Free CASE REVIEWS
1 800 686 9921
Free CASE REVIEWS
1 800 686 9921
Father Armando Andrew Annunziato was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Fall River in 1956 and served at multiple parishes across southeastern Massachusetts, including St. Mary’s in North Attleboro, St. Francis of Assisi in New Bedford, St. Mary’s Home in New Bedford, St. Vincent’s Home in Fall River, St. Bernard in Assonet, St. James in New Bedford, and St. Mary’s in Mansfield. Annunziato died on August 31, 1993. In the weeks before his death, he was elevated to the rank of monsignor by Bishop Sean P. O’Malley — despite O’Malley’s awareness of allegations that Annunziato had failed to act on reported abuse by Father James Porter.
Annunziato’s name is connected to the case of James Porter, a former Fall River Diocese priest who was later convicted of sexually abusing children across multiple parishes. Multiple parents and alleged victims reported in the early 1960s that they had told Annunziato about Porter’s abuse, and that Annunziato told them he could do nothing. Alleged victims also stated that Annunziato walked in on Porter abusing children at a church in North Attleboro on multiple occasions between 1960 and 1963 and took no action to stop him. Separately, in January 2021, the Diocese of Fall River publicly named Annunziato on its official list of clergy credibly accused of sexually abusing a minor.
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 sexually abused by Father Armando Andrew Annunziato may be able to pursue civil claims against the Diocese of Fall River. Massachusetts law may allow survivors to hold religious institutions accountable for negligent supervision and failure to protect minors, regardless of whether the accused priest is still living.
Civil litigation may require the Diocese to produce internal records, assignment histories, and personnel files that could reveal what Church officials knew about Annunziato’s conduct — including his alleged failure to act on reports of abuse during his decades of parish ministry. The elevation of Annunziato to monsignor just weeks before his death, at a time when Bishop O’Malley was reportedly aware of allegations that Annunziato had failed to intervene in Porter’s abuse, raises serious questions about institutional decision-making that civil proceedings may be able to address.
For survivors, civil claims may provide compensation for therapy expenses, emotional distress, and the long-term effects of abuse, while also creating a formal record that documents and acknowledges their experiences. The Diocese’s inclusion of Annunziato on its credibly accused list represents a public acknowledgment of the allegations against him. Civil litigation may provide the mechanism to pursue a fuller measure of accountability that public disclosure alone cannot deliver.
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.
Attorney Advertising Disclaimer
This is an advertisement for legal services. The content provided is for general informational purposes only and may not reflect current legal developments. It is not intended as legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. Legal outcomes depend on numerous factors, including specific facts, applicable law, opposing parties, and other circumstances. Do not take action based solely on the information in this advertisement. Every case is different. Any discussion of past results is for illustrative purposes only and does not guarantee or predict similar outcomes in future cases. No statement in this advertisement should be interpreted as a promise or guarantee of results. In the absence of a recovery, no fee will be charged to you and you will not be liable for any litigation expenses.
Attorney-Client Relationship & Confidentiality
Viewing this advertisement, contacting our firm, or requesting a consultation does not create an attorney-client relationship. Such a relationship is only formed through a signed agreement with our firm. Any information shared between you and our firm before an attorney-client relationship is established is not confidential, privileged, or protected from disclosure. If you require immediate legal assistance, please contact our office directly.
Responsibility for Content
This advertisement is sponsored by Herman Law Firm.
Data Collection & Tracking
This advertisement may use tracking technology and allow third parties, including Meta, to collect data from user interactions for advertising and analytics purposes. These third parties may use cookies, web beacons, and similar technologies for targeted advertising. To learn more about data collection practices and opt-out options, visit: https://optout.aboutads.info/?c=2&lang=EN.
Call us: 1 866 850 3766 
call us: 1 866 850 3766 
Message Us 
Call Us