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Brother John E. Fowler was a member of the Stigmatine religious order. He joined the order in September 1948, made his first vows in 1950, and his final vows in 1956. From 1957 to 1965, Fowler served as both assistant infirmarian and secretary to the provincial, based in Waltham and Springfield, Massachusetts. He later became administrator of the Waltham retirement residence. Fowler died on October 8, 2000.
In 2002, his name was turned over to authorities for investigation of possible sexual abuse charges. A July 2004 news report documented that a man had filed a civil lawsuit against both the Boston Archdiocese and the Albany Diocese, alleging that Fowler had sexually abused him while he attended Elm Bank Minor Seminary in Wellesley Hills, Massachusetts. The same lawsuit alleged additional abuse by a priest in the Albany Diocese when the survivor was an adult.
The case also brought to light a troubling pattern of institutional retaliation. When the survivor told another priest about the sexual abuse, that priest attempted to have the sexual abusers held accountable. In response, order superiors transferred that priest at least twice as a consequence of speaking out — rather than addressing the sexual abuse he had reported.
In a pattern documented by the Boston Globe, Cardinal O’Malley’s 2011 official list of accused clergy excluded the names of approximately 70 religious orders and visiting clerics. Fowler’s name was among those omitted.
With decades of dedicated advocacy, we have held abusers and institutions accountable, helping survivors secure justice and the resources to move forward.
For over two decades, we have focused solely on advocating for survivors, combining legal skill with compassion to guide them toward justice and healing.
We are honored to have guided thousands of survivors through the legal process, offering support, advocacy, and the resources they need to reclaim their lives.
Survivors who were abused by Brother John E. Fowler may have civil claims against the Stigmatine order and the Archdiocese of Boston based on their respective roles in his supervision and placement. The retaliation documented in the 2004 lawsuit — the transfer of a priest who raised sexual abuse concerns at least twice — is directly relevant to civil claims about what the Archdiocese and the Stigmatine order knew and how they responded. Civil litigation may compel both institutions to produce internal records and communications related to Fowler’s assignments, the complaint that was made, and those transfers.
Fowler’s omission from the 2011 Archdiocesan database does not foreclose potential civil claims against either the Stigmatine order or the Archdiocese based on their roles in his supervision and placement.
Institutions that may have allowed harm to continue can be held accountable through civil litigation. Civil claims may allow sexual abuse survivors to seek financial recovery for therapy, medical care, and emotional trauma. We encourage survivors and their families to contact us to discuss their specific situation.
Every survivor deserves compassion and acknowledgment. This video explains how civil law empowers individuals harmed by clergy abuse to pursue accountability and closure. Justice extends beyond courtrooms; it allows survivors to reclaim their voice and aids them on their healing journey. Survivors across Massachusetts continue proving that truth carries strength and healing begins with being heard.
Our experienced and compassionate team of attorneys, investigators, paralegals, and support staff have extensive training in working with sexual abuse victims.
These cases are complex; however, our team are experts in these types of cases and will diligently ensure our clients are compensated for full and fair value. We always do our best to help our clients heal by giving them a voice
and helping them seek a measure of justice.
Massachusetts Disclaimer:Herman Law has a multistate practice representing victims of sexual abuse in civil cases. A Herman Law attorney is licensed to practice law in Massachusetts. Each case is different, and results in prior cases do not assure a similar outcome in future cases. If there is no recovery, no fees or expenses will be charged. Attorney Advertising by Jenny Rossman.
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