SUMMARY OF EVENTS AT ST. MARTIN OF TOURS PARISH
AS OF 30 SEPTEMBER 2005
UPDATED TO 1 JULY 2006
The parishioners of St. Martin’s gradually became aware, over the last five and a half years, of the
alarming progression of disturbing incidences initiated by Fr. Beltran. Because of their devotion to
the St. Martin’s community, and wishing to preserve its previously flourishing spiritual life, they
began discussing how to stop the deterioration of spiritual services and proliferation of unfair,
unkind and cruel acts by the pastor. These acts included:
- Refusal to perform the Works of Mercy (visiting the sick, comforting the sorrowful, counsel
the doubtful etc.);
- Rudeness & humiliation of the needy who came for help, parishioners who came to talk;
- Refusal to do certain weddings and funerals, or accommodate for interview times;
- Rude disruptions at weddings and funerals, and erratic changes of routine;
- Unfair dismissals of staff; ordering staff to do dangerous activities (change a high light bulb
in a metal cage on the outside of the church in a thunderstorm);
- Threatening to/or dissolving volunteer organizations (The RCIA director left in disgust in
2000; the St. Vincent De Paul Society was dismissed in 2002);
Numerous other documented and undocumented incidences of abuse of priestly power and
unchristian behaviour by our pastor, Fr. Beltran, have occurred since his Sept., 1999 arrival.
The victims of Fr.’s abuse have tried to right the many wrongs inflicted upon them by utilizing the
proper procedures; i.e. 1) trying to negotiate and reason with the pastor; and (when that failed), 2)
writing to Bishop Boissonneau detailing the abuse and asking for a correction. Many others,
however, have endured in silence in fear of retaliation through loss of further rights or services.
When no resolution was achieved through the bishop, many quietly found another parish, or left
the church. Prayers and rosary novenas began for resolution of our problems.
As time went on, it became more apparent that the pastor’s behaviour was very erratic, making
decisions and nullifying them within a few minutes, or arbitrarily announcing new rules and
procedures that changed without notice. This latter behaviour eventually gravely disrupted the
ceremonial life of the Church on Ash Wednesday, Holy Thursday & Good Friday of 2004. Father
Beltran, without notifying the choir, (and at the last moment each time) asked another group of
three to sing. On all three occasions, the choir was left sitting mute and devastated on the choir
seats - and the congregation confused and mortified.
Fr. Beltran subsequently gave an ultimatum to the Music Director, Fergus Egan, to either sign a
contract (a flawed, illegal document) that Fr. proffered, or be dismissed immediately. Fergus
refused to sign. This became the catalyst that awakened the community to the realization that Fr.
Beltran was determined to destroy what they had sacrificed for over the 35-36 years of the parish.
Within a few days, over 700 signatures were collected requesting the reinstatement of Fergus as
Music Director. The parish, in alarm and sorrow, had galvanized in Fergus’ defence.
Many parishioners reasoned that to say or do nothing in the face of such slashing of the parish
fabric; the unkind, unloving acts perpetrated on a dedicated parishioner, Mr. Egan, (who had
unselfishly devoted 28 years of his life to form a choir second to none in the archdiocese); and all
the other cruelty that was slowing being revealed – to accept all these injustices was tantamount to
condoning them, and thus complicit in their injustice. So they approached Fr. Beltran to protest.
They were told everything was “in the hands of the bishop”. Fr. would not discuss it. When
informed that many unhappy people were leaving the parish, he shrugged, threw up his arms and
said, “Let them go. . . Let them all go.”
More and more parishioners began detailing their experiences with Fr. Beltran. They described
how he would insult the parishioners, bring them to tears and throw them out of the office. Letters,
faxes, calls to Bishop Boissonneau were either unanswered or briefly responded to, saying he was
“handling the situation” or “It is being investigated”. Later, when asked how he investigated, the
bishop said he had spoken with Fr. Beltran (not to the people who had complained of abuse)!
Each person, Fr. insisted, exaggerated! And Fr. was believed!
Negotiations between Fergus Egan and Marcel Goulet (Diocesan Human Resources Personnel
Director) to reach a fair agreement on a contract were successful. But Fr. Beltran refused to
accept it. The termination date of the Music Director was set for Aug. 31. Bishop Boissonneau
insisted that the choir, under new leadership, would continue.
On June 6th, information flyers to the parishioners began. The cover-up and silent acceptance of
abuses had gone on too long. It was against Christian charity not to act. Twice Father assaulted
elderly women by yanking the flyers out of their hands and calling the police. Over four times the
police were called by someone under his direction. Another parishioner was assaulted by one of
his lackeys in the parking lot. Unknown to him, the person assaulted turned out to be someone
doing Fr's bidding. Numerous overtures for dialogue and reconciliation were ignored by Fr.
