Bernard Alphonse Robert
Bernard Francis Robert
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Priest, Diocese of London, Ontario. Ordained 1950. Initially was a member of the Capucin order of priests – (ofm cap behind his name). By early 70s seems to have left the Capucins and become a diocesan priest with the Diocese of London. August 2011 lawsuit filed by four men alleging child sex abuse by Robert: the allegations date to the 70s when Robert seved at St. Francis Xavier RC Church in Tilbury, Ontario. Two of the men were former altar boys: both allege the abuse began when they were 10-years-old and continued for several years. Roberts died in 1996.
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Bishops of London Diocese while Father Bernard Robert served in the diocese: John Christopher Cody (02 Jun2 1950 - 05 December 1963); Gerald Emmett Carter (17 February 1964 – 29 April 1978 -Appointed, Archbishop of Toronto, Ontario) John Michael Sherlock (7 July 1978 – 27 April 2002 )
Auxiliary Bishops: John Michael Sherlock (25 June 1974 — Bishop: 7 Jul 1978); Marcel André J. Gervais (19 Apr 1980 – 3 May 1985); Frederick Bernard Henry (18 April 1986 -o 24 Mar 1995)
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Diocese of London Statement Regarding Fr. Bernard A. Robert
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The following information is drawn from available Canadian Catholic Church Directories (CCCD), the 1980 Ontario Catholic Directory (OCD) and media (M)
1998, 1997: not listed (CCCD)
1996, 1995, 1994: 393 Island Cr., RR #5, Tilbury, Ontario NOP 2LO
1996: DIED at age 72 (M)
1993: retired (M)
1989-93: Holy Family Roman Catholic Church, Wallaceburg, Ontario (M)
1992, 1991: Pastor, Holy Family R. C. Church, Wallaceburg, Ontario (CCCD)
1985-86: Pastor, St. Francis Xavier RC Church, Tilbury, Ontario (CCCD)
1980: Pastor, St. Francis Xavier RC Church, Tilbury, Ontario (OCD)
- sex abuse allegations relate to the years Roberts served at St. Francis Xavier in the 70s and 80s
1973-74: Pastor St. Matthew R. C. Church, Watford, Ontaro (CCCD)
1969-73: St. Matthew’s, Alvinston and Our Lady Help of Christians, Watford, Ontario (M)
1971: Pastor St. Matthew R. C. Church, Watford, Ontaro (CCCD) (no longer listed as a Capuchin priest)
1958-69: St. Mary’s RC Church, Blenheim, Ontario (M) except for three years during which he served as Administrator at St. Hyancinthe in Portage La Prairie, Manitoba (actual dates not given) (D) (Archdiocese of Winnipeg, Manitoba – Archbishop George Bernard Flahiff)
1968-69, 1967: Pastor, St. Mary’s RC Church, Blenheim, Ontario (CCCD) (listed as member of Capuchin order – ofm cap.)
1959: St. Mary Mediatrix, Blenheim, Ontario (CCCD) (listed as member of Capuchin order – ofm cap.)
1950: ORDAINED
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12 August 2011: Suits filed over alleged pedophile priest
12 August 2011: Men suing church for abuse
12 August 2011: Windsor-area men launch $8M priest abuse lawsuit
12 August 2011: $8M suit filed against London diocese for alleged abuse by Tilbury priest
12 August 2011: Former altar boys allege abuse; launch lawsuits
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Former altar boys allege abuse
The Chatham Daily News
10 August 2011
A London law firm is accusing a Roman Catholic priest of sexually abusing four young males.
Ledroit Beckett Litigation Lawyers plans to launch civil lawsuits against the Diocese of London alleging abuse by Fr. Bernard Alphonse Robert, a former priest of the Diocese.
The alleged abuse took place at St. Francis Xavier Parish in Tilbury, where Robert was pastor in the 1970s and 1980s.
Robert is deceased.
In a statement issued Wednesday, the law firm said the alleged victims will appear at a news conference on Friday.
“By speaking publicly, victims of Fr. Robert hope to promote awareness and reach out to others who may have seen, suspected or suffered abuse by Fr. Robert,” Ledroit Beckett said. ?
Robert also served at St. Mary’s Parish in Blenheim from 1958-1969, at St. Matthew’s in Alvinston and Our Lady Help of Christians in Watford from 1969-1973, and Holy Family in Wallaceburg from 1989-1993.
“Some of the brave men, former altar boys of Fr. Robert, are now breaking their silence and seeking justice,” the law firm said.
“They hope to achieve healing and closure from harm they have suffered, and continue to suffer, as a result of the abuse. The victims intend to hold the Diocese of London accountable for Fr. Robert’s misconduct.”
The Diocese of London is aware of the allegations, which came forward after Robert’s death, said spokesman Mark Adkinson.
“Any victim should be free to report abuse that occurred by a priest or clergy,” he said in an interview late Wednesday.
“We will work through the process with these victims. We are committed to living up to our responsibilities and counselling will be offered to the victims.”
The news conference is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Friday at the Travelodge on Bloomfield Road in Chatham.