Key Takeaways
- According to the Rhode Island Attorney General’s 2026 Report, Father Oscar Ferland allegedly sexually abused multiple children between 1964 and 1991.
- The allegations involved incidents at St. Michael’s Church in Providence, St. Luke’s Church and School in Barrington, and St. Joseph Church in Hope Valley.
- Rhode Island’s childhood sexual abuse revival window may provide legal options for survivors seeking accountability from institutions that enabled abuse.
Who Was Father Oscar Ferland?
Father Oscar Ferland was a priest of the Diocese of Providence who served in Rhode Island for around five decades.
Born on March 16, 1918, Ferland was ordained on December 23, 1944. His assignments included St. Michael Church in Providence, Christ the King Church in Kingston, and St. Luke Church in Barrington, where he served until his retirement in 1991.
Ferland died on July 8, 1998. He was publicly identified in the Rhode Island Attorney General’s 2026 Report on Child Sexual Abuse in the Diocese of Providence and the Diocese of Providence’s List of Credibly Accused Clergy.
Father Oscar Ferland Assignment History
According to the AG’s Report, known assignments of Father Oscar Ferland include:
- St. Patrick Church, Harrisville (1945–1953)
- St. Brendan Church, Riverside (1953–1956)
- St. Michael Church, Providence (1956–1967)
- Christ the King Church, Kingston (1967–1972)
- University of Rhode Island, Kingston (1968–1972)
- St. Luke Church, Barrington (1972–1991)
- Retired (1991)
- Part-time ministry at various Rhode Island parishes after retirement, including St. Joseph’s in Hope Valley, St. Bernard’s in Wickford, and St. Aidan’s in Cumberland, (1991-Death in 1998)
Summary of Allegations Against Father Oscar Ferland
Father Oscar Ferland was publicly identified in the Rhode Island Attorney General’s 2026 Report as the subject of allegations involving the sexual abuse of multiple children.
According to the Report, Ferland allegedly sexually abused several young girls and a boy between 1964 and 1991. The allegations involved conduct at St. Michael Church in Providence, St. Luke’s Church and School in Barrington, St. Joseph Church in Hope Valley, and a private swimming pool.
“The reported incidents range from inappropriate staring and physically touching children without their consent, to sexual assault of a young boy. At least twice during Ferland’s lifetime, a complainant or witness brought complaints about Ferland to Diocesan personnel–including with Father (and later Auxiliary Bishop) Robert McManus–but those complaints do not appear to have been documented or acted upon by the Diocese.” (Appendix A)
Although the documented allegations against Ferland were reported after his death, the Attorney General’s investigation found evidence suggesting that diocesan officials “had at least some indication of possible misconduct” as early as the 1980s, while he was serving at St. Luke’s School.
One alleged victim’s father reportedly confronted Ferland about rumors of him touching young girls. According to the Report, rather than denying the allegations, Ferland responded, “‘I was thinking of retiring and now I think I’m going to retire.’”
For more details on the allegations and Diocesan response, please review Appendix A of the Attorney General’s Report.
Abuse of Religious Authority
The Attorney General’s Report contains allegations that Ferland used his position as a priest to manipulate children.
One complainant alleged that after raping him, Ferland told him that the abuse was the “‘right thing to do’ to get closer to God” and later warned him not to tell anyone because it would affect his relationship with God.
Another complainant reported that the alleged abuse had a lasting impact on her life and faith, causing her to “question how God could send a ‘Man of God’” to commit such acts.
These allegations illustrate how religious authority can be used to groom children, normalize abusive conduct, and discourage disclosure. When abuse is committed by a trusted religious leader, survivors can experience not only emotional and psychological harm, but also lasting damage to their faith, and sense of safety.
Were You Abused by Father Oscar Ferland? You May Have Legal Options
Rhode Island’s child sexual abuse revival window has created an opportunity for survivors to pursue civil claims that may have previously been barred by the statute of limitations.
Survivors may have civil legal options against any institutions that supervised Father Ferland.
At Andreozzi + Foote, we represent survivors of clergy sexual abuse across the nation. Our team takes a trauma-informed approach to every case, ensuring survivors are heard, supported, and empowered throughout the legal process.
If you were abused by Father Oscar Ferland or another clergy member, we encourage you to contact us today to learn about your legal options.
Every consultation is free and completely confidential.
