Fr. Gerald Shirilla

Removed in 1973 from a seminary assignment after unwanted sexual contact with another seminarian; underwent psychiatric evaluation then assigned to a parish. Accused of abuse of at least seven youths 1972-1981. Would invite boys to the rectory, have them strip to their underwear and give them massages. Placed on leave by the Detroit Archdiocese in 1993; accused in a 10/1993 lawsuit of sexually abusing a boy, ages 9-16. Sent to treatment. Took a secular job in Washington D.C. Assigned in the Diocese of Gaylord as a parish pastor 8/1/2001 until placed on leave 3/18/2002. Died in 6/2004. Named in several civil suits. Included on the Detroit archdiocese’s list of credibly accused 6/10/2019, which noted that he had been removed from public ministry. Included in the MI Attorney General’s 1/8/2024 Gaylord report.
- Associated Press 01.21.99
- Detroit Free Press 03.02.02
- Detroit Free Press 03.07.02
- Detroit Free Press 03.21.02
- Detroit Free Press 03.22.02
- Detroit Free Press 03.22.02
- Chicago Sun Times 03.24.02
- Detroit Free Press 03.24.02
- Detroit Press 03.27.02
- Dallas Morning News 06.12.02
- Detroit News 07.14.02
- USA Today 11.11.02
- Detroit Free Press 04.14.03
- Detroit News Obituary 06.18.04
- Detroit Free Press 06.19.04
- Archdiocese of Detroit Status Report 09.30.09
- Detroit Free Press 11.15.10
- Archdiocese of Detroit List 06.10.19
- MI A.G. Gaylord Report 01.08.24
- National Catholic Reporter 01.11.24
Sources:
Return to main database page. See abbreviations and posting policy. Send corrections.
Our Database of Publicly Accused does not state or imply that individuals facing allegations are guilty of a crime or liable for civil claims. The reports contained in the database are merely allegations. The U.S. legal system presumes that a person accused of or charged with a crime is innocent until proven guilty. Similarly, individuals who may be defendants in civil actions are presumed not to be liable for such claims unless a plaintiff proves otherwise. Admissions of guilt or liability are not typically a part of civil or private settlements. For more information, see our posting policy.