Key Takeaways
- Monsignor John Allard allegedly sexually abused a minor on multiple occasions between approximately 1981 and 1983.
- After determining that the allegation was credible, the Diocese of Providence removed Allard from ministry in 2013.
- Allard died in 2018 and was later identified in the Rhode Island Attorney General’s 2026 report on clergy sexual abuse.
Monsignor John Allard is among the clergy identified as credibly accused of child sexual misconduct in the Rhode Island Attorney General’s 2026 Report on Credibly Accused Clergy in the Diocese of Providence.
Who Was Monsignor John Allard?
Born on July 7, 1949, John Allard was ordained as a priest on September 19, 1975. During his ministry, he served in several Rhode Island parishes and held leadership positions within the Diocese’s youth ministry programs.
According to the Rhode Island Attorney General’s 2026 Report, a man reported in 2013 that Monsignor John Allard sexually abused him on numerous occasions between approximately 1981 and 1983, beginning when he was about 15 years old.
According to the report in Appendix A, “after the complainant asked Allard to be his confirmation sponsor, Allard invited the boy to his bed, where he stripped him naked and sexually assaulted him. The next morning Allard told the boy what they had done was a sin, and that week Allard drove the boy to confession in Providence. Similar abuse occurred over the next year or two, while the boy was between the ages of 15 and 17 years old, at Immaculate Conception, Allard’s home in Chepachet, and at least once in the complainant’s home.”
After the allegation was reported, the Diocese referred the matter to law enforcement. State police determined that criminal charges could not be pursued because the statute of limitations had expired.
During the Diocese’s investigation, Allard admitted that the allegations were true “and said there were 20-25 instances of abuse.” He claimed that “he never raped [the victim or anything like that. It was more fondling, touching kind of thing.”
Monsignor John Allard’s Assignments
Monsignor John Allard served in the following assignments:
- St. Cecilia Church, Pawtucket (1974–1975)
- Immaculate Conception Church, Cranston (1975–1984)
- Providence South Catholic Youth Organization (CYO) Center, Providence (1977–1982)
- St. Aloysius Church, Woonsocket (1984–1986)
- Diocesan Office of Youth Ministry, Providence (1984–1996)
- Our Lady of Good Help Church, Burrillville (1986–1996)
- Diocesan Office of Evangelization & Spirituality, Providence (1986–2001)
- St. Agatha Church, Woonsocket (1996–2013)
- Precious Blood Church, Woonsocket (1996–2013)
- Father Marot CYO Center, Woonsocket (2006–2013)
What Happened to Monsignor John Allard?
After Allard admitted the abuse, the Diocese’s Review Board determined that the allegation was credible. According to the report, “Bishop Tobin placed Allard on administrative leave, prohibited him from saying Mass and performing other sacraments, barred him from appearing publicly in clerical attire, and mandated he vacate Saint Agatha’s rectory in Woonsocket, effective February 25, 2013.”
The Diocese announced to the media the next day that “Allard had ‘taken responsibility for his actions; but also acknowledged that the Diocese had ‘no set program in place to monitor ex-priests who admit to molestation.’”
The Vatican later ordered that Allard be retired from ministry and live a life of prayer and penance.
However, the Rhode Island Attorney General’s report states that Allard returned to St. Agatha Church approximately one year later and worked as a part-time cook in the parish rectory.
Monsignor John Allard died on April 27, 2018. He was later included on the Diocese of Providence’s List of Credibly Accused Clergy and in the Rhode Island Attorney General’s 2026 Report on Credibly Accused Clergy in the Diocese of Providence.
Were You Harmed by Monsignor John Allard?
At Andreozzi + Foote, we focus exclusively on representing survivors of sexual abuse in civil cases against institutions like the Catholic Church.
Even though John Allard has died, survivors may still be able to pursue civil claims against the Diocese of Providence.
If you or a loved one were harmed by John Allard or another clergy member, our trauma-informed attorneys are here to help you pursue your civil legal options and fight for justice.
Contact us today.
📞 (866) 311-8640
📧 info@vca.law
Image sources: Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul in Providence, Rhode Island, © Google, Google Maps. Monsignor John Allard, via Holt Funeral Home.
