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The following is a list of members of the clergy who served in the Diocese of Biloxi and who were credibly accused of sexual misconduct involving minors during their time here.
It is the policy and praxis of the Diocese of Biloxi to report all allegations, credible or otherwise, to civil authorities. This list does not include allegations prior to the founding of the Diocese of Biloxi in 1977 (the Diocese of Jackson has released that list here). This list below also does not include abuse alleged to have happened outside the Diocese by extern clergy who served here. Finally, no bishops of the Diocese of Biloxi have been credibly accused.
We pray that the release of these names may not be a source of additional pain or suffering to those affected.
We earnestly urge all institutions, public and private, to join us in shining a light of truth on a momentous societal problem. -
Joseph A. Romansky (extern priest)
Position: Extern Priest, Diocese of Cleveland – Arrived in Diocese 11/1988
Years of Ministry in Diocese: 1988 – 1992
Assignments: Parochial Vicar: Our Lady of Fatima, Biloxi (11/10/1988 – 7/28/1992)
Timeframe: Spring 1989
Involving: 9-year-old male
Where: Biloxi, MS
Allegation First Received: 3/16/2022
Civil Authorities: Cleric died before allegation received
Status: Deceased 7/3/2004 -
Vincent D. Dilalla
Position: Diocesan Priest – Arrived in Diocese November 1980
Years of Ministry in Diocese: 1980-1983, 1988-1990
Assignments: Parochial Vicar: St. Alphonsus, Ocean Springs (11/18/1980 – 5/24/1981)
Parochial Vicar: Nativity BVM, Biloxi (5/25/1981 – 6/30/1983)
In New Orleans
Chaplain: Marianites of Holy Cross (beginning 7/1/1983)
Adjunct Assistant Professor: Loyola University (beginning 6/26/1984)
Parochial Vicar: St. Paul Church, Pass Christian (11/25/1988 – 11/2/1990)
Timeframe: Spring 1981
Involving: 12-year-old male
Where: Gulfport, MS
Allegation First Received: 5/13/2021
Civil Authorities: Cleric died before allegation received
Status: Deceased 11/2/1990 -
Jose Vazquez Morales
Position: Diocesan Priest - Ordained 12/5/08
Years of Ministry in Diocese: 2009-2015
Assignments: Parochial Vicar: Immaculate Conception, Laurel (1/10/09 - 7/1/11)
Parochial Vicar: Sacred Heart, Hattiesburg (7/1/11 - 1/15/14)
Pastor, St. Francis Xavier, Wiggins and St. Lucy Mission: Lucedale (1/15/14 - 9/9/15)
Timeframe: September 2015
Involving: Adolescent male
Where: Laurel, MS
Allegation First Received: September 2015
Civil Authorities: Family member reported to Sheriff, Diocese notified District Attorney
Status: Ministry prohibited 2015, loss of clerical state, incarcerated. -
Jerome J. Axton
Position: Diocesan Priest - Ordained 5/28/83
Years of Ministry in Diocese: 1983-1992
Assignments: Parochial Vicar: Nativity BVM Cathedral, Biloxi (6/10/83 - 1/14/88)
Parochial Vicar: St. John, Gulfport (1/14/88 - 4/6/89)
Parochial Vicar: Sacred Heart, Pascagoula (4/6/89 - 4/28/91)
Parochial Vicar: St. Alphonsus, Ocean Springs (4/28/91 - 9/21/92)
Timeframe: 1985-1986
Involving: Adolescent female
Where: Biloxi, MS
Allegation First Received: 1989
Civil Authorities: Diocese notified District Attorney
Status: Ministry prohibited 1992; Deceased 10/13/2020 -
Vincent The Quang Nguyen
Position: Extern Priest Ordained - 6/15/75
Years of Ministry in Diocese: 1986-1989
Assignments: Parochial Vicar: St. Michael, Biloxi
Diocese Vietnamese Apostolate
Timeframe: 1989
Involving: Minor/adolescent females
Where: Biloxi, MS
Allegation First Received: 1989
Civil Authorities: Parents reported to Biloxi Police, District Attorney and Diocese corresponded
Status: Ministry prohibited in Diocese of Biloxi 1989