The organist of great talent and devotion, who had faithfully led the 9 a.m. Sunday congregational
singing for 30 years - as well as accompanying the choir at the 10:30 and 12 p.m. masses, asked
about the status of his position and was forced to resign. No acknowledgement of service or
appreciation was given.
On June 26-27 a letter from Bishop Boissonneau was read from the pulpit (and included in the
bulletin) stating that Fr. Beltran “continues to enjoy the confidence of the Archdiocese”, and “a
Parish Council will soon be established to represent all members of the parish community and to
provide a forum for advice and counsel”. This letter was published again the following week.
On July 14, a parish meeting in a school (to which both Fr. and the bishop were invited, but both
declined to attend) saw about 300 people discuss, and later vote for, the establishment and
composition of a parish council. It also defined its duties, and recommendations were made. A
video and minutes of the meeting were sent to Fr. and the bishop. The bishop, speaking to a
parishioner later, said: 1) he doesn’t watch videos, 2) he read only part of the minutes, 3) the
parish council would take months to implement and would only do what the priest wished.
In a July 6th letter, Bishop Boissonneau asked about 12 parishioners to meet with him on July 15th,
individually and in one group of three, to hear our concerns. However, he wrote, “I must make it
clear that the position of Fr. Beltran as Pastor and the decision to dispense with Mr. Fergus Egan’s
services as Choir Director are non-negotiable”. At that subsequent meeting, His Excellency
listened but said little. When asked if he thought there was any hope of reconciliation, he said,
“No. Too much has been said.”
On the third week in July, an announcement from the pulpit stated that all music at Sunday Masses
would cease immediately and the Music Director was also terminated immediately. The organ was
subsequently padlocked and the locks in the church changed again. The group of three continued
to sing at the Saturday Mass, the same group that substituted at the Ash Wednesday, Holy
Thursday and Good Friday services.
In the week of Aug. 21, Fr. Beltran returned from a holiday in South America paid for by
parishioners. During the Sat. morning Mass, he accused the parishioners of spiritual blindness
and hypocrisy. At the following four Sunday Masses he announced that a new organist and
director as well as a new choir would soon be in place. He denounced those who opposed his
decrees - demanding that those who do so must leave all volunteer positions in the church.
Throughout the week several lectors were dismissed. Only 6 of approximately 20 daily readers
remained on the list. Since then, most of the Ushers and Lectors have been replaced; many of the
volunteers who remain do so in order not to abandon the old, sick and shut-ins who rely on them
for companionship & the Eucharist. Mr. Egan was banned from entering the office.
On Sept. 18, an article appeared in the Toronto Star. It stated that 40% of the congregation has
left St. Martins. Previously an article had appeared in the Catholic New Times.
On Sept. 19, up to 120 parishioners held a quiet protest opposite St. Michael's Cathedral.
They held signs that said: ST. MARTIN OF TOURS PARISH, MISSISSAUGA;
DELIVER US FROM------; GOOD SHEPHERDS DON'T SCATTER SHEEP.
CTV briefly reported the event on the News that evening. The Mississauga News printed a
picture and commentary. An article appeared in The Catholic Register.
Sept. 2004: Newly appointed Choir Director takes over, and announces the set up of a new choir.
Oct. 2004: Knights of Columbus are no longer allowed to meet in the church. Fr. Beltran gave
the Knights an ultimatum to expel three members or leave the parish. It is contrary to the Knights’
constitution to expel members without sufficient cause. The Knights are now forced to meet at
another location off parish property.
Nov. 2004: Bishop Boissonneau visits nearby St. Joseph's Parish in Streetsville for 3 days. St.
Martin parishioners stand silently on the sidewalk opposite St. Joseph's Church on Sunday
morning to draw attention to the fact that the Bishop is ignoring their problems and concerns, yet
making pastoral visits to parishes not exhibiting problems. In November also, Rogers Cable airs a
segment on the problems in St. Martin of Tours Parish on their new programme.
Dec. 2004: Exiled Choir and dismissed Music Director Fergus Egan put on 2 Concerts, with
proceeds of both Concerts going to charity. During December also the exiled Knights of Columbus
have their annual Panettone fundraising sale. On one weekend the pastor loudly orders them off
the church/school parking lot. They continue their sales on the perimeter of the parking lot in sub-
zero temperatures over a period of 3 weekends. In all, in December a total of $9000 is raised for
charity, from the two concerts and the panettone sales. In December also, 127 women of the
parish sign a Christmas card which is sent to the Bishop, urging him to visit the parish.
Feb. 2005: The (exiled) Knights of Columbus and the (exiled) Choir hold a Valentine's Day Benefit
Dinner Dance raising $10,500 which is donated to Solidarite Sud (Haiti) for the building of a 2
classroom school in Haiti.
