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1 800 686 9921
Father Angelo Michael Guarin was a member of the Franciscan Friars of the Immaculate (FFI) who served at Our Lady’s Chapel in New Bedford, Massachusetts, exercising public ministry under the authority of the Diocese of Fall River. In January 2021, the Diocese publicly named Guarin on its list of credibly accused clergy, following an evaluation of allegations of sexual abuse of a minor that met the diocese’s stated threshold for credibility.
At the time of public disclosure, Guarin had been assigned to Our Lady’s Chapel in New Bedford. The Diocese revoked his faculties, barring him from exercising ministerial duties. His inclusion on the diocesan list reflects a formal determination by Church authorities that the allegations against him warranted public disclosure.
This disclosure ensures that survivors and affected communities are informed about the allegations and that Guarin’s access to ministry has been restricted. For those who experienced harm, the Diocese’s public acknowledgment of these allegations may represent a meaningful step — but it does not foreclose the possibility of seeking further accountability through the civil legal system.
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 of sexual abuse by Father Angelo Michael Guarin may have the right to pursue civil legal action, depending on applicable statutes of limitations and individual circumstances. Civil claims are independent of Church determinations and may provide survivors with legal recognition of their experiences while seeking accountability from relevant institutions.
Because Guarin served as a member of a religious order exercising ministry within the diocese, potential litigation may examine the supervisory responsibilities of both the Diocese of Fall River and the Franciscan Friars of the Immaculate — including how each institution responded to complaints, supervised clergy with access to minors, and addressed risk. Courts evaluate whether reasonable steps were taken to prevent harm and whether prior concerns were appropriately addressed.
Civil actions may provide financial compensation to support counseling, medical care, and long-term recovery. Pursuing justice through civil courts can affirm that the harm survivors experienced was real and deserving of accountability. Each survivor who comes forward contributes to a broader record of institutional accountability — one that helps protect future generations within faith communities.
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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