from the parish while the allegations are investigated.
2. October 18–20, 2025: Local and regional news outlets reported that Father Reyes was removed from pastoral duties and that the Archdiocese has appointed an administrator to lead Little Flower Parish during the investigation.
3. Ongoing: The Archdiocese is accepting reports and encouraging anyone with information or concerns to come forward so they may be received with dignity and compassion. Church officials have said the allegations do not involve children but involve adult seminarians; the Archdiocese is investigating thoroughly to ensure safety and accountability.

Why we are praying — clear, biblical reasons

• For the vulnerable: Seminarians and parishioners affected may be emotionally and spiritually wounded — pray for healing (Psalms 34:18; Jeremiah 30:17).
• For truth and justice: Pray that the full truth is revealed and that justice is carried out in a way that honors victims and the Church (Proverbs 21:15; Micah 6:8).
• For repentance and restoration: Pray that those who have sinned would repent, seek forgiveness, and be transformed by Christ (2 Chronicles 7:14; 1 John 1:9).
• For Church leadership: Pray for wisdom, courage, transparency, and compassion for the Archdiocesan leaders conducting the investigation (James 1:5).
• For the parish community: Pray for peace, unity, pastoral care, and the endurance of faith in Little Flower Parish and the wider Church (Ephesians 4:2–3; Philippians 4:6–7).
• For ultimate salvation: Above all, pray for the salvation of every soul involved — that Christ would reveal Himself and draw them to repentance and faith (Romans 10:9–10; John 3:16).

The Church is called to be a place of holiness and safety. When trust is broken, our first response must be prayerful, truthful, and pastoral: to protect the vulnerable, pursue truth, and point everyone back to Christ. We invite all Epifia readers to pray fervently, act compassionately, and trust God to bring healing and justice.