Eugene Larocque, former Bishop of the Diocese of Alexandria-Cornwall, now ministers to the flock at St. Anne R. C. Church in Tecumseh and lives in St. Anne’s rectory adjacent to the church.
Adrian St. Louis alleged he was sexually abused by Larocque. A lawsuit field by St. Louis wound up in a legal quagmire. In December 2008 the diocese issued a statement saying that St. Louis exonerated Larocque. I had heard that St. Louis was going to rebut that claim. To date, that has not happened. My understanding is that St. Louis still alleges he was sexually abused by Larocque.
Ron Leroux alleged he was sexually abused by Larocque. Leroux took the stand at the Cornwall Public Inquiry. Leroux truly didn’t know whether he was coming or going when he took the stand and should never have been allowed to testify in that condition. His testimony ended prematurely when he was finally deemed unfit to testify. Leroux’s muddled testimony was allowed to stand and claims were made that he recanted his previous allegations of a paedophile ring. In truth Ron recanted and then recanted his recantations and finally admitted he was so confused he didn’t know what he was talking about anymore. True enough too, Ron was not what one would call a stellar witness. However, Ron claims that he was interrogated and/or coached for hours on end before taking the stand and that by the time he took the stand he was so confused he didn’t know whether he was coming or going. To top it off, he was in there without a lawyer! It was quite a dirty mess. I have talked to Ron since, and, with his permission, have our conversation on tape. Ron Leroux did not, as is claimed by so many, recant. But, alas, thanks to his stint on the stand at the inquiry, he has lost all credibility. For the record though, Ron Leroux never once recanted his sex abuse allegations against “Father” Eugene Larocque. And, for the record and for those who know nothing of this, Ron Leroux admitted to a CBC reporter that he himself had been part of the paedophile ring (scroll down to “Breach of Trust).
A mess!
Back then to Bishop Larocque and why, while visiting Windsor, I snapped the pictures below.
For several years – as a result of the allegations against him – Larocque was not permitted to say public masses or hear confessions. I have been told that last year the powers that be decided that there were no credible allegations against Larocque and that hence he could resume actively ministering to the Roman Catholic flock in Tecumseh. It is unknown if a canonical inquiry was ever conducted into the sex abuse allegations against Larocque.
One final note here: It was Bishop Eugene Larocque who pulled political strings which allowed convicted clerical molester and Montfortian priest Carl Stone to serve in the Diocese of Alexandria-Cornwall and, believe it or not, serve his probation in Canada (Stone was convicted in Albany, NY). Stone’s probation officer was Ken Seguin, an ex-seminarian turned probation officer who was later the subject of numerous allegations of sex abuse. Seguin committed suicide.
St. Anne R.C. Church Tecumseh, Ontario, where Eugene Larocque, Bishop Emeritus of the Alexandria-Cornwall Diocese now ministers
St. Anne's rectory to the rear
St. Anne's rectory where Eugene Larocque, Bishop Emeritus of the Diocese of Alexandria-Cornwall, now resides with two other priests
I am a survivor from a master manipulator and predator and have an open civil case pending. I consider myself to be a practicing Catholic and after years of staying away from church and holding on to my hatred of the institution that allowed and facilitated my abuse I have recently decided to return home to my faith. I have resolved myself with the thought that I will not allow the sins of any Man to determine what I believe in. I have decided that I need to be the change that I want to see in my Church. It isn’t easy. My parish is Ste. Anne’s. I have been at Mass with Bishop Larocque as the celebrant as he described allegations against the church as Bad “PR”. Two weeks ago he interrupted Mass that Fr. Roy was celebrating and about to give the final blessing and asked that someone move their car. The arrogance of this Man is evident. His contempt for the victims is evident. The diocese has said to me that “they understand” what happened to me was real and significant and has apologized. How can I trust them when they allow people like this to lead our community and celebration sacraments? I live in fear that I will be further victimized and ostracized if my name is ever made public. It is me n like Bishop Larocque that makes it very difficult and frightening for victims to come forward. Please get this man out of our parish!
How sad that in this day and age victims live in fear that they might be ostracized and further victimized if they are identified. I wish I could assure you that that would and could not not happen, but, I can not. It is in the hands of our bishops and clergy to ensure that no victim ever feels as you do. Things are changing slowly, but there is still a long long way to go.
Stay strong “Horrifed.” Stay strong. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
I,ve known bishop larocque for 40 years when he was here at st.anne,s and now that he is here the people of st anne,s doesn,t want nothing to with him after what he did in cornwall and also he should not be here at st anne,s
Dear “Horrified”
I’m a bit behind in reading your statement from July of last year. I’m rather new on Sylvia’s site.
Please do not live in fear of this bishop, or of anyone else for that matter. You seem to be a strong person. I believe you should have nothing to fear, or to be embarrassed about. I hope you will come to the point where you can feel proud for standing up for yourself, and saying it like it is.
I am going through it now, and I know how hard it is to convince yourself that there is nothing wrong with you. Be proud of yourself, hold your head high, and elevate yourself above these sick creatures who would do such horrible harm to you.
You aren’t alone. Mike