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1 800 686 9921
Free CASE REVIEWS
1 800 686 9921
Father Ernest E. Tourigney served within the Archdiocese of Boston across multiple communities, with assignments in Weymouth, Holliston, Cambridge, and Revere. He also served as chaplain at Matignon High School in Cambridge during the late 1970s and early 1980s. Allegations that Father Tourigney sexually abused minors span the length of his career in ministry. The Archdiocese of Boston was made aware of allegations as early as 1974, yet he was returned to ministry and continued serving in parishes for nearly two more decades.
Despite admitting in 1988 to a prior relationship with a survivor who came forward as an adult, Father Tourigney was not permanently removed from ministry at that time. He was placed on sick leave in 1992 and given retirement status in 2000. Civil lawsuits brought by survivors were settled by the Archdiocese in 1995. Father Tourigney’s laicization by the Vatican was announced in March 2006. He was included on the Archdiocese of Boston’s list of accused clergy published in August 2011 under the category of priests who voluntarily sought laicization after being accused of sexually abusing a minor — a process that does not constitute a determination of guilt.
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 sexual abuse by Father Ernest E. Tourigney may be able to file a civil lawsuit and seek accountability against the Archdiocese of Boston for its alleged failure to protect children in its care. Massachusetts law may allow claims against the Archdiocese for negligent supervision of clergy. Even where Father Tourigney is no longer living, 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 continue across multiple assignments over many years.
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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