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	New Orleans" Archdiocese Settles Abuse Suits The Advertiser October 21, 2009 http://www.theadvertiser.com/article/20091021/NEWS01/91021005/New+Orleans++Archdiocese+settles+abuse+suits NEW ORLEANS (AP) — The Archdiocese of New Orleans and Catholic Charities has agreed to pay more than $5 million to settle 20 lawsuits, most alleging sexual and physical mistreatment of children decades ago at homes for boys from troubled families. Archbishop Gregory Aymond said the $5.182 million settlement, announced Tuesday, came after years of mediation and negotiation with the 20 victims and their families. "We know that money doesn't heal wounds and it doesn't put back together a shattered heart, but it is important that the people with whom we settle know that we care about them and any other victim of sexual abuse," Aymond said. He said the archdiocese decided to settle after various investigations showed the allegations to be credible. "Obviously, anytime we talk about sexual abuse it's a sad day for the Church and sad circumstance, particularly when it's abuse by someone in the ministry because that person misused the trust and authority given to him. "We felt it was important for us to take this initiative," he said. "This gives us the opportunity to apologize in the name of the Church, to offer assistance to the victims as well as offer care and compassion. Personally, I think pursuing this through the courts could be considered further abuse with them having to relive it all again before a judge and jury." Aymond would not release the names of the victims or of the eight alleged abusers, whom he described as either priests, women religious or lay people who had been affiliated with Madonna Manor or Hope Haven. The two homes in Marrero, a New Orleans suburb, are now closed. "The lawsuits relate back 40 or 50 years and all of the abusers are either deceased or very, very old," Aymond said. "I want to assure the community, though, that none of them are in active ministry. "Our prayers go out to these victims, their families and all of those involved in this matter. I hope these mediations and negotiations will bring some peace and reconciliation to these victims and all those involved."
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