KANSAS CITY (MO)
National Catholic Reporter
March 9, 2018
By James Dearie
More details about the handling of predatory priests in the Diocese of Buffalo, New York, are coming to light after a 52-year-old man came forward last week with allegations that he was abused by Fr. Norbert Orsolits, a now-retired priest of the diocese.
The Olean Times Herald reported March 2 that Orsolits, now 78, claims he was assigned to serve at multiple parishes and to teach at Archbishop Walsh High School in Olean, New York, after receiving treatment for his predatory behavior in the 1980s. Earlier that week, Orsolits had admitted to The Buffalo News that he had abused “probably dozens” of young boys during his career as a priest.
Some who knew Orsolits during his time as a pastor of a parish in Portville, New York, his next assignment after Olean, told The Buffalo News March 1 that Orsolits had worked extensively with children there, too, leading youth groups and ski trips, often as the only adult present.
When asked about Orsolits’ claims regarding his post-treatment service, an attorney for the diocese said at a press conference March 1 that he was “not aware of that,” but the diocese would “take a look and see if” the claims were true.
Orsolits also says that he did not molest any more victims after his release from treatment.
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