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Release of Names of Priests Who Served in the Former Diocese of Alexandria-shreveport Removed for Sexual Abuse of Minors

By Peter B. Mangum
Diocese of Shreveport
February 6, 2019

http://www.dioshpt.org/release-of-names-of-priests-who-served-in-the-former-diocese-of-alexandria-shreveport-removed-for-sexual-abuse-of-minors/

RE: Release of Names of Priests Who Served in the Former Diocese of Alexandria-Shreveport Removed for Sexual Abuse of Minors

The following is a statement from the Very Rev. Peter B. Mangum, Diocesan Administrator, on the public release of names of priests accused of sexual abuse of minors in the Diocese of Alexandria, which, prior to 1986, included what is now the Diocese of Shreveport.

In my press release on November 8, 2018, I explained that the Diocese of Shreveport was established in 1986 when the Diocese of Alexandria-Shreveport was divided by the Vatican. When the Diocese of Shreveport was formed, all historical documents and records, including the files related to priests, living and deceased, remained in Alexandria, as per Church protocol. Thus, all records of priests who served in what is now the Diocese of Shreveport before June 1986 are still located in the Diocese of Alexandria’s files.

[then that, since June 1986, no allegations of sexual misconduct of a minor by a bishop, priest or deacon have been received in the Diocese of Shreveport. This review of the files of all priests (living and deceased, diocesan priests and those in religious orders, native and foreign born) who have served in the Diocese of Shreveport since its creation, was conducted by a lay professional and local attorney, without the presence of any clergy or employee of the diocese. (To read the Diocese of Shreveport’s complete press release from November 8, 2018, visit: http:]

I also acknowledged in that press release that names of priests who served in north Louisiana prior to 1986 would be disclosed in the public report from the Diocese of Alexandria when they completed their review. Today, the names of priests accused of sexual abuse of a minor and the parishes in which they served have been released by the Diocese of Alexandria.

In conjunction with the release of names in the Diocese of Alexandria, I specifically note the names of those who served at any point in their ministry in what is now the geographic territory of the Diocese of Shreveport. Please note: a priest’s assignment in this area does not mean that any allegation stemmed from their assignment there.

[cese of Shreveport has already reported the list released by the Jesuit superiors of U.S. Central and Southern Province (which includes the state of Louisiana) of their priests and brothers accused of sexual abuse of minors. For the complete list, visit: http:]

Our former bishop, Bishop Michael Duca, now the Bishop of Baton Rouge, upon release of the names of accused priests there, wrote words very pertinent for us to hear: Regarding the release of names, “Some have asked why must we do this… [T]he fact that this wound will not heal tells us that we must continue to bring everything into the light. This is not easy. I have listened to some victims share their stories, and there are no words to express the depth of sadness and shame that was experienced in our Church and is part of OUR diocesan history. It is hard to lay this list out for all to see, but real renewal and healing cannot take place until we acknowledge the truth of our past.

“This list reflects the lives of real people and a path of pain and suffering that affects most deeply the persons who are victims of abuse, but also the friends and family that journey with them and the innocent family members of the priests who are accused. Each name represents a unique case. Some only had one victim and others’ abuse gouged a wide path of pain in the lives of many victims. In some cases the victims were male and in others female. But there is one thing, most importantly, they have in common, they all have been credibly accused of sexual abuse of a minor or minors….

“My hope is that this list is a concrete sign that we do want to talk about this. Hopefully a victim of abuse will see a name on this list and say, that’s me, and this will give them the courage to go to a trusted friend, counselor, family member or come talk to me and share their story and no longer bear the pain alone. We must be willing to share their pain, admit our part in this tragedy so that we can help ease their burden and be for the victims of sexual abuse a support and not a barrier on the path to healing. So this list is not the final piece of “dealing with this” but rather I see it as a beginning step in a foundational change in our Church’s way of acting that will renew all the programs we have in place to protect our children with a focus on the healing of the victims of abuse rather than the protection of the status quo.”

People have understandably become saddened, discouraged and even angered by the actions of Church leaders who have been unfaithful to their commitments. There is no way to justify sexual abuse from anyone, especially a member of the clergy. My heart and prayerful support continue to go out to the victims and survivors of clergy abuse, and I pray that they may know God’s healing and compassion. Anyone who is a victim of clergy sexual abuse, please know of my willingness to meet with you so that I may walk with you in healing. For our sins of the past, we ask for your forgiveness and for the mercy of God.

