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Father Richard O. Matte was ordained in 1964 and served within the Archdiocese of Boston. In 1992, the Archdiocese began investigating him after receiving a letter from a parish member raising concerns about his behavior. His personnel file documented two complaints in 1992 and at least one additional complaint by November 1993. Following a review board recommendation, he was removed from active ministry in 1993.
By March 2002, six men had brought complaints against Father Matte and received settlements. He was named in multiple civil lawsuits, including cases settled by the Archdiocese. On June 10, 2005, his voluntary laicization was announced. His name was included on the Archdiocese of Boston’s public list of accused clergy in 2011. According to the Archdiocese’s 2020 listing, Father Matte died in 2017.
These records reflect a series of complaints, investigations, and civil actions spanning several years. Survivors who experienced abuse during any period of his ministry in Massachusetts may have legal rights under state law. Eligibility depends on the specific facts and timing of each individual case.
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 multiple complaints are documented within a relatively short period, survivors may question how concerns were handled and whether adequate action was taken. Civil courts operate independently from internal church processes, which may allow allegations of abuse and institutional conduct to be examined under state law.
In Massachusetts, survivors of childhood sexual abuse may be able to pursue civil claims addressing both individual conduct and institutional oversight. Courts may review how complaints were documented, whether leadership responded promptly, and whether reasonable safeguards were in place to protect minors.
Even when a priest has been removed from ministry or laicized, civil accountability may still be pursued. Settlements reached in earlier cases do not automatically prevent other survivors from pursuing their own claims, provided there are legal grounds and the claim falls within applicable time limitations. Civil proceedings operate independently from church discipline and apply different evidentiary standards.
Massachusetts law recognizes that disclosure of childhood abuse is often delayed. Survivors may come forward years or decades after the alleged events, particularly when public reporting encourages others to speak. Whether civil remedies remain available depends on the timing and specific circumstances of each case.
For many survivors, civil litigation provides acknowledgment and transparency. It creates a formal public record and allows allegations and institutional responses to be examined through the legal system.
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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