Reverend Martin Ignatius Kalahar: Clergy Sexual Predator Profile

Father Martin Ignatius Kalahar was born on September 21, 1891, and ordained by the Diocese of Grand Rapids in 1916. Afterward, here worked as an assistant priest at these two Michigan parishes:

• St. Andrews Cathedral, Grand Rapids, MI (1916-1917).
• St. Mary Parish, Muskegon, MI (1917- 1918).

By 1918, Father Kalahar moved up to full pastor and was responsible for the following congregations:

• Montague Missions, Montague, MI (1918-1919).
• St. Frances Alverno Parish, Cheboygan, MI (1919-1923).
• St. Charles Parish, Greenville, MI (1923-1929).
• Mercy Hospital, Muskegon, MI; chaplain (1929-1931).
• St. Vincent Orphanage, MI; chaplain (1931-1939).
• St. Mary Parish, Hemlock, MI (1939-1951).
• St. Bernard Parish, Alpena, MI (1951-1961).
• Sacred Heart Parish, Birch Run, MI (1961-1966).

Father Kalahar retired from the priesthood on February 1, 1966, and died two months later, on April 13, 1966. 

In 2019, the Diocese of Saginaw publicly accused him posthumously of sexual abuse and included his name on a list of clergy members credibly accused of sexual abuse against minors.

At Sommers Schwartz, our personal injury attorneys Lisa Esser-Weidenfeller, Matthew Curtis, and Jay Yasso are dedicated to helping sexual abuse survivors. Together, we’ve recovered millions from high-profile predators such as Dr. Larry Nassar—Michigan State University and USAG team physician—and Dr. Robert Anderson, who sexually abused students, athletes, and other patients for over thirty-five years at the University of Michigan. We want to do the same for you.

If you were sexually abused by Father Kalahar or another ecclesiastical leader, contact Sommers Schwartz for your free consultation, and let our team pursue your case with the compassion, empathy, and sensitivity your story deserves.