Updated 11/15/24
When accusations of abuse surfaced against Spanish priest and liturgical composer Cesáreo Gabaráin (1936—1991) in 2021, 30 years after his death, the Archdiocese of Madrid opened an investigation. However, no one came forward to testify, whether accusers/survivors, witnesses or those with any relevant knowledge. Therefore, the investigation was closed, and the Archdiocese was unable to confirm the accusations or otherwise prove whether they were credible. Similarly, the Marist School of Chamberí (Madrid), where Father Gabaráin was chaplain for 12 years, was unable to confirm or declare with any certainty the specific claims against him. No substantial evidence, reports, or historical information was ever found or presented in the process.
Based on the initial claims and accusations in 2021, reported by media in Spain, OCP made the difficult decision to remove Father Gabaráin’s songs from its physical products and website while the Archdiocese of Madrid conducted their investigation. However, in the years since then, many Spanish-speaking communities in the U.S. and around the world have expressed their desire to continue using these beloved songs as part of their prayer and worship.
Since the claims against Father Gabaráin have not been clearly confirmed as credible by the Church in Spain, the Marists, nor any other authority, OCP has decided to once again make the songs available on its website, out of respect for and in service of the communities that have requested them. Those communities in which a priest or bishop has prohibited their use will, of course, continue to be unable to use them. But for the many communities in which there is no prohibition (only three of the more than 300 U.S. bishops have issued bans), the songs are once again available. OCP continues to stand in support of survivors of abuse, and we will always strive to act fairly and conscientiously.