If you, or someone you know, has been a victim of clerical sexual abuse, please contact your local law enforcement authorities and Glennda Lawson, Victim Assistance Coordinator, at 318-294-1031.

[]



Notice from the Bishop of the Diocese of Alexandria to the Diocesan Administrator of the Diocese of Shreveport:

“The priests listed below were priests of the Diocese of Alexandria who were assigned in parishes at various times in your territory before the establishment of the Diocese of Shreveport in 1986. From our records the allegations made against these men date from their time as priests in the Diocese of Alexandria.”

For more details, read Bishop David P. Talley’s full letter here:

https://www.diocesealex.org/latest-news/diocese-releases-names-of-clergy/

1) Allen, Fr. Edward T.

Parishes Served: St. Theresa, Shreveport, St. Lucy, Hodge

An allegation of sexual misconduct and abuse of a male minor dating back to 1973 was brought before the Permanent Review Board in 2005.

The accusation was deemed credible.

Fr. Allen resigned from active ministry in 2005.

A settlement was made with the victim in 2012.

Fr. Allen died in 2018

2) Allison, Fr. William

Parishes Served: Our Lady of Fatima, Monroe & Christ the King, Bossier City

An allegation of sexual misconduct and abuse of a male minor dating back to 1961 was brought before the Permanent Review Board in 2004.

Fr. Allison died in 1986.

Review of Fr. Allison’s file in 2019 showed evidence corroborating the allegation.

The evidence was presented to the Permanent Review Board in 2019 and the allegations were deemed credible.

3) Bressler, Fr. William C.

Parish Served: St. Catherine of Siena, Shreveport

Multiple allegations of sexual misconduct and abuse of male and female minors dating back to the 1960s were brought before the Permanent Review Board in 2004 and again in 2005 and were deemed credible.

Fr. Bressler died in 1990.

Settlements were made with the victims in 2006 and 2017.

Review of Fr. Bresslers’ file in 2019 showed evidence corroborating the allegations.

The evidence was presented to the Permanent Review Board in 2019 and the allegations were deemed credible.

4) Conway, Msgr. Paul

Parishes Served: Christ the King, Bossier City & St. Lucy, Hodge

Allegations of sexual misconduct and abuse of female minors dating back to 1956 was brought before the Permanent Review Board in 2004 and after investigation the allegations were deemed credible.

Msgr. Conway died 1996.

Settlements were paid to the victims in 2005 and in 2017.

5) Couvillion, Fr. Francis O.

Parishes Served: St. Francis Sanitarium, Monroe; Sacred Heart, Rayville & Sacred Heart, Springhill

Review of Fr. Couvillion’s file in 2019 revealed multiple allegations of sexual misconduct and abuse of male minors dating back to the 1950s.

Fr. Couvillion died in 1978.

The evidence was presented to the Permanent Review Board in 2019 and the allegations were deemed credible.

6) Donohoe, Fr. Francis P.

Parishes served: Holy Rosary, Shreveport, St. Matthew, Monroe & Little Flower of Jesus, Monroe

Former Capuchin friar, incardinated in the Diocese of Alexandria by Bishop Desmond in 1942.

Review of Fr. Donohoe’s file in 2019 showed evidence of multiple allegations of sexual misconduct and abuse of male minors dating from the 1960s.

Bishop Greco asked for and received Fr. Donohoe’s resignation as pastor and he was removed from active ministry in 1966.

Fr. Donohoe died in 1983.

This evidence was presented to the Permanent Review Board in 2019 and the allegations were deemed credible.

7) Fortier, Fr. Harvey

Parishes Served: Christ the King, Bossier City & St. Margaret, Homer

Review of Fr. Fortier’s file in 2019 revealed an allegation of sexual misconduct and abuse of a male minor dating back to 1954.

An allegation was made of sexual misconduct and abuse of a male minor in 1994.

The allegation was deemed credible.

A settlement was made with the victim in 1995.

Fr. Fortier died in 1999.

The evidence was presented to the Permanent Review Board in 2019 and the allegations were deemed credible.

8) Franklin, Fr. John

Parish Served: Holy Trinity, Shreveport

An allegation of sexual misconduct and abuse of a male minor dating back to 1966 was brought before the Permanent Review Board in 2004 and after investigation, the allegations were deemed credible. A settlement was made with the victim in 2005.

Fr. Franklin left the diocese in 1973.

Fr. Franklin died in Alabama in 1986.

Review of Fr. Franklin’s file in 2019 showed further evidence of sexual misconduct and abuse of male minors.

