Norbertines / Premonstratensians / Canons Regular of Premontre

29 Accused in This Religious Order

Fr. Simon C. Becker

Order: OPraem
Ordained: 1937
Status: Accused

Died: 07/22/1991
Diocese: Diocese of Green Bay WI

Named publicly as credibly accused by the Norbertines of St. Norbert's Abbey in WI on its list 7/19/19. Multiple allegations. Died 7/22/91.

Sources:

St Norbert’s Abbey WI List 07.19.19

Fr. Francis H. Clabots

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Order: OPraem
Ordained: 1922
Status: Accused

Died: 09/5/1979
Diocese: Diocese of Green Bay WI

Principal of St. Norbert High 1942-1958. Pastor of Holy Cross in Bay Settlement from 1958. Retired in 1971. Died 9/5/79. Named publicly as credibly accused by the Norbertines of St. Nortbert Abbey in WI on its list 7/19/19. Multiple allegations.

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Fr. Mark D. Falcone

Order: OPraem
Ordained: 1966
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Green Bay WI

Named publicly as credibly accused by the Norbertines of St. Norbert's Abbey in WI on its list 7/19/19. It notes one allegation. Ministry restricted.

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Fr. Angelo J. Feldkamp

Order: OPraem
Ordained: 1968
Status: Accused

Died: 03/12/2019
Diocese: Diocese of Green Bay WI

Teacher at Notre Dame Academy in Green Bay since 1990 when placed on leave in 5/02 by the Norbertines, after allegations that he abused a child more than 25 years prior. Abbot Pennings High School faculty member in De Pere WI 1968-90. Director 1971-75 of Camp Tivoli in WI. Died 3/12/19. On the St. Norbert Abbey's list of credibly accused 7/19/19. It notes multiple allegations.

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Fr. Camillus Frigo

Order: OPraem
Ordained: 1955
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Green Bay WI

Accused of molesting several children over at least 30 years. Church had knowledge for many years and continued to transfer him from place to place. Two civil suits filed 1986 and five in 1989. On the Saginaw diocese's list 4/10/19; assigned to an Essexville parish in 1968. On St. Norbert Abbey's list of credibly accused 7/19/19. It notes that Frigo left the abbey and ministry.

Assignments:

Diocese of Saginaw Assignment Record

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Fr. Michael F. Frisch

Order: OPraem
Ordained: 1997
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Green Bay WI

Named publicly as credibly accused by the Norbertine's of St. Norbert Abbey in WI, on its list 7/19/19. One allegation noted, ministry restricted.

Sources:

St Norbert’s Abbey WI List 07.19.19

Fr. Robert W. Gaghan

Order: OPraem
Ordained: 1954
Status: Accused

Died: 05/29/1989
Diocese: Archdiocese of Philadelphia PA

In 2008 a man reported to the Norbertines that Gaghan, his uncle, fondled him under the covers of his own bed and then performed oral sex on him when he was a youth. The man said his younger brother, who later died of a drug overdose, was also abused by Gaghan, and that an older brother was abused by a priest-friend of Gaghan's. This brother also died of a drug overdose. Gaghan taught at former Saint John Neumann High School in Philadelphia. Investigation by the order found the allegation credible. Gaghan died in 1989. Included on the St. Norbert Abbey in WI list 7/19/2019, which notes one allegation.

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Fr. Michael L. Kain

Order: OPraem
Ordained: 1947
Status: Accused

Died: 01/27/1989
Diocese: Diocese of Green Bay WI

Named publicly as credibly accused by the Norbertines of St. Norbert Abbey in WI on its list 7/19/19. One allegation noted. Died 1/27/89.

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Fr. John Keeney

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Order: OPraem
Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of Los Angeles CA

Accused of abuse of a minor 1974-1976, per the Los Angeles Archdiocese's report in 2004.

