Father Francis Patrick Donohoe
Diocese of Alexandria
Incardinated: approximately 1942
Removed: 1966
Death: 1983
Assignment History:
- Sacred Heart Church (Pineville, LA)
- Joseph's Home (Pineville, LA)
- Matthew's Catholic Church (Monroe, LA)
- Holy Rosary Catholic Church (Caddo Heights, LA)
Summary of Sexual Abuse Allegations against Father Francis Patrick Donohoe
In February 2019, the Diocese of Alexandria publicly identified Fr. Francis Patrick Donohoe in its list of clergy credibly accused of sexual abuse against a minor. According to the report, Fr. Donohoe's file contained multiple allegations of sexual abuse of male minors dating back to the 1960s. The report also states Fr. Donohoe was forced to resign as pastor in 1966 and was subsequently removed from active ministry.
The Permanent Review Board-which determines the credibility of allegations of sex abuse brought against clerical members-reviewed the evidence in Fr. Donohoe's file and determined the allegations were credible. Further information about the nature of the abuse is not publicly available.
Summary of Father Francis Patrick Donohoe's Assignment History
Fr. Francis Patrick Donohoe, a former Capuchin friar, was incardinated into the Diocese of Alexandria and served as pastor for several churches in the Alexandria and Shreveport areas. According to news reports, from 1938-1939, Fr. Donohoe was chaplain at St. Joseph's Home in Pineville while tending Catholic missions at Deville and Rochelle.
In a news article published by The Town Talk in November 1952, it was revealed that Fr. Donohoe was also a chaplain in the U.S. Navy from 1942-1946. After his service concluded, Fr. Donohoe was assigned to Sacred Heart Church in Pineville and started a mission church in Tioga-which was dedicated on December 7, 1952.
During the early 1950s, sources say Fr. Donohoe moved to Monroe to serve as assistant pastor at St. Matthew's Catholic Church. Sources also state Fr. Donohoe served as a director of the Catholic Orphanage in Pineville. Then, in 1952, Fr. Donohoe came to Shreveport to start the Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Caddo Heights.
In an article published by the Shreveport Journal in August 1957, Fr. Donohoe announced that Holy Rosary Catholic church was hosting a Teen Week program that gathered youth from ages of 15-20 for talks and benediction. While the program was arranged for the youth of the Holy Rosary Parish, teenagers from surrounding areas were welcome to join, according to Fr. Donohoe.
It is unclear exactly when Fr. Francis Patrick Donohoe was ordained, and his whereabouts after his removal from ministry in 1966 is unknown. Fr. Donohoe died July 11, 1983.
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