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1 800 686 9921
Free CASE REVIEWS
1 800 686 9921
Father Donald J. McGurrin was ordained in 1944 and served as both a parish priest and teacher in multiple dioceses and archdioceses, including Buffalo, New York; São Paulo, Brazil; Miami, Florida; Washington, D.C.; Boston, Massachusetts; and Columbus, Ohio.
In a 2002 civil lawsuit, two women alleged that Father McGurrin sexually abused them when they were minors between 1978 and 1980 at Sacred Heart Parish in Lowell, Massachusetts, within the Archdiocese of Boston. The suit involved multiple plaintiffs and named several priests as defendants. According to plaintiff’s attorney Carmen Durso, all claims in that suit were settled.
Father McGurrin died on July 29, 1993. His name was omitted from the Archdiocese of Boston’s 2011 public database of accused clergy — one of 70 names the Boston Globe documented as having been left off Cardinal O’Malley’s official list. Public databases are administrative tools and do not necessarily reflect the full scope of allegations or civil proceedings. Survivors connected to Sacred Heart Parish in Lowell or to any period of Father McGurrin’s ministry may have legal rights under Massachusetts law.
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.
When allegations involve clergy who served across multiple dioceses, survivors may face additional uncertainty about where to turn. Civil court provides a legal forum separate from church administrative processes, where such claims can be evaluated under state law.
In Massachusetts, survivors of childhood sexual abuse may bring civil claims against individuals and, in some cases, against the institutions responsible for their supervision and assignment. Courts may examine records, prior complaints, and settlement history when evaluating whether institutional negligence occurred.
Even if a priest is deceased, civil claims may still proceed against the archdiocese or other entities that oversaw his ministry. The fact that a case was previously settled does not prevent other survivors from seeking accountability if their claims are distinct.
Omission from a diocesan database does not determine whether abuse occurred. Public lists are administrative tools and do not replace the civil justice system. Survivors may have the ability to pursue their claims in court, where evidence and testimony are reviewed according to legal standards.
For many survivors, civil litigation is about more than compensation. It provides an opportunity for acknowledgment, documentation, and transparency. The legal process can create a formal record of allegations and institutional response, offering a path toward accountability and recognition.
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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