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Monsignor Maurice Souza was ordained for the Diocese of Fall River in 1939 and served for decades as a parish priest in New Bedford, Fall River, Taunton, and East Falmouth. He was elevated to Monsignor status in 1969 and retired in 1986. He died on August 17, 1996, at age 83.
According to court documents, a civil lawsuit filed on January 4, 2014, in Connecticut accused Monsignor Souza of sexually abusing two altar boys at St. Anthony’s Parish in East Falmouth, where he served as pastor from 1977 until his retirement. The alleged abuse was said to have begun in the late 1970s, when the boys were nine and ten years old, and to have continued until they were 17. The suit alleged that Souza transported the boys to various locations in Massachusetts, Connecticut, and elsewhere for athletic events and other activities, and that the abuse occurred during those trips — in hotel rooms, a church rectory, and his private residence in Taunton.
The lawsuit also named former Fall River Bishop Daniel Anthony Cronin as a defendant, alleging that he failed to properly supervise Souza during his tenure. Cronin served as bishop of Fall River from 1970 to 1991 before being appointed Archbishop of Hartford by Pope John Paul II. He retired in 2003. The lawsuit alleged that Cronin knew or should have known about the risk Souza posed, though the suit did not assert that Cronin had direct prior knowledge of the abuse. A Connecticut Superior Court judge later allowed the negligent supervision claims against Cronin to proceed, while dismissing the breach of fiduciary duty claims. The matter settled in October 2018, with each plaintiff receiving $200,000; as part of the settlement, Cronin neither admitted nor denied the allegations. In January 2021, the Diocese of Fall River included Monsignor Souza — listed as Maurice de Souza — on its credibly accused clergy list.
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 clergy sexual abuse by Monsignor Maurice Souza may be able to file a civil lawsuit and seek accountability against the Diocese of Fall River for its alleged failure to protect children in its care. Massachusetts law may allow claims against the Diocese for negligent supervision. Even when the priest is deceased, 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 occur.
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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