In an interview released March 22, 2002, Bishop Mulvee claims his predecessor, Bishop Louis E. Gelineau:

"did not have knowledge about priests molesting children and didn't transfer those priests to other parishes where they could sexually assault more children." The Providence Journal March 22, 2002.

Bishop Mulvee tells us this because he "asked Bishop Gelineau."

Mulvee goes on to claim that the Providence cases are unlike those in Boston, because here, he suggests, the bishops:

"did not have knowledge about priests molesting children and didn't transfer those priests to other parishes where they could sexually assault more children." Id.>

Bishop Mulvee may want to look to some sources of information other than Bishop Gelineau.

In the late 60's Providence Psychiatrist Dr. Domenic L. Coppolino, MD, wrote to then Chancellor of the Diocese of Providence Reilly (now Bishop of Worcester) about Father Robert Marcantonio. He warned that Marcantonio had been involved homosexually with a number of youngsters between the ages of 12 and 14. At least 3 plaintiffs have claims arising out of molestation that occured after this warning. If the Bishop would like to review this, portions of the letter are set forth in the pending civil complaint.

The letter itself was sealed along with the rest of the file in the Iowa lawsuit of Perrin v. Gelineau, et. al., which the Diocese settled in the early 1990's. Bishop Mulvee should ask Bishop Gelineau for the letter and release it to the public so that we can judge for ourselves what Bishop Gelineau knew.

When Father Edward E. Eperling advised Gelineau in 1981 of Father Silva’s abuse of a young boy, Gelineau responded:

“Oh No, Not Again.”

The accompanying affidavit is produced in full.

Gelineau had been informed of abuse by Silva in the 70’s by Rita Condin. Shortly thereafter, Silva was reassigned to St. Joseph's parish, Burrillville. At St. Joseph's from 1977 - 1980, Silva again sexually molested at least 4 other boys (ages approx. 13 - 16) active as altar boys or in CYO or Catholic scouting activities, including David Genereux a plaintiff.

Parents then met with Gelineau in 1978, and again informed him that Silva was engaged in sexual conduct with children. Gelineau took notes at the meeting, and assured them he would address the problem and protect children from further sexually inappropriate contact with Silva. The affidavits of these parents are attached.

In the spring of 1980, Gelineau transferred Silva to St. Lucy's parish, Middletown. At St. Lucy's, Silva again sexually assaulted at least 3 other young boys (ages 10 - 11), including John Cunningham, a plaintiff. It was this third report of abuse by Silva that gave rise to Father Eperling’s complaint and demand that Gelineau remove Silva.

Is Mulvee unaware of the affidavit of Thomas Moriarity where he speaks of his rebuked efforts to speak with Bishop McVinney in the 1960's about Dunn's conduct, and his conversations with Bishop Reilly of Hartford, (then Mgsr. Reilly of Rhode Island,) where he informed Bishop Reilly that Dunn had molested his daughter? Bishop Reilly responded that this was a standing problem with Dunn. How then, could this not have been know to his predecessors? (Content provided by co-counsel Attorney Carl Deluca)

Depositions of Louis E. Gelineau, Bishop of Providence

Defendants have repeatedly sought stays in federal and state court litigation relating to clerical child sexual abuse. Notwithstanding, Louis E. Gelineau, then Bishop of Providence was questioned on April 2, April 11, and April 16, 1997, by Susan McGuirl, (formerly an Assistant Attorney General for the State of Rhode Island, lead counsel for two plaintiffs in Federal Court), and Mr. Conlon, on behalf of plaintiff Kenneth Smith. Each of these transcripts is available on-line.

NOTE: Bishop Gelineau and his counsel repeatedly asserted "first amendment" privileges as a basis for refusal to answer questions regarding clerical misconduct and the Church's response to same. Accordingly, questioning of the Bishop was suspended pending rulings on these objections. Plaintiffs anticipate pressing these first amendment claims at further depositions in the state court matters.

Deposition of Daniel P. Reilly, Bishop of Worchester

Rielly served as "administrator" of the Diocese of Providence during the period between the death of former Bishop McVinney, and the succession of McVinney by Gelineau. Reilly confirms receiving a report from an individual regarding misconduct by one priest, but refused to provide additional information.