Gabriele A. Del Bianco
Gabe Del Bianco
Ex priest, Diocese of London, Ontario. Ordained 1982. Left priesthood in 1996 after he had been reported. April 2011: charged with three counts sexual assault for incidents 1983-86. Further charges laid for total of 19 by at least five complainants. Lawsuits from at least 10 women alleging child sex abuse. Has admitted fathering the child of one of his victims.
Allegations of abuse at rectories in Windsor, Lakeshore and Wallaceburg, Ontario and at a cottage in Grand Bend.
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Next court date: 22 October 2012: preliminary hearing – booked for three days in Sarnia Ontario courthouse; 04 June 2012: 09:30 am, ”focusing hearing”Sarnia Ontario courthouse; 19 December 2011: to set next court date, 09:30 am, courtroom #3, Sarnia, Ontario court house; 08 December 2011: Sarnia courthouse, first appearance on the 16 new charges – possibly also continuation of pre-trial hearings; 03 October 2011: Sarnia courthouse, continuation of pre-trial hearings; 22 September 2011: 09:30 am, court room #5 “for pre-trial,” Sarnia court house; 09 August 2011: 09:30 am, courtroom #3, “to set a date,” Sarnia court house, Sarnia, Ontario; 25 July 2011 Sarnia courthouse, Sarnia Ontario; 11 July 2011 Sarnia courthouse, Sarnia Ontario ; 20 June 2011: 09:30 am. (“to speak to.” Sarnia courthouse, Sarnia Ontario); 16 May 2011: (Preliminary hearing. Sarnia courthouse, Sarnia Ontario)
24 October 2011: 16 new charges laid for a total of 19 charges (at least four more complainants)
File #: 1711998110492
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20 February 2012: BLOG “After the Storm”
21 October 2009: Learning about the power of slow and the right to joy
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16 November 2011: Ex-priest faces new charges, four girls now allege sex offences
12 November 2011: More alleged victims of priest emerge
23 July 2011: Father’s girls: Priest charmed, seduced young parishioners, court filings allege
21 July 2011: 22 priests, hundreds of victims: Sex abuse cases haunt church’s London diocese
20 April 2011: UPDATED: Ex-priest fathered alleged victim’s child, lawyer says
17 April 2011: 7th woman comes forward in priest sex abuse case
April 2011: Diocese of London Statement Regarding Gabriele DelBianco
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Bishops of London Diocese from time of Gabriel Del Bianco’s ordination until his departure: John Michael Sherlock (7 July 1978 – 27 April 2002 ).
Auxiliary Bishops: Marcel André J. Gervais (19 Apr 1980 – 3 May 1985); Frederick Bernard Henry (18 April 1986 -o 24 Mar 1995).
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The following information is drawn from Catholic Directories of the same date, media (M), the diocesan statement above (D) and personal info (P)
2011: works as a counsellor in Kincardine, Ontario (Bruce County) (P)
President of Innerfit, Auburn, Ontario (M)
2011 lawsuit filed by two women who allege sex abuse as teens while Del Bianco served in Wallaceberg
2000: started Innerfit, a wellness company Auburn, Ontario (P)
?: counsellor in Bruce County. (M)
1996: 981 Wellington Rd. South, London, P.O.106
1996: LEFT the PRIESTHOOD (D)
1995, 1994, 1993, 1992: Pastor, Sacred Heart RC, Windsor, Church (CCCD)
1994: allegations of “improper conduct” to diocese (D) sent for evaluation (D)
1990-94: Pastor, Sacred Heart RC, Windsor, Church (D)
assisting Del Bianco 1992-1995 was Father Linus Bastien. Bastien was charged October 2011
1988-90: associate pastor at St. Gregory in St. Clair Beach and part-time chaplain at St. Anne’s high school, Tecumseh (D)
1987-1988: administrator at St. Rose of Lima, Windsor (D)
1985-87: associate pastor at St. John Vianney RC Church part-time chaplain at Brennan high school in Windsor (M)
1985-86: St. John Vianney Windsor (Pastor Father K. A. Bondy) (CCCD)
1984-85: studies in Rome (D)
1981-84: associate pastor at Our Lady Help of Christians, Wallaceburg, Ontario (D)
according to a blogger, Del Bianco was 25 in 1981
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Women file suit against ex-priest
Diocese apologizes for ‘all the hurt’
Windsor Star
By Dave Battagello, The Windsor Star April 16, 2011
A former Windsor priest is being sued by six women who allege he sexually abused them in Wallaceburg nearly three decades ago when they were teenagers.
Gabriele Del Bianco, now 54, was transferred to Windsor in 1985 by the London diocese and served at several area parishes following three years as associate pastor at Wallaceburg’s Our Lady Help of Christians.
London lawyer Rod Dale, who is representing the women, said he anticipates more victims will come forward now that the lawsuits, which also name the diocese, have been made public.
