Bishop Accountability

News and Views of the Norwich Sexual Abuse Crisis

In this section, we offer our first collection of media reports on the crisis as it has unfolded in the diocese of Norwich. The most recent coverage is at the top of the page, with links to help you find the coverage you're interested in. We will be adding to this collection, and we welcome suggestions for articles to include. Please email us at staff@bishop-accountability.org to suggest additions. Last updated 5/21/05.

APRIL 2005
- Priest Personnel Files Hold Special Meaning to Alleged Victims, by Gillian Flaccus (April 16, 2005) [about Rev. Santino A. Casimano]
- A Blind Eye, Even in Death, by Kenton Robinson (April 18, 2005)

MARCH 2005

- Sex Abuse Claims against Former LI Priest (March 8, 2005) [about Rev. R. Thomas McConaghy]
- Bishop Removes Norwich Pastor, by Brian Wallheimer (March 8, 2005) [about Rev. R. Thomas McConaghy]
- Norwich Priest Resigns after Being Accused of Assaulting Child 30 Years Ago: The Rev. McConaghy Denies the Accusation, by Ethan Rouen (March 8, 2005) [about Rev. R. Thomas McConaghy]
- Clergy Sex Abuse Group Seeks Help from Bishop, by Landa Mauriello-Vernon and David Clohessy of SNAP (March 10, 2005) [about Rev. R. Thomas McConaghy]
- Sins of the Past, by Tom Kasprzak (March 19, 2005) [about Rev. R. Thomas McConaghy]

FEBRUARY 2005
- Diocese Asks for Removal of Priest at Enders Island: Bishop Cites Accusations of Sexual Misconduct, by Kenton Robinson (February 18, 2005) [about Rev. Paul Pinard]
- Diocese Meets Child-Protection Rules: The Audit Comes Just Weeks after Bishop Michael Cote Expelled a Priest Following Allegations of Sexual Misconduct 14 Years Ago, by Kenton Robinson (February 19, 2005) [about Rev. Paul Pinard]

AUGUST 2004
- Group Calls for More Information on Accused Former Priest: Deceased Ex-Teacher at St. Thomas Moore Target of Abuse Claim, by Kenton Robinson (August 7, 2004) [about Rev. Edward P. McGrath]

JULY 2004
- Accused Pastor Resigns, by Brian Lyman (July 3, 2004) [about Rev. Paul L. Hebert]
- Priest Put on Leave after Sex Allegations, by Associated Press (July 10, 2004) [about Rev. Paul L. Hebert]
- Macrino to Head Sex Abuse Review Board: Waterford High Principal Picked by Norwich Diocese, by Kenton Robinson (July 28, 2004)

APRIL 2004
- Priest-Abuse Network Getting Response: But Church Rebuffs Publicity Request by New SNAP Chapter, by Kenton Robinson (April 12, 2004)

MARCH 2004
- Beyond the Boundaries: Retired Priest Leaves a Trail of Wounds and Grief across Region, by Kenton Robinson (March 14, 2004) [about Rev. Thomas W. Shea]
- Stalked and Haunted by a Priest, by Kenton Robinson (March 14, 2004) [about Rev. Thomas W. Shea]

FEBRUARY 2004
- More Revelations Coming on Clergy Sex Abuse, Panelists Warn: 'Hundreds of Priests Have Found Safe Harbor' in Connecticut, by Allison Frank (February 9, 2004)
- Diocese: 19 Priests Accused Since '53: Norwich Bishop Releases Report Tallying Child Sex Abuse Allegations, by Andrew Ryan (February 11, 2004)
- Her Story Is Told at Last: Woman's Alleged Abuse at Hands of Priest Kept Secret for 35 Years, by Kenton Robinson (February 12, 2004) [about Rev. Thomas W. Shea]
- Norwich Diocese Won't Yet Disclose Number of Victims, by Andrew Ryan (February 28, 2004)

JANUARY 2004
- St. Bernard High Principal Accused of Sexual Abuse: Casimano Resigns After Two Brothers Make Allegations, by Allison Frank and Bethe Dufresne (January 21, 2004) [about Rev. Santino A. Casimano]
- Ex-St. Bernard Principal Denies Charges: Brothers' Sex-Abuse Accusations Date to 70s, by Megan Bard (January 22, 2004) [about Rev. Santino A. Casimano]
- Ex-Area Priest Named in Suit, by Elizabeth Hardin-Burrola (January 24, 2004) [about Rev. Santino A. Casimano]

NOVEMBER 2003
- Interim Coordinator Named to Help Those Who May Have Been Abused by Clergy, in The Day [New London CT] (November 7, 2003) [about assistance coordinator Sheree L. Antoch]

SEPTEMBER 2003
- Dioceses Launch Anti-Abuse Program: Church Workers, Volunteers Will Have to Take Classes in Preventing Child Abuse, by Paul Choiniere (September 9, 2003)
- Group Questions Bishop's Role in Maine Priest Case: Cote Was Involved in Assignment of Cleric Who Ran Pom Web Site, by Kenton Robinson (September 11, 2003) [about Bishop Cote's supervision of Rev. John Harris in Portland, Maine]
- Sex Abuse Program Opens Some Eyes: 'Awareness Session' Enlightens Personnel in Norwich Diocese, by Bethe Dufresne (September 23, 2003)

