Father Armand Ventre

Armand Ventre Catholic Priest Diocese of Providence

Ordained: 1957

Status: Acquitted / Credibly Accused

Deceased: 1999

Assignment History

1957: St. Jude Church (Lincoln, RI)
1957-1958: Our Lady of Providence Seminary (Warwick, RI)
1957-1958: St. Joseph Church (Pascoag, RI)
1958-1959: St. Patrick Church (Harrisville, RI)
1959-1972: Mount Saint Charles Academy (Woonsocket, RI)
1972-1983: Director, Cursillo Movement, Diocese of Providence (Providence, RI)
1972-1974: St. Luke Church (Barrington, RI)
1974-1977: St. Raphael Academy (Pawtucket, RI)
1974-1980: St. Teresa of the Child Jesus Church (Pawtucket, RI)
1980-1985: Our Lady of Good Help Church (Mapleville/Burrillville, RI)
1986-1987: Continuing Education in Spirituality Program (Providence, RI)
1987: Veterans’ Administration Medical Center (Providence, RI)
1987-1999: Our Lady of Fatima Unit, St. Joseph Hospital (North Providence, RI)

Summary of Sexual Abuse Allegations Against Father Armand Ventre

Father Armand Ventre was ordained a priest in 1957 and served in the Diocese of Providence in Rhode Island for more than four decades. He served in numerous parish, school, youth, and hospital roles, including Mount Saint Charles Academy, St. Raphael Academy, Our Lady of Good Help Church, and St. Joseph Hospital.

According to the Diocese of Providence list of credibly accused clergy, Ventre was identified as credibly accused of sexual abuse of a minor. He was also included on the Rhode Island Attorney General’s list of credibly accused clergy in Appendix A of the Attorney General’s 2026 report on child sexual abuse in the Diocese of Providence.

According to BishopAccountability.org, Ventre was removed from ministry in 1985 following allegations of sexual abuse. He later died on December 27, 1999.

Allegations Against Father Armand Ventre

According to the Rhode Island Attorney General’s 2026 report, Ventre was the subject of allegations involving the sexual abuse of six boys and one mentally disabled man.

The allegations involved children and vulnerable individuals who came into contact with Ventre through his parish, school, youth, and hospital assignments.

One allegation involved a 13-year-old student at St. Raphael Academy in Pawtucket in 1977. The individual alleged that Ventre invited him to a lake house, where the abuse occurred.

According to media reports, in 1985, Ventre was indicted on charges involving allegations that he sexually abused two altar boys and one mentally disabled youth between 1981 and 1984.

In 2007, another man reported allegations involving abuse that occurred while he was a child. He later received an arbitration award from the Diocese of Providence.

Criminal Case Against Father Armand Ventre

Ventre pleaded not guilty to the 1985 criminal charges involving three alleged victims.

In 1986, charges involving two altar boys were dismissed, and a judge found Ventre not guilty in a non-jury trial involving the third alleged victim. The criminal acquittal did not prevent later allegations from being considered in diocesan reviews, civil claims, or public disclosures.

After the criminal proceedings, Ventre was sent to a continuing education in spirituality program in South Bend, Indiana, before returning to ministry in Rhode Island.

Diocese of Providence Response to Father Armand Ventre Allegations

According to the Rhode Island Attorney General’s 2026 report, concerns about Ventre’s conduct continued after his criminal case.

In 1987, Ventre was accused of inappropriate behavior involving a mentally disabled 24-year-old man living in a group home. The Diocese referred him to St. Luke Institute in Maryland for evaluation.

According to BishopAccountability.org, the evaluation reportedly determined that there was a high likelihood Ventre would engage in inappropriate behavior in the future. Despite this concern, he remained in ministry.

In 1988, concerns were again raised after a hospital chaplain reported that Ventre was spending excessive time with and giving gifts to a 14-year-old patient. Ventre was reprimanded but remained in ministry until his retirement in 1999.

Father Armand Ventre and Institutional Failures

Ventre’s case reflects concerns raised in the Rhode Island Attorney General’s 2026 report regarding the Diocese of Providence’s handling of allegations against clergy.

Despite multiple allegations and concerns involving his interactions with children and vulnerable individuals, Ventre continued serving in positions that provided access to those populations.

His case illustrates the broader issues identified by the Attorney General, including failures to remove accused clergy, reliance on treatment rather than removal from ministry, and inadequate oversight.

Frequently Asked Questions About Father Armand Ventre

Can I sue for sexual abuse by a priest in Rhode Island?

Rhode Island’s new two-year revival window, beginning July 1, 2026, allows survivors of child sexual abuse to file claims that were previously blocked by the statute of limitations. You can bring a claim during this two-year window regardless of how long ago the abuse occurred. Because there is a deadline to file your claim, survivors should speak with an attorney as soon as possible.

How long do I have to sue for sexual abuse in Rhode Island?

Rhode Island’s new law creates a two-year window for certain older child sexual abuse claims beginning July 1, 2026. Claims must be filed by June 30, 2028. Survivors should not wait, because it may be necessary to gather relevant documents, investigate the claim, and determine the appropriate parties to sue.

Can the Diocese of Providence be sued for my sexual abuse by a priest?

Possibly. Survivors may have claims against the Diocese of Providence or another Catholic institution, including parishes, schools, treatment programs, or youth-serving institutions, if there is evidence that the institution knew or should have known about the risk of abuse and failed to protect children. Horowitz Law attorneys can review the facts of your case and explain your legal options.

Was Father Armand Ventre listed as credibly accused by the Diocese of Providence?

Yes. Father Armand Ventre was included on the Diocese of Providence list of clergy who have been credibly accused of sexual abuse of a minor and was also included in the Rhode Island Attorney General’s 2026 report on child sexual abuse in the Diocese of Providence.

Rhode Island Clergy Sexual Abuse Lawsuits

Rhode Island’s new law creates a two-year revival window, beginning July 1, 2026, for certain older child sexual abuse claims. Horowitz Law is bringing these lawsuits in Rhode Island and has collected evidence of the Diocese of Providence’s negligence. The revival window allows survivors of clergy sexual abuse to pursue claims that were previously blocked by the statute of limitations. Filing deadlines will apply, so survivors should speak with an attorney as soon as possible.

Horowitz Law Is Here to Help

Horowitz Law is a law firm representing victims and survivors of sexual abuse by Catholic priests and other clergy connected to the Diocese of Providence in Rhode Island. If you need a lawyer because you were sexually abused by a priest or clergy member in Rhode Island, contact our office today. Although many years have passed, those abused by a priest or clergy member in Rhode Island may have legal options due to Rhode Island’s new two-year revival window for certain child sexual abuse claims, but filing deadlines will apply, so do not delay in reaching out to us.

Father Armand Ventre – Diocese of Providence