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Father Cornelius J. Keliher served in the Diocese of Fall River, MA, including a fifteen-year tenure as pastor of St. Mary’s Parish in Seekonk from 1956 to 1971. He held additional assignments at other parishes throughout his ministry. Keliher retired from active ministry in 1981 and died on June 9, 1993.
In January 2021, the Diocese of Fall River included Keliher on its list of credibly accused clergy. The listing acknowledges that an allegation of sexual abuse of a minor was made against him that meets the diocese’s semblance of truth standard. Specific details about the nature of the allegation, the number of victims, or the time period when the alleged sexual abuse occurred have not been publicly released.
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.
Even though Father Cornelius J. Keliher is deceased, individuals who experienced abuse by clergy may have civil avenues to seek acknowledgment and redress. Civil law may allow survivors to have their experiences formally documented — creating a legal record of their claims, affirming that what they endured is taken seriously, and contributing to a broader record of institutional accountability.
The pursuit of justice in civil court is not solely about financial compensation. It can also be about establishing truth, affirming survivor voices, and holding institutions accountable for their failures of oversight. For many survivors, this formal process can be a meaningful step in their healing journey — one that ensures past harms are acknowledged and that institutional failures are not forgotten.
If you or someone you know may have been sexually abused by Father Keliher or another clergy member in the Diocese of Fall River, you may be able to pursue a civil claim. We encourage you to contact Herman Law to discuss your potential legal options.
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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