JUNE 2003
- Priest, Educator, Retired Navy Chaplain to Lead SBHS, from the St. Bernard High School Alumni Page (June 4, 2003) [about Rev. Santino A. Casimano]
- Religious Studies Chairman Named St. Bernard Principal: Montville, in The Day [New London CT] (June 7, 2003) [about Rev. Santino A. Casimano]
- Catholics Look to New Bishop for Healing and Renewal, by Kate Moran (June 7, 2003)
- Polished and Pugnacious, Lawyer Hits Big Time: Once a Defender of the Little Guy, New London Lawyer Now Linked with Trump, by Matthew J. Malone (June 8, 2003) [about plaintiffs' attorney Robert I. Reardon, Jr.]

MAY 2003
- Will Catholics Vote with Their Wallets? by Lisa McGinley (May 6, 2003)
- New Bishop Anticipates a 'Fresh Start' in Norwich: Unfamiliar Diocese Will Be a Challenge for Cote, by Kate Moran (May 13, 2003)
- New Bishop Welcomed: Cote Installed As Head of Norwich Diocese, by Kate Moran (May 15, 2003)
- Files Show Norwich Diocese Told Former Priest Sought Out Teen Boys, in The Day [New London CT] (May 17, 2003) [about Rev. Bruno Primavera]

APRIL 2003
- Files on Ex-Priest Ordered Released in Sex-Abuse Case: Norwich Diocese Must Share Records with Local Attorney, by Kenton Robinson (April 11, 2003) [about Rev. Bruno Primavera]

MARCH 2003
- Norwich Diocese, Former Priest Agree to Settle Sex-Abuse Lawsuit: Plaintiffs Complaint Resolved for $700,000, by Kenton Robinson (March 4, 2003) [about Rev. Richard T. Buongirno]
- New Bishop Welcomed to Norwich Diocese: Cote Becomes Rose City's Fifth Bishop; Enters Guarded Atmosphere in Wake of Local Sex-Abuse Scandals, Lawsuits, by Kenton Robinson (March 12, 2003)

FEBRUARY 2003
- Diocese Named in Suit Alleging Sexual Abuse Latest: Case Involves Former Ledyard Priest, by Kenton Robinson (February 1, 2003) [about Revs. Raymond J. Jean, Richard T. Buongirno, and Bruno Primavera]

JANUARY 2003
- Accused Priest Came to Norwich with His Bosses' Recommendation, by Kenton Robinson (January 16, 2003) [about Rev. Francis J. McManus, S.J.]
- Letter on Diocesan John Jay Results, by Bishop Michael R. Cote (January 24-25, 2003)
- Bishop Hart Named in New Lawsuits: Norwich Prelate Seen As Negligent Supervisor in Sex Abuse Legal Claims, by Kenton Robinson (January 30, 2003 ) [About Bishop Hart's supervision of Boston priests Birmingham, Cotter, Dewire, Fairbairn, Tower, Mahan, and Sherry; and Bishop Cronin's supervision of Sherry and Lane]

OCTOBER 2002
- Man Sues Diocese, Alleges Sex Abuse: Putnam Church Also Named in Accusation against Former Priest, in The Day [New London CT] (October 10, 2002) [about Rev. Bernard W. Bissonnette]
* Molest Lawsuit Filed against Norwich Diocese, by Associated Press (October 10, 2002) [about Rev. Bernard W. Bissonnette]

SEPTEMBER 2002
* What Did the Bishop Know, And When? by Kathleen A. Shaw and Richard Nangle (September 1, 2002) [about Revs. Rev. Bruno Primavera, Richard T. Buongirno, Bernard W. Bissonnette, and Robert Marcantonio]
- Voices of Faithful Takes Root in Wake of Sex-Abuse Furor: Couple Helps to Set Up Group in EL for Support and Change, in The Day [New London] (September 27, 2002)

AUGUST 2002
- Bishop Hart Is Cleared in Abuse Lawsuit | Judge: No Evidence to Show He Knew of Priest's Sexual Assaults, in The Day [New London CT] (August 1, 2002) [about Rev. Richard T. Buongirno]
- Plaintiff's Attorney in Sex-Abuse Case 'Pleased' with Judge's Ruling: Norwich Diocese Will Remain a Defendant in Lawsuit, Court Says, in The Day [New London CT] (August 2, 2002) [about Rev. Richard T. Buongirno]
* Jury to Hear Case of Priest Abuse in Conn. Diocese, by Richard Nangle (August 2, 2002) [about Rev. Richard T. Buongirno]
- Former Priest Accused of Abuse, by Eric Rich (August 10, 2002) [about Rev. Bruno Primavera]
* Civil Sex Abuse Suit Filed against Former Norwich Priest, by Associated Press (August 9, 2002) [about Rev. Bruno Primavera]
- Diocese Faces Another Molestation Suit: Man Claims Priest Abused Him When He Was a Teen in Westbrook, in The Day [New London CT] (August 10, 2002) [about Rev. Bruno Primavera]
- Faithful March in Norwich, in The Day [New London CT] (August 18, 2002)
* Former Altar Boy Comes Forward with Allegations against Priest, by Associated Press (August 21, 2002) [about Rev. Bruno Primavera]
- Man Alleges Priest Abused Him at St. Mary's: Former Priest, Diocese, Bishop Are Named in Suit, in The Day [New London CT] (August 22, 2002) [about Rev. Bruno Primavera]
- Complaint about Abuse Went to Hart: Woman Says She Spoke to Bishop; Priest Kept Working with Kids, in The Day [New London CT] (August 29, 2002) [about Bishop Hart's supervision of Rev. Robert V. Gale in Boston]