A second letter from Bishop Boissonneau to the parish seemingly implies that nothing will happen
regarding a (promised) Parish Council until parishioners stop distributing flyers (for full text of
bishop's letter, click on "Bishop's Letters" on sidebar).
On Feb. 22, the (exiled) Choir wins 2 first place awards at the Kiwanis Music Festival of Greater
Toronto, under the ”Religious Choirs" and "Open" categories.
Share Life "kick-off" for 2005. Many parishioners are outraged that the amount of money collected
in the 2004 share life campaign has never been announced, yet parishioners are being asked to
give again. Likewise, no parish financial statements have yet been given for year 2004.
March 2005: Exiled Choir and Music Director learn they have been dis-invited to sing at CWL
Convention in June. Both Bishop Boissonneau and Cardinal Ambrozic state they will not attend the
Convention if this Choir and Music Director attend the event to sing (as invited last June). The
month of March also sees at least 3 more long-standing volunteers dismissed from their duties of
reading at Mass and bringing Communion to the sick.
April 2005: Extracts from Parish Financial Statements for 2004 are published and raise more
questions than they provide answers. Parishioners question the statements but no answers are
given. More volunteers are removed from their ministries. There are now more “fired” volunteers
than active volunteers. Parish has First Communion at various Saturday/Sunday Masses. At
some Sunday Masses, almost 85% of the church is “reserved”. Regular parishioners are asked to
vacate reserved pews – “you can go into the crying room”. Some Saturday Masses stretch to
almost 2 hours. There is a call for mediation to correct/remedy the unacceptable parish situation.
May 2005: Exiled Choir chosen to represent Kiwanis Music Festival of Greater Toronto in
Provincial Finals. Exiled Knights of Columbus promote their annual picnic from the sidewalk. Fr.
Beltran calls police yet again, because the Knights of Columbus are promoting their annual picnic
on the sidewalk. Police advise that they are not an obstruction or traffic hazard. After much
correspondence, Bishop Boissonneau agrees to meet with a small group of pre-approved
parishioners. The meeting takes place but nothing is resolved. “Stop the Flyers” is the ultimatum.
May 28th marks the one year anniversary of SaveOurParish distribution of circulars after all
weekend Masses.
June 2005: Parishioners receive letters from the pastor about Sacrificial Giving. Many are angry
and incredulous at the introduction of this program, feeling that their regular contributions to the
parish are not being used wisely and neither the pastor nor the finance council will answer the
many questions which have been posed about the financial health and spending practices in the
parish. Pastor harasses parishioners entering the church in the evening for private prayer “No
meetings here I tell you”. Pastor denounces some parishioners as “devils” and “evil spirits”.
July 2005: Pastor dismisses a Eucharistic Minister during Communion of the Mass. Letters
continue to be directed to the Parish Finance Council regarding expenditures not clearly
accounted for in 2004 parish financial statements. The Chancery Office passes the buck to the
Bishop; Bishop Boissonneau says financial statements have nothing to do with him; the pastor and
the Finance Council refuse to give the requested information. The pastor receives a police
caution regarding harassment and a police warning regarding assault.
August 2005: Letter is received from Cardinal Ambrozic informing parishioners that Fr. Beltran has
been granted a six month sabbatical, which he will spend in Rome pursuing studies. His letter
states that the pastor’s policies will not change in his absence and that Fr. Beltran continues to
have his full support. Fr. Beltran leaves for World Youth Day in Germany, after which he will go to
Rome to start his sabbatical. Interim priests arrive in parish to assist till an administrator arrives in
September. There is an immediate change in atmosphere within the parish community. People
are smiling again.
September 2005: A temporary Administrator arrives in the parish. There is a positive mood and
some parishioners who had gone elsewhere, return. There is an expectation of an improvement of
spirit and morale. Meanwhile, a poll indicates that parishioners want the weekly circulars to
continue to be distributed after weekend masses. Appeals are made to parishioners to return to
worship and to ministries - “all are welcome!” Notwithstanding these appeals, parishioners are still
denied access to the functions and ministries they previously served with distinction.
LATEST UPDATES
October 2005: First month of interim administrator. The policies of Fr. Beltran still remain in force
with the blessing of the Cardinal Archbishop. Parishioners are invited to return to active
participation, yet those blacklisted are still excluded. The parish is told that “we are moving slowly
to restructuring”, yet, in reality a policy of “no change” is being enforced, quietly and unwaveringly.
In the absence of any apparent food drive at St. Martin’s, a small committee embarks on the
traditional seasonal food drive with a goal of 1000 lbs of food by 31st October.
November 2005: The food drive target is exceeded. A total of 1509 lbs. of food is collected over
four weekends on the sidewalk in front of the Church as parishioners arrive for Mass.
