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1 800 686 9921
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1 800 686 9921
Father Edwin Modicowitz served in multiple states during his ministry, including Indiana, Wisconsin, New York, and Massachusetts. Allegations surfaced in 1998 that he had sexually abused an altar boy at St. Denis’ Parish in Westwood, Massachusetts, in 1965 or 1966. The accuser indicated that there may have been additional victims.
Earlier in his ministry, Father Modicowitz had been removed from a New York parish, with his former Provincial acknowledging in 1998 that he had done so due to what he described as “problems” with Father Modicowitz. The accusation against him came to the Archdiocese of Boston’s attention in 1998, nearly two decades after his death. Father Modicowitz passed away on February 23, 1980, and his name was omitted from the Archdiocese of Boston’s official 2011 list of accused clergy — though it subsequently appeared on a supplemental list of religious order and visiting clerics identified by the Boston Globe as having been excluded from that publication.
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.
Despite the omission, survivors who allege they were harmed by Father Modicowitz may still be able to explore civil remedies for acknowledgment and accountability under Massachusetts law, particularly regarding historical abuse. Civil avenues may allow survivors to seek accountability — not only for alleged acts of abuse but also for potential institutional failures in oversight and supervision. Massachusetts law may provide certain protections for survivors of historical childhood abuse who disclose later in life.
Even after a priest’s death, civil proceedings may be available to address questions of individual and institutional responsibility. In such proceedings, courts may examine how institutions responded when allegations were raised, whether transfers were made with adequate safeguards in place, and whether those in supervisory roles acted appropriately upon receiving any reports of concerning behavior. For some survivors, pursuing civil remedies may offer a measure of validation, acknowledgment, and a formal record of what occurred.
Civil accountability may also contribute to broader institutional reform by documenting patterns of alleged abuse and failures in oversight, helping to ensure that such conduct is not repeated. Survivors may be able to reclaim control over their narratives, secure formal acknowledgment of harm, and help prevent future abuse. Legal action may empower survivors to pursue justice while holding institutions accountable, reinforcing that accountability is possible even for long-past misconduct. Massachusetts law may provide survivors with avenues to seek justice — a process that, for some, may be part of a broader journey toward healing.
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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