Whistleblower Priest Leaves Priesthood and Parish

The Rev. Michael Madden, the man who was responsible for hiring the private investigator that revealed financial improprieties by the church’s pastor, the Rev. Michael Jude Fay, announced Tuesday that he is leaving St. John Parish and the priesthood.

Father Madden told the current pastor, the Rev. Frank McGrath, of his decision on Tuesday afternoon of this week. He gave his reasons, including excessive stress and needing time for healing, and some thoughts about the recent events at St. John Parish during several exclusive interviews with The Darien Times.

Father Madden had been a priest for 11 years, and had been with St. John Parish for four years.

The decision was another tough hurdle for the “whistleblower” who called the diocese’s attention to the alleged financial misconduct of former pastor Fay, but Father Madden is hoping it is the last. Father Fay’s misconduct may have resulted in a loss of $1.4 million to the parish, according to an independent audit commissioned by the diocese and conducted by Deloitte Financial Services.