Sources:

L.A. Archdiocesan Report 02.17.04

Fr. John Kohnke

Order: OPraem
Ordained: 1937
Status: Arrested

Died: 09/2/1987
Diocese: Archdiocese of Los Angeles CA

Arrested in CA in 1974 for oral copulation of a minor 1973-1974. Also two arrests for lewd behavior in restrooms in CA. Worked in multiple parishes in WI, MT, PA, TX and CA even after his arrests. Died 9/2/1987. Named in a 2003 civil suit. Personnel file released by the Order 09/09/2013. Included on the Helena diocese's list 4/29/2015, in compliance with the non-monetary terms of the 3/5/2015 bankruptcy settlement. Included on the St. Norbert Abbey list 7/19/2019, which notes multiple allegations.

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Fr. Ernest J. LaMal

Order: OPraem
Ordained: 1941
Status: Accused

Died: 05/20/1989
Diocese: Diocese of Green Bay WI

Named publicly as credibly accused by the Norbertines of St. Norbert Abbey in WI, on its list 7/19/19. Multiple allegations noted. Died 5/20/88..

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Fr. David T. Lawlor

Order: OPraem
Ordained: 1971
Status: Acquitted

Died: 12/30/2017
Diocese: Archdiocese of Philadelphia PA

Assigned to Daylesford Abbey. Arrested in 2002, charged with accosting (inappropriately touching) a mentally disabled adult male in a YMCA whirlpool. Placed on leave. Denied the accusations. Found not guilty by a jury in 10/2003. Died 12/30/2017.

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Fr. Benjamin T. Mackin

Order: OPraem
Ordained: 1956
Status: Accused

Died: 12/20/2005
Diocese: Diocese of Green Bay WI

Added to the Norbertine's list in 4/21 of those with substantiated allegations of the sexual abuse of minors. Per the Order, it received report(s) in late 2020 or early 2021 that Mackin abused minors in the 1980s. Mackin was on faculty at St. Norbert High School and Abbot Pennings High School, was St. Norbert College parish pastor, then was abbot of St. Norbert Abbey in De Pere 1982-94. He died 12/20/05.

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Fr. Laurence Anthony Mayer

Order: OPraem
Ordained: 1965
Status: Accused

Died: 11/23/2007
Diocese: Diocese of Green Bay WI

Named publicly as credibly accused by the Norbertines of St. Norbert Abbey in WI, on its list 7/19/2019. It notes one allegation. Died 11/23/2007. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report.

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Fr. Francis McHugh

Order: OPraem
Ordained: 1940
Status: Accused

Died: 09/5/1998
Diocese: Diocese of Saginaw MI

Named publicly as accused by the Saginaw diocese on its list 4/10/2019; assigned to an Essexville parish 1954-1962. Included on the St. Norbert's Abbey Norbertines in WI list 7/19/2019. One allegation noted. Died 9/5/1998. Name included in 10/2022 on the Chicago archdiocese's list. Included in the IL Attorney General's Report 5/23/2023.

Assignments:

Diocese of Saginaw Assignment Record

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Fr. Kolbe Moreno

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Order: OPraem
Ordained: 1993
Status: Accused

Diocese: Archdiocese of Los Angeles CA

Name quietly added, along with 23 others, to the Los Angeles Archdiocese's Final Addendum posted on its website 1/31/2013.

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Fr. Timothy F. Mullen

Order: OPraem
Ordained: 1973
Status: Sued

Died: 01/29/2004
Diocese: Diocese of Wilmington DE and MD

Taught at Bishop Neumann Academy for 11 years, transferring in 1981 to Archmere Academy, where he became Headmaster in 2003. Died 1/29/2004. Accused in a 2007 lawsuit of being a "sexual predator" whom the Norbertines "chose to move ... around over the years rather than defrock [him], report [him] to the civil authorities or warn the general public." Court papers in DE bankruptcy said he participated in the gang rape of a youth who later died by suicide.

