Father John H. Flanagan

John H. Flanagan Catholic Priest Diocese of Providence

Ordained: 1933

Status: Accused

Deceased: 1973

Assignment History

Summer 1934: Camp Yawgoog Boy Scout Camp (Hopkinton, RI)
1935-1937: St. Edward Church (Pawtucket, RI)
1937-1942: Diocese Chancery Office (Providence, RI)
1942-1943: Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul (Providence, RI)
February 1943: St. Bernard Church (Wickford, RI)
1943-1944: St. Agnes Church (Providence, RI)
1944-1946: St. Mary Church (Providence, RI)
1946: St. Francis House (Hillsgrove, RI)
1946-1947: Sacred Heart Church (East Providence, RI)
1947-1951: Sick Leave
1951-1953: Sacred Heart Church (Pawtucket, RI)
1953-1961: St. Ann Church (Cranston, RI)
1961-1962: St. Joseph Church (Pascoag, RI)
1962-1963: Via Coeli Monastery (Jemez Springs, NM)
1963-1968: St. Patrick Church (Cumberland, RI)
1968-1970: Stella Maris Home (Newport, RI)
1970: Retired

Summary of Sexual Abuse Allegations Against Father John H. Flanagan

Father John H. Flanagan was ordained a priest in 1933 and served in the Diocese of Providence in Rhode Island for nearly four decades. According to the Rhode Island Attorney General’s list of credibly accused clergy, Flanagan has been identified as credibly accused of child sexual misconduct. He served at several Rhode Island parishes and institutions, including St. Edward Church in Pawtucket, St. Ann Church in Cranston, St. Joseph Church in Pascoag, and St. Patrick Church in Cumberland.

According to BishopAccountability.org, Flanagan was publicly named as accused in the Rhode Island Attorney General’s 2026 report on child sexual abuse in the Diocese of Providence. Flanagan died on March 7, 1973.

Allegations Against Father John H. Flanagan at St. Patrick Church

According to the Rhode Island Attorney General’s 2026 report, a woman reported to the Diocese in 2016 that Flanagan sexually abused her for years beginning in 1963, when she was approximately six years old and Flanagan had recently been assigned to St. Patrick Church in Cumberland.

The complainant alleged that Flanagan became close with her family and sometimes took her on car rides while running errands for her mother. She reported that Flanagan sexually abused her during those outings and at other locations, including on church grounds and near the confessional at St. Patrick Church.

According to the Rhode Island Attorney General’s report, the alleged abuse occurred several times per week and continued until the complainant was approximately 13 years old. Flanagan allegedly told her not to tell anyone because it was “their secret” and reportedly bought her gifts.

Flanagan’s Stay at Via Coeli Monastery

According to the Rhode Island Attorney General’s report, Flanagan was assigned to St. Patrick Church in March 1963 after a 13-month stay at Via Coeli Monastery in Jemez Springs, New Mexico, a facility operated by the Servants of the Paraclete. The report states that the Diocese did not produce records documenting the reason for Flanagan’s stay at Via Coeli.

Flanagan died in 1973, before the allegation was reported to the Diocese. The matter was referred to Rhode Island State Police, but no criminal prosecution could proceed because Flanagan was deceased.

Fr. Flanagan was included on the Rhode Island Attorney General’s list of credibly accused clergy and in the Attorney General’s 2026 report on child sexual abuse in the Diocese of Providence.

Frequently Asked Questions About Father John H. Flanagan

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 and schools, 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 John H. Flanagan listed as credibly accused by the Diocese of Providence?

Based on the available source information, no. Father John H. Flanagan was included on the Rhode Island Attorney General’s list of credibly accused clergy and in the Attorney General’s 2026 report on child sexual abuse in the Diocese of Providence, but he does not appear to be included on the Diocese of Providence list of clergy who have been credibly accused of sexual abuse of a minor.

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 in the Diocese of Providence. 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 Catholic clergy in the Diocese of Providence 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 John H. Flanagan – Diocese of Providence