On Friday, the diocese said that Lambton County OPP have filed three charges of sexual assault against the former priest.
Dale praised the diocese for offering counselling for the women and trying to reach financial settlements out of court.
Another victim, who was not among the six, settled a week ago, Dale said. Details of that settlement are not being released.
“We are open to working out fair, reasonable settlements as quickly as possible,” said Mark Adkinson, spokesman for the diocese.
The diocese released a statement Friday apologizing for “all of the hurt these and other victims have experienced.
“We are committed to living up to our responsibilities and obligations to victims of sexual misconduct in the search for justice and truth. The victims who have come forward are making a difference and we thank them for doing so.”
Parishioners at the affected churches will receive a letter from Bishop Ronald Fabbro at the conclusion of mass this weekend apologizing for Del Bianco’s alleged conduct.
Del Bianco served in Windsor as associate pastor at St. John Vianney church and part-time chaplain at Brennan high school from 1985 to 1987, according to the diocese.
He was administrator at St. Rose of Lima in 1987 and 1988, then became associate pastor at St. Gregory in St. Clair Beach and part-time chaplain at St. Anne’s high school from 1988 to 1990.
He was pastor at the former Sacred Heart church in Windsor from 1990 until 1994. Del Bianco was removed from the parish after the diocese learned of his behaviour. He left the priesthood in 1996.
Del Bianco moved north and was a counsellor in Bruce County -eventually serving as president of Innerfit, a wellness company in Auburn, Ont. He left the job field once his legal troubles emerged in the past year, his Toronto lawyer John Banfill said Friday.
Banfill said he was only familiar with the claims of two of the women. His client admits there were “boundary transgressions” and the former priest regrets his actions.
“Mr. Del Bianco has taken the position some behaviour on his part was inappropriate,” Banfill said. “That’s probably all I can tell you at this point because of the pending action.
“I will say in my experience in these cases there is some element of exaggeration as a consequence of the passage of time.”
The lawsuits allege Del Bianco groomed his victims after starting a youth group at Our Lady Help of Christians church involving students in grades seven and eight, said Dale. The allegations have not yet been proven in court.
Dale said that according to the lawsuits the priest identified pre-adolescent girls who were troubled or vulnerable and then befriended them by giving small gifts or toys to make them feel special.
He took them out for pizza, ice cream or fast food and even grew close to the families involved, often being invited to dinner where he won the trust of parents, Dale said.
Del Bianco, in his mid-20s at the time, then started to invite the girls to his room at the rectory. He was even trusted to taking the girls on overnight stays to cottages lent to him by the parishioners.
The former priest dressed stylishly, drove a sports car and told the youngsters tales -including that he once was a CIA operative, Dale said.
The lawsuit alleges his sexual advances started with innocent hugs and kisses, but eventually led to giving the girls alcohol and abuse that escalated to include fondling, oral sex and intercourse, the lawyer said.
The victims have suffered a lifetime of emotional and psychological problems, Dale said.
“A generalization is they were largely excellent students, but after the abuse their grades fell substantially, they dropped out of high school, became promiscuous with older men and had alcohol or drugrelated problems,” he said.
“All of them have significant emotional problems in their relationships with friends, spouses and kids. None of them achieved their occupational potential and are resentful of authority figures. This had a terrible emotional, reallife impact on these women.” dbattagello@windsorstar.com
How can this man plead not guilty? I can’t even believe it!!
I have visited here once in a while to see what is new in this case. “Father” Gabe is the reason I have chosen to raise my kids without organized religion as part of their lives. I am no longer Catholic in any sense of the word. I watched him seduce fellow schoolmates and move into full blown courtship right in front of everyone! The principle allowed the girls to be taken from class with him, I saw him at the movies with one of the girls holding hands, cuddling and sharing popcorn. I can’t remember the movie we went to see that day because the whole time me and my fellow 12 year old friend just watched in amazement that he was doing what (we already knew) he was doing in PUBLIC!
People protected this man. He walked around with his jeans and cowboy style boots always acting so fresh and cool in the stuffy Catholic schools we were in.
He was the “”rock star” of the schools! And the guys also bought into his role too! They loved this guy.
I attended St. John Vianney and then FJ Brennan so I was around him too much those years.
What bothers me most in this case was that most of us students knew (at least ones with half a brain!) and most parents who were familiar with this man also knew what was going on but no one spoke out. The teachers, the principle, nuns – none of them said anything or tried to protect us from him.
This is what that institution of learning was about. Brainwash everyone so they can’t think for themselves or at least they won’t challenge the church.
These were sweet, kind young girls with their whole future ahead of them and he took so much from them! No amount of money in this world can compensate for the damage this man AND the Catholic church/school system did to these women and all the other victims who knew but had no where to turn. We were all stuck in that place each day watching this man and his evil sins and he probably changed the way many of us now view organized religion.
