The accusations presented to the French Dominican Father André Gouzes, OP by the French prosecutor’s office, which were reported by the daily La Croix on May 6, 2022, are a shock for us, as well as for many people in the liturgical music environment. As you probably know, Fr. André (born 1943) is a composer whose works are performed in all Dominican churches in Poland and whose style was an inspiration for the musical searches of composers associated with the Dominican Liturgical Center.

He was accused of sexual assault and rape of a minor under the age of 15, which was supposed to have taken place several years ago. The accused himself has been suffering from Alzheimer’s disease for several years. We know that the authorities of the Province of Toulouse are working closely with the French law enforcement agencies to resolve the matter.

We embrace the victim and his family with our prayers, and to clarify the matter, we strongly encourage not to perform the works of Father Gouzes during the liturgy. Below is the official statement and the list of Father Gouzes’ compositions published in our songbooks.

Statement

In connection with the initiation of an investigation against a Dominican from the Province of Toulouse, Fr. André Gouzes, by the French prosecutor’s office on the basis of a charge of sexual assault and rape of a minor under the age of 15, we strongly recommend that you abandon the performance of works by Fr. André Gouzes’ and during the liturgy, until the judgment is passed on the matter. We know that the authorities of the Province of Toulouse are working closely with the French law enforcement agencies to resolve the matter.

André Gouzes is the author of musical arrangements for the following songs, Polish translations of which have been published by the Dominican Liturgical Center Foundation:

Alleluja Magnificat
Ave vera virginitas
Błogosławieni ubodzy w duchu
Bóg tak ukochał świat
Chwała Chrystusowi
Dialog
Kantyk Mojżesza
Kantyk trzech młodzieńców
Królowo nieba wesel się
Mądrość stół zastawiła
Najświętsza Dziewico
Nasz Pasterz odszedł
Niepojęta Trójco
Nieskalana
O dniu radosny
O Matko łaskawa
Oto jest dzień
O zbawcza Hostio (opracowanie melodii gregoriańskiej)
Panie mój, nie jestem godzien
Pod Twoją obronę
Przyjdźcie, radośnie śpiewajmy hymn
Radosna światłości
Stała Matka Boleściwa
Święta, przeczysta Dziewico
Trisagion
Ty mieszkasz pośród nas
Wielki jest Pan
Witaj, Królowo – Salve Regina

We appreciate Father André Gouzes’ contribution to the reform of liturgical music, which also affected our environment, but at the same time we cannot remain indifferent to the nature of the charges against our confrere. We embrace the victim and his family with our prayers.

We will make further decisions regarding the works of Fr. André Gouzes after a final French court ruling.

Łukasz Miśko OP
President of the Foundation