Father Bernard Dabbene
Archdiocese of San Francisco/Salesians
Ordained: 1966
Died: 2010
Assignment History:
- The late 1950s: Salesian Seminary (Richmond, CA)
- 1966-1968: St. Francis High School (Watsonville, CA)
- 1968-1972: Don Bosco Technical High School (S. San Gabriel/Rosemead, CA)
- 1972-1979: Salesian High School (Richmond, CA)
- 1979-1982: Don Bosco Technical Institute (Rosemead, CA)
- 1983-1984: Salesian Provincial Residence (San Francisco, CA)
- 1984-1985: Salesian Community (Berkeley, CA)
- 1985-1989: St. John Bosco High School (Bellflower, CA)
- 1989-1993: Salesian Provincial Residence (San Francisco, CA)
- 1993-1999: Corpus Christi (San Francisco, CA)
- 1998-2000: Archdiocesan Vicar for Parishes (San Francisco, CA)
- 1999-2000: Cathedral of St. Mary (Assumption) (San Francisco, CA)
- 2000-2010: Salesian Provincial Residence (San Francisco, CA)
Summary of Sexual Abuse Allegations against Father Bernard Dabbene:
In 2000, Fr. Bernard Dabbene was arrested for molesting a 17-year-old boy. Dabbene and the boy were caught by the police in Dabbene’s car in San Francisco, California. Dabbene was placed on leave after his arrest.
According to media reports, both Dabbene and the minor were caught with their pants unzipped. Dabbene was charged with assault with an attempt to commit oral copulation and false imprisonment, annoying or molesting a child, and sexual battery.
According to media reports, Dabbene pleaded guilty to molesting the minor. He was sentenced to 300 hours of community service and 3 years’ probation. He was also ordered to receive counseling, avoid minors, and register as a sex offender.
In 2001, Dabbene was sent to St. John Vianney Center in Philadelphia for six months of sex offender treatment.
In 2002, Dabbene was accused of molesting a 9th-grade boy at Salesian Seminary in Richmond, California in 1959. At the time, Dabbene was a lay brother and teacher at this school.
In addition, reports state that Dabbene was named in a 2003 civil suit which alleged he was part of a ring of child molesters at Salesian High School from 1969-1973.
After Dabben went for treatment, he was later restored to the Salesian community. Dabbene lived at the Salesian provincial headquarters.
In 2019, Dabbene was included on a list of priests in the Oakland Diocese who was named as being credibly accused of child sex abuse.
Dabbene died in 2010.
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