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Father Brian A. Gallagher was a member of the Columban Fathers (SSC), the Missionary Society of St. Columban, and was ordained a priest in December 1952. Originally from County Donegal, Ireland, Gallagher spent approximately 20 years as a missionary in Japan before briefly returning to Ireland. He was then sent to the United States in 1973, reportedly due to sexual abuse allegations that had arisen during his time in Japan. His order transferred him to a new assignment rather than removing him from ministry.
Upon arriving in the United States, Gallagher was assigned to the Columban Fathers’ residence in Milton, Massachusetts. During this period, he also had access to St. Mark’s Parish in Dorchester, Massachusetts, and served as a chaplain at a Dorchester nursing home. The mother of two brothers was employed at the rectory of St. Mark’s Parish. Two civil lawsuits — one filed in 2017 and one in August 2018 — alleged that Gallagher sexually abused both brothers when they were children between 1973 and 1976. Those cases were settled in 2020 on confidential terms.
A separate lawsuit was also filed, naming Gallagher alongside the Rev. John K. Connell as defendants, along with the Archdiocese of Boston and the Missionary Society of St. Columban. That case was settled in November 2021. In February 2022, the Columban Fathers’ U.S. Province publicly named Gallagher on its official list of credibly accused clergy, noting two allegations of abuse spanning 1973 to 1980. Gallagher retired to Bristol, Rhode Island, in 1995 and died on November 5, 2014.
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.
The transfer of Father Gallagher from Japan to the United States — following sexual abuse allegations and without removal from ministry — represents an institutional failure that, according to allegations in civil litigation, directly enabled further harm to children in Massachusetts. Massachusetts civil law may provide survivors with legal options to pursue accountability against the Columban order for its handling of that transfer and its consequences.
Civil litigation may be able to expose what order officials knew about the allegations that preceded Gallagher’s reassignment, and why relocation was chosen over removal from ministry. When religious orders move accused clergy across international borders without transparency to the communities that receive them, children in those communities may be placed at risk without any knowledge of prior allegations.
Civil action may provide compensation for therapy, medical care, and the lasting emotional impact of childhood sexual abuse. It also may hold institutions accountable for decisions that, according to allegations, placed children at risk. Survivors deserve recognition and accountability when institutions failed to protect children in their care.
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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