Springfield Bishop Emeritus Joseph Maguire Statement: Andrew Nicastro and Family "Suffered Greatly" from "Terrible" Clergy Abuse

By Buffy Spencer
The Republican
July 27, 2012

http://www.masslive.com/news/index.ssf/2012/07/bishop_emeritus_joseph_f_magui.html

Springfield Bishop Emeritus Joseph F. Maguire

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Springfield on Friday released a “statement from Bishop Emeritus Joseph F. Maguire” after Andrew Nicastro settled his civil lawsuit against Maguire and another past bishop.

Maguire said, “Today’s settlement I hope will bring some measure of healing to Andrew Nicastro and his family. Sadly they have suffered greatly by this terrible abuse. Although I intend on writing them personally to express my sincere sorrow, I also wish to make this statement which in some ways represents what I would have testified to in court."

Nicastro announced Friday that a $500,000 settlement has been reached in the suit against Maguire and the Most Rev. Thomas L. Dupre. Nicastro, of Williamstown, said the two former bishops knew now-defrocked priest Alfred Graves had molested two boys in 1976 but allowed him to keep serving as a priest.

Maguire said, “I am truly sorry for all that Mr. Nicastro suffered and the hardships it has brought in his life.

7-27-12 - Springfield- Republican Photo by Mark M.Murray- Andrew Nicastro, and his wife Leigh-Anne , outside the Hampden County Courthouse during a press conference with his lawyers , following the settlement of his case against two former Bishops in the Springfield Catholic Diocese friday.

“I only wish that in 1976 as a new bishop, I could have foreseen the true nature of one who violated our trust with such devastating harm to his victims. I pray for these victims and their families, for their forgiveness and understanding,” he said.

Maguire said, “We have learned much in the intervening years. Our Catholic Church has made great efforts in addressing these issues promptly and with determination that we should never repeat our past failures.”

He said since he was called to serve the people of the Springfield Diocese he has "strived to be a faithful and caring bishop."

“That in this instance I was unable to protect young people from abuse is an enduring and deep regret,” Maguire said. “I ask the good people of western Massachusetts to join me in offering prayers for Mr. Nicastro and all victims of abuse. May they know God’s love and compassion in their healing.“