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Fr. Leo Olschausken

Order: OPraem
Ordained: 1948
Status: Accused

Died: 07/21/1987
Diocese: Diocese of Gaylord MI

From Lithuania. Arrived in Chicago in 1958. Assigned to St. Michael's Lithuanian Church in Chicago, then chaplain 1961-1974 in the Diocese of Grand Rapids MI at Mercy Hospital in Cadillac. First named publicly as accused on the Diocese of Gaylord's list 11/10/2018 (name erroneously spelled "Olschaysken.") Noted to have been removed from the diocese and returned to his Order in 1974. Per a parish history for St. Mary of the Assumption in Coal City IL, diocese of Joliet, Olschausken was assigned there 1974 until his death 7/21/1987. Further, "Father Leo endeared himself to the Altar Severs. These boys were his special charge. They became very close to him and he to them." Included in the MI Attorney General's 1/8/2024 Gaylord report.

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Fr. Martin H. Philipsen

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Order: OPraem
Ordained: 1942
Status: Accused

Died: 08/21/1998
Diocese: Diocese of Helena MT

Accused of sexual abuse of at least one minor. Included on the Helena diocese's list, posted to its website 4/29/15 in compliance with the non-monetary terms of the 3/5/15 bankruptcy settlement. Assigned to St. William's in Shelby MT 1971-78. Other assignments included Southeast Catholic High School in the Green Bay archdiocese 1939-43 and 1948-58, Green Bay's Central Catholic 1943-48 and counselor at Camp Tivoli 1939-41. Also worked at Abbot Pennings High in De Pere, WI 1967-69. Transferred in 1992 to his order's priory in Jackson, MI. Philpsen died 8/21/98. On the St. Norbert Abbey in WI list 7/19/19. Multiple allegations noted.

Assignments:

Diocese of Helena 04.29.15

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Fr. Anthony W. Polini

Order: OPraem
Ordained: 1949
Status: Accused

Died: 09/23/1977
Diocese: Archdiocese of Philadelphia PA

Named publicly as credibly accused by St. Norbert Abbey in WI on its list 7/19/2019, which notes one allegation. Polini died 9/23/1977.

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Fr. Peter P. Pritzl

Donate Photo

Order: OPraem
Ordained: 1929
Status: Accused

Died: 10/3/1993
Diocese: Diocese of Helena MT

Assignments:

Diocese of Helena 04.29.15

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Fr. Robert Reppen

Order: OPraem
Ordained: 1946
Status: Accused

Died: 11/20/2009
Diocese: Diocese of Green Bay WI

Named publicly as credibly accused by St. Norbert Abbey in WI, on its list 7/19/19. One allegation noted. Reppen died 11/20/09.

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Fr. Joseph A. Rohlinger

Order: OPraem
Ordained: 1943
Status: Accused

Died: 09/13/2002
Diocese: Diocese of Green Bay WI

Named publicly as credibly accused by St. Norbert Abbey in WI, on its list 7/19/19. One allegation noted. Athletic Director at Southeast Catholic 1945 until assigned same role in 1950 at Central Catholic. Activities Director for 26 years until 1955 at Camp Tivoli. Counselor and manager of the cafeteria at Premontre High School 1955-86. Died 9/13/02.

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Fr. David E. Rondou

Order: OPraem
Ordained: 1928
Status: Accused

Died: 11/22/1977
Diocese: Diocese of Green Bay WI

Named publicly as credibly accused by St. Norbert Abbey in WI, on its list 7/19/19. Multiple allegations noted. Counselor at Camp Tivoli 1926-1940 . Assigned 1934 to Southeast Catholic High School, then in 1945 to Central Catholic. Pastor 1955-74 of St. Willibrord in Green Bay. Died 11/22/77.

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Fr. Arnold Schinkten

Order: OPraem
Ordained: 1943
Status: Accused

Died: 12/14/1976
Diocese: Diocese of Green Bay WI

Added in 4/21 to the Norbertine's list of those with substantiated claims against them of the sexual abuse of minors. Per the Order, it received allegations(s) against Schinkten in late 2020 or early 2021, of abuse in 1962. Long-time instructor of psychology at St. Norbert College. Taught high school in Philadelphia PA, and in Green Bay. He was also a counselor and horseback riding teacher at Camp Tivoli in Cecil in the summers of 1942-69. Died 12/14/76, age 61.

