Priest Resigns Over Sexual Misconduct

Update: Thirty years ago, Rev. Monsignor John Allard was assigned at Immaculate Conception in Cranston. Turnto10.com reports the priest has admitted to an improper relationship with a boy in 1981 at the church.

Rev. Monsignor John Allard of St. Agatha and Precious Blood Parishes has resigned after an allegation of sexual misconduct with a minor more than 30 years ago. 

According to a release posted by The Roman Catholic Diocese of Providence on its website, the priest "has taken responsibility for his actions and has expressed his profound remorse for the harm he has caused."

WPRI.com, which has also reported on this story, has posted a photo of Msgr. Allard with their coverage.

Msgr. Allard has been placed on administrative leave, and his permission to serve as a priest has been revoked. He has moved out of the rectory and will reside at a private residence.

Bishop Thomas J. Tobin has appointed Rev. Wilfred Gregoire, a senior priest in residence at St. Agatha, temporary administrator of the parishes. 

The Diocese reports this is the first and only known allegation of abuse by Msgr. Allard and the Rhode Island State Police have been notified. “Allegations of abuse, even if they occurred many years ago, are taken very seriously and acted upon in accordance with the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People and diocesan policy,” said Tobin,  “For the many who are affected by this heartbreaking news, I offer my prayers for healing and forgiveness.”

Msgr. Allard was ordained a priest in September of 1975 and served the following assignments:  Immaculate Conception, Cranston, 1975-1984; St. Aloysius, Woonsocket, 1984-1986; Diocesan Office of Youth Ministry, 1984-1996 (with residence at St. Louis Parish, Woonsocket); Diocesan Office of Evangelization & Spirituality, 1986-2001; Our Lady of Good Help, Mapleville, 1986-1996; St. Agatha, Woonsocket, 1996-Present; Precious Blood, Woonsocket, 1996-Present; and Father Marot CYO Center, Woonsocket, 2006-Present.

The Diocese reports Tobin will meet with parish staff this week and visit the parish community in the near future to provide support.

The Diocese urges all victims of sexual abuse, or those with credible knowledge of such abuse, by any member of the Church to report the information to the Rhode Island State Police Major Crimes Unit 401/444-1000 or the Diocesan Office of Education and Compliance at 401/941-0760.