ST. BONAVENTURE, N.Y., April 11, 2019 — St. Bonaventure University officials said, according to its records, no instances of abuse had ever been reported against Fr. Gervase White, O.F.M., during his 47 years as an administrator and teacher at the university.
University officials also have discovered no reports of abuse filed against Fr. Cairnan Haggerty, O.F.M., who served as a campus minister at SBU from September 1983 to May 1985.
Their names were listed on a report published Wednesday night by WKBW-TV. The report listed additional names of clergy who had allegations of abuse made against them while working in the Diocese of Buffalo.
Fr. Gervase died in 2002. Fr. Cairnan died in 1991.
“Officials at Holy Name Province have informed us that the abuse allegations against Fr. Gervase and Fr. Cairnan are being investigated. Until we know with certainty if these allegations are credible, we believe it’s not appropriate to comment further on the cases at this time,” said Dr. Dennis R. DePerro, university president.
“That said, St. Bonaventure University remains steadfastly committed to zero tolerance for any form of sexual abuse or harassment — from students, faculty, staff or friars — and we will provide any support service necessary to those who have been victimized.”