The evidence was presented to the Permanent Review Board in 2019 and the allegations were deemed credible.

9) Friend, Msgr. Robert

Parish Served: St. Joseph, Zwolle

An allegation of sexual misconduct and abuse of a male minor dating back to 1954 was brought before the Permanent Review Board in 2004.

Msgr. Friend died 1977.

The allegation was deemed credible and a settlement was made with the victim in 2005.

10) Gremillion, Moise R.

Parishes Served: St. John the Baptist, Many; Holy Trinity, Shreveport; St. Matthew, Monroe; Sacred Heart, Rayville &St. Clement, Vivian

Review of Fr. Gremillion’s file in 2019 revealed multiple allegations of sexual misconduct and abuse of male minors dating from the 1960s.

Fr. Gremillion retired from active ministry in 1969.

Fr. Gremillion died in 1973.

This evidence was presented to the Permanent Review Board in 2019 and the allegations were deemed credible.

11) Hannon, Fr. Michael G.

Parishes Served: St. Joseph, Monroe & St. Matthew, Monroe

Review of Fr. Hannon’s filein 2019 showed evidence of multiple allegations of sexual misconduct and abuse of male minors dating from the 1960s.

Fr. Hannon left the diocese in 1963.

Fr. Hannon was incardinated in the Diocese of Brooklyn in NewYork in 1982.

Fr. Hannon died in 2000.

The evidence was presented to the Permanent Review Board in 2019 and the allegations were deemed credible.

12) Mathews, Fr. Kenneth

Parish Served: Christ the King, Bossier City

Review of Fr. Mathews’ file in 2019 showed evidence of multiple allegations of sexual misconduct and abuse of male minors dating back to the 1980s.

Fr. Mathews left active ministry on a leave of absence in 1998.

Fr. Mathews died in 2008.

The evidence was presented to the Permanent Review Board in 2019 and the allegations were deemed credible.

13) Rogers, Donald

Parish Served: St. Catherine of Siena, Shreveport

An allegation of sexual misconduct and abuse of a male minor dating back to 1962 was brought before the Permanent Review Board in 2004.

Fr. Rogers was removed from active ministry in 1967.

Fr. Rogers was laicized in 1974.

Review of Fr. Rogers’ file in 2019 showed evidence of multiple allegations of sexual misconduct and abuse of minors.

The evidence was presented to the Permanent Review Board in 2019 and the allegations were deemed credible.

Fr. Rogers was born in 1930 and would be 88 at the time of this letter. His whereabouts are unknown.

14) Senesac, Fr. Louis, CSV

Parish Served: St. Clement, Vivian

A priest of the Clerics of Saint Viator.

Review of Fr. Senesac’s file in 2019 showed evidence of an allegation of sexual misconduct and abuse of a male minor dating back to 1945.

Fr. Senesac was removed from active ministry in the diocese.

Fr. Senesac died in 1966.

The evidence was presented to the Permanent Review Board in 2019 and the allegation was deemed credible.

15) Sepsi, Fr. Victor

Parish Served: St. Catherine of Siena, Shreveport

Review of Fr. Sepsi’s file in 2019 showed evidence of multiple allegations of sexual misconduct and abuse of male minors dating back to the 1960s.

Fr. Sepsi left the diocese and active ministry in 1967.

The evidence was presented to the Permanent Review Board in 2019 and the allegations were deemed credible.

Fr. Sepsi was born in 1930 and would be 88 at the time of this letter. His whereabouts are unknown.

16) Teacle, Msgr. H. Clinton

Parish Served: St. Joseph, Shreveport

Allegations of sexual misconduct and abuse of male minors dating back to the 1960s were brought before the Permanent Review Board in 2009.

Msgr. Teacle died in 1969.

Review of Msgr. Teacle’s file in 2019 showed further evidence of sexual misconduct and abuse of male minors.

The evidence was presented to the Permanent Review Board in 2019 and the allegations were deemed credible.

17) Trembley, Fr. Leger

Parishes Served: Holy Rosary, Shreveport & St. Joseph, Mansfield

Allegations of sexual misconduct and abuse of male minors dating back to the 1950s and 1960s were brought before the Permanent Review Board in 2003 and again in 2005.

Fr. Tremblay died in 2002.

Settlements were made in 2004 and in 2005.

Review of Fr. Tremblay’s file in 2019 showed further evidence of sexual misconduct and abuse of male minors.

The evidence was presented to the Permanent Review Board in 2019 and the allegations were deemed credible.

 

 

 

 

 




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