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Father James L. MacGuinness was ordained in 1910 and served in multiple parishes throughout the Archdiocese of Boston. Over the course of his ministry, he worked in Lowell, Brockton, Beachmont, Marblehead, Lawrence, Roxbury, Sharon, and Peabody, among other assignments. He also served as a chaplain for both a boys’ orphanage and a girls’ academy. Records from the Official Catholic Directory document unexplained leaves of absence in 1937–1938 and again in 1940–1942 — periods that bracket the years during which abuse was alleged. He died on April 14, 1955.
On March 28, 2016, Father MacGuinness was included on a published list of accused clerics identified in civil claims that resulted in settlements or arbitration awards. According to reporting associated with those claims, a 90-year-old man alleged that Father MacGuinness sexually abused him in the rectory of St. John’s Church in Roxbury between 1938 and 1940.
Although the alleged abuse occurred many decades ago, civil proceedings brought these allegations into the public record. Survivors who believe they may have been harmed during Father MacGuinness’s ministry may wish to consult with an experienced team to understand whether any legal options remain available to them under Massachusetts law. Eligibility depends on individual circumstances.
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 generations ago, survivors may face unique challenges. The passage of time, the death of the accused, and the absence of contemporaneous records can complicate both personal healing and legal accountability. Civil court, however, provides a forum in which allegations can be formally examined.
In Massachusetts, survivors of childhood sexual abuse may be able to pursue civil claims that evaluate both individual conduct and institutional responsibility. Even when an accused priest is deceased, claims may be able to proceed against the institution that employed or supervised him. Civil claims against institutions may examine a range of factors, including an accused’s history of assignments and access to children.
Civil litigation may result in settlements or arbitration awards, but it also serves a broader purpose: it creates a public record and ensures that allegations are not lost to history. For many survivors, acknowledgment and documentation of harm are significant aspects of justice.
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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