December 2005: The (exiled) Choir performs two concerts in venues outside the parish, with
proceeds going to charity.
The Knights of Columbus, as they did in December 2004, sell their Panettones on the sidewalk in
frigid weather to raise money for their charitable endeavours.
January 2006: VISION FOR 2006 – ST. MARTIN OF TOURS NEW YEAR
1) Acknowledgement by authorities in the parish and archdiocese of the sorrow, pain,
confusion and betrayal endured by a great many loyal parishioners in recent years;
2) Hope that in the future, parishioners and clergy will dialogue in good faith; and with mutual
respect avoid recurrences of previous painful experiences;
3) A return to true peace and unity; and may responsible people strive with confidence to
communicate and listen with compassion;
4) An improvement in atmosphere, wherein all people feel welcome and appreciated as God’s
children;
5) A healing of those verbally and physically abused and of those who have been denied
Sacraments and other services, starting with a sincere apology and restitution of their dignity;
6) Respect for the true worth of all parishioners regardless of ability, culture or social status;
7) Mutual respect for people of differing opinions so that incidences of intimidation and
physical threat cease; e.g. when a few individuals (some employed by the parish) drive
threateningly at parishioners distributing flyers;
8) An end to the hatred stealthily permeating the parish, and a return to the love and
compassion we once enjoyed;
9) Return of organizations and their devoted workers who ministered to their fellow
parishioners with dedication and love in caring for the poor, tending to the ill and consoling the
bereaved;
10) Confidence that our pastor will minister kindly to all parishioners in their time of need;
11) Cessation of lies and rumours that cause hurt and dissension;
12) We become a Christ-centered parish, where Jesus’ teachings are practiced with sincerity;
13) The financial administration of the parish will act responsibly, openly and with proper
accountability;
14) A representative Parish Council, strong and vigilant, be established for the welfare of all.
February 2006: A 2nd Annual Valentine’s Dance raises over $10,000 for Solidarite-Sud Haiti.
Fr. Steven Szakaczki is appointed Administrator of the parish until the pastoral care is taken over
by Carmelite Fathers. Fr. Octavio Beltran’s sabbatical is extended till that time. Fr. Joyson
Pottackal O. Carm. will take over the pastorship of the parish in June.
The (exiled) Choir wins Church Choir Class and Open Choir Class in the Kiwanis Music Festival of
Greater Toronto.
Distribution of the weekly flyer is temporarily suspended.
March, 2006: The Tax Court of Canada finds in favour of the dismissed Music Director.
Evidence was given on behalf of the Parish/Archdiocese by “Octavio ‘G’-as-in-‘George’ Beltran”,
who declined to give evidence under oath, electing instead to give evidence by affirmation. (The
Tax Court ruled that the relationship of the Parish/Music Director was one of Employer/Employee in
all “tests” applied by the Court. The proposed contract contained the clause “There is NO
Employer/Employee Relationship…”) The proposed contract is therefore improper and the Music
Director was correct in refusing to sign. Previously, the bishop’s letter to the Parish referred to the
Music Director's refusal to sign the contract as the "flashpoint" of the unrest, and this was the sole
reason given for dismissing him.
The Music Director was Wrongfully Dismissed.
Notwithstanding the Court’s decision, neither the Parish nor the Archdiocese has acknowledged
any wrong-doing, nor have they accepted offers of reconciliation. A senior lay employee of the
Parish was present for the entire Court proceedings, yet when she was asked regarding the
outcome she responded: “The case was postponed!”
April, 2006: The (exiled) Choir wins The Church Choir Class and the Open Choir Class at the
Peel Music Festival.
The (exiled) Music Director and four members of the (exiled) Knights of Columbus are included in
the group of 12 men chosen for the Holy Thursday Washing of the Feet ritual.
May 2006: Octavio Gapuz Beltran (“Fr. Bob”) has been assigned to St. Thomas More Parish as
pastor, effective the end of June. This parish is in the Ellesmere/Morningside area of
Scarborough. Within a few weeks of his appointment being announced, some parishioners of St.
Thomas More Parish are asking questions.
June 2006: The new Pastor arrives at St. Martin of Tours.
St. Martin’s (exiled-but-not-silenced) Choir, represented the Kiwanis Music Festival of Greater
Toronto in the Ontario Music Festivals Association’s 2006 Provincial Finals, sponsored by and held
at The Faculty of Music, The University Of Western Ontario, London. The Choir was presented
with Runner-up City of Lincoln Class plaque and award.
Barometer of a Healthy Parish???
St. Martin of Tours Parish Share Life total is given as $70,019 for 2006; compared to $83,840 for
2005: $123,578 for 2004: Historical note: $349,000 was raised for Share Life in 1999 under
the previous pastor.
The Financial Statement for the parish published in April, reveals an Operating Deficit of
$100,000 for the year 2005.