If he doesn’t rot in jail, I hope he rots in hell.
I see that you are much more at Peace not being in the Church!
jon smith, was Christ at peace when he drove the money-changers out of the temple? and what abot when he said those who cause scandal or harm should have a millstone hung around their necks and they be drowned in the depths of the sea?
In the Church or out of the Church people are angry and disgusted, and rightly so.
Ex-Catholic recounted what she tells us she as 12-year-old school girl witnessed. If what she tells us is true, I would say that what she and others witnessed was outright debauchery.
How does a 12-year-old deal with that? How can a 12-year-old child comprehend such actions on the part of a priest, a man who at the very least should be setting an example of holiness and chastity for all?
These men have a lot to answer for. Ditto, I believe, those who watched in silence.
Jon, when I left that place… when I left the church, the peace and security filled my world. Finally I could appreciate the world the way life should be appreciated. Indeed I am much more at peace outside the church and faith in humanity is constantly restored when justice is served to these pedophiles.
Ex-Catholic,
I understand just because you showed some healthy emotions and disgust for criminal acts of some Roman Catholic clergy did, this doesn’t mean you are not at peace in your daily living.
You explained yourself very clearly, to me anyway.
Ex-Catholic – Thank you for sharing your perspective. The feeling that someone should have noticed is haunting for many victims/survivors. Thank you for sharing what you saw.
Emancipation from “the church” has been a very peceful move in my life as well.
Isn’t is strange when we challenge old beliefs and find them stark, raving mad in the light of day?
My only response to your entry is a comment about “those with half a brain” noticing Fr. Gabe’s behaviour around the girls. This is hard to hear because so many victims/survivors beat themselves up for being stupid or not talking. “How many less woud there have been if my story had been told/believed?” There is an inherent need to save/protect others.
Many of the girls he preyed upon came from difficult situations where “the norm” was perhaps less than ideal for children. All were revved up on hormones and unwired in the brain as they struggled through puberty.
As well, a priest in the 80′s, he was deified by devout Catholics and given full access to the insides of families homes and lives.
What a great environment for a charming, twisted chameleon to hang out.
I don’t think it was a lack of brains that prevented people from seeing, I think it was the time and circumstance.
Thank you again, for taking time to share your perspective and support.
Monica,
When I used the term half a brain, I mean in the case of gabe, it was all so obvious to very average people. He didn’t really try to hide his deviant side. I know he preyed on the vulnerable. I can understand for sure why one victim’s family was targeted due to a death of a father, etc. and there is no way I blame any of the victims or their family. He looked for them and knew who to go after.
When I say half a brain, I’m thinking that those whose job it was to watch us kids each day and ensure our safety at school, church or related outings… what were they preoccupied with that they could not see the obvious? How could innocent 12 year old girls understand what he was doing was not right but the principle or teachers didn’t notice??
How about the doctor that treated one of the victims injuries while not reporting this to police and allowing the child back into the perps care.
This is where I blame a system for failing to protect vulnerable children even more than the sick pedophile. He’s a sick person who is evil and deserves no respect but I thought the system was supposed to protect kids from these dangers?
If Gabe is found guilty, is the system ever held responsible? Not just the church, but the schools too?
That’s what I would like to see in this case. All negligent people should be held accountable. Then maybe people will start reporting concerns more often.
Should the parents be held responsible – they really have the primary responsibility for looking after their children?
Parents were also groomed by the church and the priest. And don’t think for a moment that they do not feel responsible. For many, the realization of this abuse has taken years off of their lives.
Really…? Jon Smith..
I never thought even “you” would stoop that low!…After all your diversions, witnessed over the past year, I never thought you would blame the parents to distract from the church’s colossal mess…I’m sure after their initial “aversion” they tried their best and sacrificed a lot ….their loss must have been very painful. Mr and Mrs Smith, you are not the first parents to be cheated and I feel for you…
Jon, you should be ashamed! …amend your ways!..for “them”!
You shouldn’t be ashamed of your own name if you are true …not just blinded by your sect!
jg
The comment was a ressponse to the fact that Monica seemed to indicate that everyone should have known! It was a different time – parents trusted, parishioners trusted, the pastors and bishop of Gabe trusted. Gabe was very good at grooming the parents, the parishioners, the pastors and bishop. They have all been betrayed when a priest does something like this. I just think that it is wrong to think that everyone other than parents should have been aware of what was truly happening.
I do not blame the parents – that was not my point. A number of people must assume blame when this happens. There are many victims of sexual abuse, beyond the one who is actually abused.
I meant to add one more thought. We are living in a different (a better) time when we are much more aware of this issue. As a parent, I would certainly be concerned if a priest, or a teacher, or anyone, seemed to be spending alone time with my children. I am glad that I am living in this time (and not back when most of this abuse was happening – I would find it hard to forgive myself if I exposed my children to abuse.
