BishopAccountability.org
	Plaintiff: Bishop Marshall Could Have Done More Fox 44 August 14, 2008 http://www.fox44.net/Global/story.asp?S=8843668 On day two of the trial Thursday, attorneys for the plaintiff in the latest lawsuit against the Diocese of Burlington pointed fingers at the late Bishop John A. Marshall, who presided over the statewide diocese in the 1970s, when Rev. Edward Paquette allegedly molested several young boys. The plaintiff claims Paquette abused him when he was an 11-year-old altar boy at Christ the King Parish in Burlington. The lawsuit is one of 22 pending against the Diocese of Burlington. Some of the others also involve Paquette. During one mid-afternoon exchange, Jerome O'Neill, an attorney for the plaintiff, peppered Rev. John McSweeney as he sat on the witness stand. McSweeney served as diocese's chancellor - the equivalent of a clerk - during the 1970s. "Bishop Marshall was more worried about scandal than protecting the children, is that right?" O'Neill asked. "He was worried about both!" McSweeney replied. Documents introduced into evidence showed Marshall knew about Paquette's alleged sexual misconduct with minors at dioceses in Massachusetts and Indiana before he chose to hire Paquette for an assignment in Rutland, Vt. Two years later, Paquette allegedly molested two more "young men," which prompted Marshall to reassign him to Montpelier. Before long, Paquette was moved to Burlington. His priestly duties were suspended in 1978. Defense attorneys insisted Marshall relied heavily on diagnoses and recommendations made by psychiatrists counseling and otherwise treating Paquette for his illness. Years of reports - introduced into evidence - showed the psychiatrists impressed with Paquette's "progress." It was not until 1978 that Rev. Thomas Kane, who counseled Paquette at the House of Affirmation in Massachusetts, wrote against Paquette's reassignment to another parish. Vermont courts are closed Friday in recognition of Bennington Battle Day. The trial resumes Monday.
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