WFAA-TV

Rev. Richard Collins told parishioners of the priest's HIV status on Sunday.

FORT WORTH — The Catholic Diocese of Fort Worth is spreading a different kind of word after learning a former priest — under investigation for alleged sexual misconduct — is HIV positive.

Church leaders made their first stop in North Richland Hills.

Parishioners at Saint John the Apostle Catholic Church learned about father Philip Magaldi's health during mass.

"The inactive priest, Philip Magaldi, has been diagnosed as HIV positive," said Rev. Richard Collins.

Collins and other leaders read a letter from the Diocese of Fort Worth in North Richland Hills, Henrietta, Bowie, Nocona and Montague - all of the churches where Magaldi served in the 90s.

The priest was dismissed from the diocese in 1999 after at least three sexual misconduct and abuse allegations were filed against him.

"We feel like the Catholic Church is morally obligated to reach out to these victims. Something that happened like this is not acceptable," said Patrick Svacina, the Fort Worth diocese spokesman.

His accusers have been notified of his HIV status, but the diocese wants others to be aware.

For some families the news about Magaldi was tough to hear but they are praying for understanding.

"The priests actually in our eyes are higher up than we are but still they are ordinary people. They are human beings," said Lonnie Vessell.

"He is a human being, just like we are, and he has his own faults and everything. Whatever happened - who knows how it happened? And how he contracted it," said Chaike Ako.

Many questions, but few answers.

Church officials spoke to Magaldi and they believe he has been positive since 2003 but they are not sure.

E-mail mdiaz@wfaa.com