Father Felix C. Owino, A.J., Ph.D., was arrested July 8, 2010, in Fairfax, Va., on charges of aggravated sexual battery of a minor. An associate professor at Wheeling Jesuit University with residence at St. Paul Parish in Weirton, Owino is being held without bond at the Adult Detention Center in Fairfax awaiting trial in September.

The Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston learned of Owino’s arrest July 9, 2010. Owino is a priest of the religious missionary congregation known as the Apostles of Jesus, the first African congregation of Catholic priests and brothers. He came to West Virginia last year as an instructor in the philosophy department at WJU.

Upon receiving notice of this occurrence, the diocese informed his religious superiors and suspended Owino’s priestly faculties within the diocese, effective immediately, pending the outcome of proceedings in Fairfax County in Virginia. Owino served as associate pastor at St. Paul’s in Weirton, providing coverage of parish Masses.

Because he is a religious order priest no longer in residence in the diocese, further inquiries regarding Owino should be directed to his religious superiors with the Apostles of Jesus: Father Paul O. Gaggawala, A.J., 829 Main Street, Northampton, Pa., 18067-1838. Web: www.apostlesofjesus.org. Phone: 610-502-1728.

You can report suspected cases of sexual abuse by personnel of the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston to the diocese by contacting one of the bishop's designees at 1-888-434-6237. The proper extensions are listed below:
• Rev. Msgr. Frederick P. Annie, V.G., ext. 267
• Very Rev. Anthony Cincinnati, S.T.D., V.E., ext. 270

Finally, and most importantly, Bishop Michael J. Bransfield asks the community to pray for those involved in this incident, especially the minor. May the healing power of our Lord, Jesus Christ, be with all abuse victims now and each day.