Father Bernard Splawski
Diocese of Buffalo (Franciscan)
Ordained: 1963
Assigned As Follows:
- 1969-1986: Bishop Timon High School (South Buffalo, NY)
- 1998-2003: St. Joseph’s Catholic Church (West Milford, NJ)
Summary of Sexual Abuse Allegations Against Father Bernard Splawski:
According to media reports, in 1986, accusations of fondling an 18-year-old male student were made against Father Bernard Splawski. The incident allegedly took place at Bishop Timon High School in South Buffalo where Father Splawski taught for almost 17 years. After the allegations came out, the Diocese of Buffalo sent him to in-patient treatment for six months in St. Louis, as well as for two years of outpatient after-care and supervision.
Following treatment, Father Splawski was moved to the Paterson Diocese in New Jersey. In 2003, he resigned as pastor of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Milfrord, amidst renewed complaints from the family of the former Timon student.
In November of 2018, the Buffalo Diocese released an updated list of accused priests with credible accusations of sex abuse of minors against them. Father Splawski was added to the list, but still remains a Franciscan Brother.
In October 2021, the Holy Name Province published a list of Franciscan friars with substantiated child sexual abuse and misconduct claims following a review of its files by an advisory firm. Bernard Splawski was one of 23 the friars named.
He currently lives in a friary doing “internal work” in an unknown location.
Horowitz Law is a law firm representing victims of sexual abuse in the Diocese of Buffalo and throughout New York. The Diocese of Buffalo filed for federal bankruptcy protection in February 2020. Anyone sexually abused by a priest or employee of the Diocese of Buffalo may be entitled to file a claim against the Diocese in these bankruptcy proceedings, but very strict filing deadlines apply. Most victims of abuse in the Diocese of Buffalo will never be able to take action against the Diocese of Buffalo if they miss this bankruptcy filing deadline, so it is important that you contact us immediately to discuss your potential case.
Contact us at 888-283-9922 or [email protected] to discuss your legal options today.