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Father Francis J. McManus was ordained in 1973 as a member of the Society of Jesus and served in multiple dioceses during his ministry. In March 2002, a man alleged that McManus had sexually abused him while McManus was teaching at Boston College High School in the early 1980s. Following that allegation, McManus was removed from his position as a hospital chaplain at St. Luke’s Hospital in New Bedford and placed under restrictions at the Campion Center in Weston, Massachusetts.
In January 2003, a settlement of approximately $600,000 was reached in connection with that claim. A second man also alleged that McManus had abused him during the same period at Boston College High School. That individual stated that he returned his diploma to the school in 1988 after the school failed to investigate his report of the abuse. Prior to his time at Boston College High, McManus had served at Bishop Connolly High School in Fall River, and in Kingsport, Tennessee, within the Diocese of Knoxville. Following his Boston College High assignment, he served in the Diocese of Norwich in Connecticut, before returning to the Diocese of Fall River in a hospital chaplaincy role.
McManus died on January 5, 2015. He has been included on multiple public lists of credibly accused clergy, including the USA Northeast Province Jesuits’ list published in January 2019, the Diocese of Norwich list published in February 2019, the Diocese of Knoxville list as of March 2020, and the Diocese of Fall River list published in January 2021.
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 span several decades and multiple dioceses, survivors may face additional barriers to clarity and accountability. Civil litigation allows claims to be examined under state law, even when church authorities have imposed restrictions or reached internal conclusions.
A financial settlement reflects a negotiated resolution between parties. It does not erase the underlying allegations or prevent other individuals from bringing forward separate claims if permitted by law. Courts may review evidence concerning supervision, assignment history, and whether institutions responded appropriately when concerns were raised.
In matters involving schools and youth programs, civil proceedings may explore whether warning signs were overlooked and whether proper safeguards were in place. The movement of clergy between dioceses and institutions can also become relevant in assessing oversight and communication between those responsible for supervising clergy.
For many survivors, the opportunity to present their experiences within the legal system may provide acknowledgment and recognition. Civil court proceedings apply defined standards of proof and procedural rules distinct from those of internal church reviews.
Massachusetts law recognizes that survivors of childhood sexual abuse may delay disclosure for many years. Civil proceedings may remain an avenue for survivors to seek accountability and documentation of harm.
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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