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Fr. Ralph R. Schmidt

Order: OPraem
Ordained: 1939
Status: Accused

Died: 02/4/1964
Diocese: Diocese of Green Bay WI

Named publicly as credibly accused by St. Norbert Abbey in WI, on its list 7/19/19. One allegation noted. Taught high school, particularly art, in PA, DE, WI. Died 2/4/64, age 50.

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Fr. Edward J. Smith

Order: OPraem
Ordained: 1973
Status: Settled

Diocese: Archdiocese of Philadelphia PA

In 2002, a man reported abuse by Smith at a Philadelphia high school in the early 1980s. He said he also saw Smith sexually abuse two other boys in the presence of another priest. Four more complaints from students were filed against Smith. Also allegedly abused in DE. Named in a 2005 civil DE suit. Much of suit dismissed by court in 11/06. Default granted against priest 1/07. A $41M jury verdict awarded 3/30/07. Settled with diocese in 1/08. Settled 9/08 with the Norbertines and school. On the St. Norbert Abbey in WI list 7/19/19. It notes multiple allegations, and that Smith was restricted from ministry.

Fr. Brendan Smyth

Order: OPraem
Ordained: 1951
Status: Convicted

Died: 08/22/1997
Diocese: Diocese of Providence RI

From Ireland. Full name John Gerard Brendan Smyth. Worked in RI, ND and MA in the US. Likely abused over 50 boys and girls, in Ireland and the US. Sentenced to four years in jail in Ireland in 1995 on 17 counts of assaulting five girls and four boys 1964-1988. Sentenced in 7/1997 to 12 years for abusing 20 boys and girls. Died in prison in 8/1997. Two people sued Smyth's order in 6/2010. Settlements 1998-1999 to three Dublin relatives who sued the Kilmore bishop after finding the Diocese knew Smyth abused children prior to his abusing them. Denied by a court of appeals in 11/2015; appealed in 2/2016. Lawsuit filed in 6/2008 in Providence RI claiming abuse in 1968 of a boy and girl; dismissed due to the statute of limitations. In 9/2016 one of the two filed a complaint with the RI State Ethics Commission against Supreme Court judge Francis X. Flaherty, who oversaw the ruling; Flaherty had not disclosed his leadership role with a Catholic nonprofit. The Commission ruled "probable cause" in 4/2017. Included on the Providence diocese's list of credibly accused 7/1/2019. On the Fargo diocese's list 1/2/2020.

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Fr. James W. Stein

Order: OPraem
Ordained: 1986
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Diocese of Green Bay WI

Pleaded no contest in 1991 to touching a man in a sauna. Charged in 9/2003 with three counts of felony second-degree sexual assault of a boy at Notre Dame Academy in Green Bay. The victim said that in 1988 Stein groped him several times in a swimming pool and hot tub at the Norbertine Abbey. Pleaded no contest in 8/2004. Sentenced to a year in jail (work release) and 10 years' probation in 12/2004. On WI Sex Offender Register 2/5/2012. On Jackson diocese's list 3/19/2019. On St. Norbert Abbey in WI list 7/19/2019. In notes multiple allegations, and that he left the abbey and ministry. Accused by another man of abuse as a boy in 1989, including forced oral sex. The man also alleged abuse by two other Norbertines. The Order agreed in 2009 to provide monthly payments to the man for counseling and medicine. They stopped payment in 5/2019. The man died by suicide at age 45 in 3/2020. Reportedly in 9/2021, Stein was working at a Milwaukee-area restaurant as a dishwasher. Name included in 10/2022 on the Chicago archdiocese's list of credibly accused. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report.

Norbertines / Premonstratensians / Canons Regular of Premontre – OPraem

29 Accused in This Religious Order

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