Fr. Henry V. Willenborg
Accused in 2009 of a 5-year affair in IL with a woman beginning in the early 1980s. Another woman came forward during that time to allege a long relationship with him when she was in high school. Order sent him to Paraclete facility for treatment for 7 months. The first woman gave birth to his son after his return. She received support from the Franciscans over the years, and made the matter public in 10/2009 because the 22-year-old son had terminal cancer and she also had cancer. Diocese placed Willenborg on leave pending investigation. The son died in 12/2009. Included on the Springfield-Cape Girardeau diocese’s list updated 4/1/2019. Worked in New Orleans 1988-1993. Included on the Franciscans’ Our Lady of Guadalupe Province’s list of credibly accused as of 1/2024. (Willenborg was a member of the Sacred Heart Province.)
- NY Times 10.15.09
- Duluth News Tribune 10.16.09
- Associated Press 10.17.09
- NY Times 10.17.09
- Duluth News Tribune 10.17.09
- River Front Times 10.19.09
- KTVI 10.20.09
- KSDK 10.23.09
- St Louis Post-Dispatch 10.23.09
- Herald-Whig 11.04.09
- NY Times 11.29.09
- Bona Venture 12.07.09
- The Times (UK) 04.17.10
- Quincy News 07.01.10
- Berger’s Beat 07.29.10
- Response by Diocese of Springfield 08.05.10
- State Journal-Register 08.06.10
- Wisconsin Public Radio 12.21.15
- SNAP 12.31.15
- WIVB 12.19.18
- Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau List 04.01.19
- Official Committee of Creditors 10.13.20
- Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau List updated 04.13.21
- Franciscans Our Lady of Guadalupe Province List 01.08.24
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