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Father John P. Lyons was ordained in 1955 and served within the Archdiocese of Boston. In May 2002, he was removed from ministry and placed on administrative leave after two men filed civil lawsuits alleging that he sexually abused them while they were altar boys during the late 1970s and early 1980s. According to public reporting, one man’s mother stated that she complained at the time to a priest, who said he informed Bishop D’Arcy.
In September 2002, Father Lyons was arrested and charged with the sexual abuse of a boy between the ages of 8 and 10, with the alleged conduct occurring between 1987 and 1989. In 2005, he was acquitted by a jury. Public information does not indicate the final resolution of the related civil suits.
His name was included on the Archdiocese’s August 2011 list of accused clergy, noted at that time as a “case in process.” In September 2020, the Archdiocese announced that Father Lyons had been dismissed from the clerical state by the Vatican.
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 a priest is publicly identified as credibly accused, survivors may experience a complex range of emotions. Public acknowledgment can validate longstanding concerns, yet it may also renew painful memories. Civil court provides a forum separate from church processes and internal determinations.
In Massachusetts, survivors of childhood sexual abuse may pursue civil claims that examine not only the alleged actions of the individual priest but also the role of the institution responsible for supervision and oversight. Courts may consider whether leadership implemented appropriate safeguards, responded adequately to complaints, or failed to address circumstances that placed children at risk.
Even when allegations involve conduct from decades earlier, legal remedies may still be available. Massachusetts law recognizes that delayed disclosure is common in cases involving abuse during childhood. Survivors may come forward many years after the events occurred, and the law may permit claims to proceed under certain conditions.
Civil litigation may provide financial compensation and can promote transparency by creating a formal public record of what occurred. For many survivors, the opportunity to have their experiences documented and acknowledged is an important part of the healing process. Accountability through civil court serves both individual recognition and broader institutional responsibility.
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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