ROME (CNS) -- The ousted founder of the Miles Jesu Catholic community, begun in Arizona in 1964, "presented erratic behavior totally beyond the scope of the powers given to him," said the priest appointed to guide the community as it writes a new constitution.

U.S. Father Barry Fischer, a former superior of the Missionaries of the Precious Blood, was appointed "commissary" of Miles Jesu in March 2009 and given full authority over the community, which includes consecrated laymen and laywomen.

In a statement posted July 28 on the Miles Jesu website, Fr. Fischer said the community's founder, Spanish-born Fr. Alfonso Duran, was removed as superior general in 2007 "due to serious mental and physical health problems."

"Almost at the same time, 13 members of Miles Jesus presented a request for an investigation into the institute, indicating in their request alleged irregularities in the practices of Miles Jesu," he said.

The investigation was authorized by Cardinal Camillo Ruini, then-papal vicar of Rome, and by the Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life.

Fr. Fischer's statement was released just five days after the public release of Pope Benedict XVI's letter to Italian Archbishop Velasio De Paolis, appointing him papal delegate over the Legionaries of Christ with far-reaching authority as members. The Legionaries are rewriting their constitution after revelations that their founder, the late Father Marcial Maciel Degollado abused seminarians and fathered children.

In his letter regarding Miles Jesu, Fr. Fischer said, "It has become clear and undeniable that the founder, Fr. Alfonso Duran, presented erratic behaviors that were totally beyond the scope of the powers given to him.

"Some members have identified wounds caused by the inappropriate exercise of authority under his leadership. The mistaken sense of allegiance and obedience instilled in the membership facilitated his behavior, which was totally unacceptable and not in accord with the discipline of the Church," he said.

"Members who challenged his actions or behavior were often ostracized,"
Fr. Fischer said, and "the internal discipline and customs of the institute provided protection for the founder."

Fr. Fischer said that in the 16 months since his appointment, "I have come to know and admire the membership and the charitable projects of the institute."

"Members are actively involved in the drawing up of new constitutions and a complete review of the customs and practices of the institute," he said.

Fr. Fischer said that as commissary, he has a mandate to work with members "to write a new constitution which defines the charism, spirituality and apostolic nature of the institute; to develop adequate vocational discernment and formation policies; to review the financial policies; and in general to completely revise all its practices and customs."

His statement said particular attention would be paid "to developing new government structures ensuring the proper exercise of authority and promoting an active participation and co-responsibility of the members in the life of the institute."

Miles Jesu includes men and women, both celibate and lay. The celibate members live together in communities; they have houses in the United States, India, Spain, Nigeria, Italy, the Czech Republic, Ukraine, Poland and Slovakia.