Much more interesting! …agree with you on most of your posts except that parents are still quite often the last ones to know because of the fear , the threats, the shame, the manipulation…
Parents need to be guarded just as much and you are right, we all need to be watching out for our children…sometimes into their adult years!..The communication needs to start at an early age to get the signs right.
jg
I was 14 yrs old when Gabe left suddenly from the church, he was suppose to be at a youth conference with us that weekend. It’s because of him a day the church I no longer want to be a catholic. To know I was literally arms length from him at the time and could,do of possibly been one of his victims angers me. We still went to his talks after he was kicked out of the church from allegations which left me and my friends vulnerable to him. Why was the authorities not contacted. Let me tell you all he had the whole church fooled even the parents. He was good at what he did.
He targeted families that were often vulnerable. I feel terrible for the parents in these cases because they were victimized as well.
The school system and the church is a very different story. These people are often responsible for the care and well-being of children throughout the day. If a sex offender molested a child at a day care institution and was very flippant and open about his behavior, would the rest of the staff not hold some accountability for allowing the kids to be abused??
And Jon, back at this time when this took place with father Gabe, understand please that we are not talking about the 1950′s! This was at a time when people were aware of pedophiles and “stranger danger” was taught to children. And if young kids knew what he was doing without the victims telling about it, then I’m sure staff should have even been more aware.
And what about the doctor who Gabe brought a victim to? Isn’t s doctor under legal obligation to report instances of sexual abuse? Instead he treated a minor and sent her home with this creep. What does that speak to a mind of a victim? That perhaps she has no one to help her if the doctor seeing first hand the physical damage Gabe inflicted and he does nothing!!
I don’t believe for a second that many others didn’t also know what he was up to but the abuse was allowed to continue and more children were violated. Everyone in a position of being able to intervene looked the other way. This is a systemic failure IMO.
I personally feel it’s due to the power that the church holds over communities and the Catholic school system.
Ex-Catholic – Please read the article on this site called “After the Storm”. To me, this just brings to light what a great manipulator and con artist the man was and apparently still is.
As you say , ExCatholic, it was not the 1950′s, so are you now saying that it was duing a more enlightened time? If so, are you now saying that the parents should have known. If even the children knew, it would seem quite unlikely that it would have been a secret.
Lisa, thank you (I think) for pointing out his new business venture – After the Storm. His own words speak volumes on his lack of remorse for what he has done. I hope the court takes this into consideration. A man that lacks remorse is a man who will continue to abuse in one form or another.
Jon,
“If even the children knew, it would seem quite unlikely that it would have been a secret.”
Ah, but Jon if you know the church then you will know much of this behaviour has been a secret within the church/schools and predators are all too often protected. That is why the parents don’t know and are caught off gaurd. They **trusted** because they were taught to trust and the church breached this trust. This is why the church is failing and why various churches have been sold to pay so many settlements. The endless secrets have finally come back to haunt the Catholic church. The parents were not guilty (except perhaps of placing trust within the Catholic church and school systems).
Would you trust your child to go on an overnight trip with your church? Or to attend a youth group activity? Do you trust the Catholic church to protect your child when they are not in your care?? I would like to know how you feel about this?
Or are you saying that the Catholic church/school should never be a place people feel safe or should trust their kids without the parents there? Because in that case we certainly agree on something! I would never trust my child to attend a Catholic church without me there and I would certainly be on high alert. I would also never allow my child to be alone with a Catholic priest for any event. Maybe that just makes me a mom who knows better based on past experiences in the church. I would bet now that the victims parents know the truth, they wouldn’t make the same mistakes with their grandkids either!
A quote from Brene Brown’s website – Ordinary Courage
“When the culture of an organization mandates that it is more important to protect the reputation of a system and those in power than it is to protect the basic human dignity of individuals, you can be certain that shame is systemic, money drives ethics, and accountability is dead. This is true in corporations, nonprofits, universities, governments, churches, schools, families, and sports programs. If you think back on any major scandal fueled by cover-ups, you’ll see this pattern.
In an organizational culture where respect and the dignity of individuals are held as the highest values, shame and blame don’t work as management styles. There is no leading by fear. Empathy is a valued asset, accountability is an expectation rather than an exception, and the primal human need for belonging is not used as leverage and social control.
We can’t control the behavior of individuals; however, we can cultivate organizational cultures where behaviors are not tolerated and people are held accountable for protecting what matters most: human beings.”
Do you think we will see the necessary systemic changes in the catholic church in our lifetimes?
My experience with “the church” has given me very little hope.
*I spoke with victims services last week and if any of the survivors are wondering (I was) we DO NOT have to speak at the June focusing hearing. I hope that you all are doing as well as possible, stay strong.