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Father Czeslaw Szymanski was ordained in Poland by the Order of St. Paul the First Hermit and later served in the United States. He previously worked in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Providence before serving within the Archdiocese of Boston, where he was assigned to Holy Trinity Parish in Lowell from 1982 until April 1987. On December 9, 2010, three former altar boys publicly accused Father Szymanski of repeatedly sexually abusing them during the 1980s, alleging the abuse occurred when they were between the ages of 6 and 13. The accusers also alleged they had witnessed Father Szymanski abuse at least ten other boys. An attorney for the accusers stated his clients believed there could be up to 20 additional survivors. Father Szymanski was transferred to the Diocese of Peterborough in Canada in April 1987 and died in a car accident on September 24, 1987. He was 45.
Following the 2010 disclosures, eight individuals were reported to be receiving a combined $600,000 in compensation from the Archdiocese of Boston and the Order of St. Paul the First Hermit. On December 11, 2010, the pastor of Holy Trinity Parish took to the pulpit and denounced three of the accusers as “cowards.” Cardinal Seán O’Malley subsequently issued a public apology for the pastor’s remarks.
For survivors, public statements that minimize or disparage their experiences can compound harm. Institutional acknowledgment and apology may represent important steps, but many continue to seek fuller accountability.
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 clergy sexual abuse by Father Czeslaw Szymanski may be able to file a civil lawsuit and seek accountability against the Archdiocese of Boston and the Order of St. Paul the First Hermit for their alleged failure to protect children in their care. Massachusetts law may allow claims against the Archdiocese or the Order for negligent supervision of clergy. Even though Father Szymanski is deceased, civil proceedings may enable survivors to document and validate their experiences.
The legal process may uncover institutional records, including personnel files, correspondence, and internal investigations, which may reveal knowledge of prior misconduct or systemic failures. Accessing such documentation may be valuable for survivors, as it can provide insight into institutional awareness and the decisions that may have allowed abuse to occur — including the circumstances surrounding Father Szymanski’s transfer across diocesan and international boundaries in 1987.
Civil claims may result in compensation for long-term psychological trauma, therapy, and emotional distress, but equally important is the public acknowledgment and validation of survivors’ experiences. Pursuing legal remedies may allow survivors to confront historical injustices, contribute to transparency, and reinforce institutional responsibility to prevent future abuse. For many survivors, civil litigation offers an opportunity to reclaim their voice, place their experiences in the public record, and contribute to the kind of accountability that can support healing — both for themselves and the broader community.
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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