Father Adelbert “Del” Holmes
Diocese of Charlotte/Little Rock/Richmond/Glenmary Home Missioners
Ordained: 1963
Removed: 1991
Died: 2013
Assignment History:
- Immaculate Conception Catholic Mission (Hayesville, NC.)
- St. William Catholic Church (Murphy, NC)
Summary of Sexual Abuse Allegations Against Father Adelbert Holmes:
Father Adelbert Holmes was ordained a priest in 1963 and served in the Diocese of Charlotte. According to media reports, the Glenmary Home Missioners, a Catholic society of priests and brothers located in Cincinnati, released a list of 11 members of the Order who it says have been credibly accused of sexual abuse. The list included five men who formerly served under the Charlotte Diocese, including Father Adelbert “Del” Holmes.
Glenmary President Father Dan Dorsey stated in a letter, “Glenmary has become painfully aware that in the past we have failed to protect minors and vulnerable adults,” Dorsey said. “In addition, we have realized how often our response to victims has been inadequate. We deeply regret these failures. We continue to seek your forgiveness for our mistakes. We are committed to healing and justice for all those involved.”
In November 2019, the Glenmary Home Missioners told the Charlotte Diocese that Father Holmes had been accused of abusing three minors in 1976 while serving St. William Catholic Church in Murphy. The society said Father Holmes admitted the North Carolina allegations. The Order also said that it has substantiated allegations of abuse by the priest in Kentucky and Virginia as well, according to a news report.
According to the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Holmes committed an act of substantiated misconduct while assigned there, but no additional information has been provided to the public.
Father Holmes was removed from ministry in 1991 and died in 2013, according to media reports.
Horowitz Law is a law firm representing victims and survivors of sexual abuse by Catholic priests and other clergy in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte. If you need a lawyer because you were sexually abused by a priest in North Carolina, contact our office today. Although many years have passed, those abused by Catholic clergy in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte now have legal options to recover damages due to a change in North Carolina law. Contact us at 888-283-9922. Email us at [email protected].