Fr. Vincent Silvestri: Accused of Sexual Misconduct

Fr. Vincent Silvestri

Assignments: 

  • 1964 – 1967: St. Sylvester Parish, South Milwaukee, WI
  • 1967 – 1981: De Sales High School, St. Francis, WI
  • 1981 – 1983: St. Matthias Parish, Milwaukee, WI
  • 1983 – 1993: St. Dominic Parish, Brookfield, WI

Vincent Silvestri Documents  |  Vincent Silvestri Timeline

On June 20, 1989, after having been a diocesan priest for 25 years, Silvestri called the vicar for clergy to report allegations of sexual abuse that had been made against him, although he denied involvement with either of the individuals making them.

In 1993, Silverstri retired from ministry after suffering a stroke. The following year, on February 4, 1994, Archbishop Weakland and Bishop Sklba met with an unknown victim to discuss alleged abuse by Silvestri from the late 1960s and 1970s. Bishop Sklba agreed to ensure that the allegation of sexual misconduct be placed in Silvestri’s formal file, and that he be appropriately restricted in his public ministry.

Later that spring, on April 2, 1994, Bishop Sklba and Silvestri met with parents of an unknown victim to discuss alleged abuse by Silvestri. The victim sought to clarify whether his negotiated settlement would permit him to share the name of the priest involved, and he also sought a letter of apology from the archdiocese.

Subsequently, on February 17, 1995, an individual reported to the archdiocese by telephone, alleged repeated abuse by Silvestri, including attempts to seduce him and unwanted kisses, which took place during the period of 1976-77 or earlier as part of the St. Francis Seminary College Program.

On May 25, 1995, Archbishop Weakland issued a letter to Silvestri restricting his ministry due to the allegations of abuse made against him. Subsequently, in October, 1996, the archdiocese encouraged Silvestri to apply for a part-time campus minister position at Mount Mary College.

Silvestri died on July 17, 2000.

Pastoral Assignment Gathered From The Archdiocese of Milwaukee