JUNE 2002
- Hart Outlines Diocesan Policy on Sexual Abuse by Priests: Changes Are Result of Charter Adopted at Bishops' Meeting, in The Day [New London CT] (June 19, 2002)

MAY 2002
- Hart Apologizes for Not Reporting Sex-Abuse Charge, in The Day [New London CT] (May 8, 2002) [about Rev. Donald Petraitis, M.I.C., and Rt. Rev. Msgr. Donat M. Jette]
- Norwich Bishop Questioned on Abuse, by Katie Melone (May 9, 2002)
* Diocese Reveals Abuse Claims, by Katie Melone (May 9, 2002) [about Revs. Raymond J. Jean, Thomas J. Doyle, Bernard W. Bissonnette, and Richard T. Buongirno]
- Norwich Diocese Turns Over to State Eight Allegations of Child Sex Abuse, in The Day [New London] (May 10, 2002)
* Bishop Apologizes to Woman for Priest's Abuse, by Katie Melone (May 10, 2002) [about Rev. James L. Liberty, O.M.I.]
- Trial and Error in One Man's Abuse Case, in The Day [New London CT] (May 14, 2002) [about John Waddington's case vs. Rev. Charles Many]
- Church Can't Be Sued in New Mexico for Priest's Alleged Sexual Abuse, by Barry Massey (May 24, 2002) [about Rev. Bernard W. Bissonnette]

APRIL 2002
- Diocese Accused of Perpetuating Sex Abuse: Bishop, Norwich Diocese Should Have Done More to Curb Priest, Victim Says, in The Day [New London CT] (April 3, 2002) [about Rev. Richard T. Buongirno]
- Church Defending Itself against Complaints, While Decrying Sex Abuse by Priests, by Associated Press (April 7, 2002) [about Rev. Richard T. Buongirno]
*Norwich Diocese Fights Hard in Sex Abuse Suits, by Brian Scheid (April 7, 2002)
* [Article about the Deary Brothers and Bissonnette], by Brian Scheid (April 7, 2002) [about Rev. Bernard W. Bissonnette]
- Poll Shows Catholics Shaken by Sex Scandal: Many Think Bishops Should Resign, Others Say Faith Damaged, in The Day [New London CT] (April 12, 2002)
- Victim's Brothers Want Bishop Hart to Resign, by Brian Scheid (April 16, 2002) [about Rev. Bernard W. Bissonnette]
* Hart Quietly Avoids Scandal, by Brian Scheid (April 28, 2002)

MARCH 2002
* Bill Would Stop Time as Shield for Accused Priests, by Brian Scheid (March 10, 2002) [about Revs. Raymond J. Jean, Thomas J. Doyle, Bernard W. Bissonnette, and Richard T. Buongirno]
- Norwich Diocese Seeks Dismissal from Sex-Abuse Lawsuit: Priest Accused of Abuse Was Not within 'Scope of His Employment,' Says Lawyer for Church Officials, in The Day [New London CT] (March 12, 2002) [about Rev. Richard T. Buongirno]
- Bishop, Diocese Seek Exclusion from Sexual Abuse Lawsuit, by Associated Press (March 12, 2002) [about Rev. Richard T. Buongirno]
* Pastoral Letter for Distribution to All Parishioners in the Diocese of Norwich, by Bishop Daniel A. Hart (March 13, 2002)
- Priest Served after Abuse Alleged, by Brian Sheid (March 13, 2002) [about Rev. Richard T. Buongirno]
* Bishop Offers Apology in Clergy Child-Abuse Scandal, by Brian Scheid (March 16, 2002)
- Reilly Being Sued in Three Dioceses, by Richard Nangle and Kathleen A. Shaw (March 17, 2002) [about Revs. Richard T. Buongirno, Bernard W. Bissonnette, and Robert Marcantonio]
* Bishop Named in More than 30 Lawsuits, by Associated Press (March 17, 2002) [about Revs. Richard T. Buongirno, Bernard W. Bissonnette, and Robert Marcantonio]
* Diocese Turns Over Names of Accused Clergy Abusers, by Brian Scheid (March 17, 2002)
- Bishop Reilly Named in More Than 30 Sexual-Misconduct Lawsuits: Former Norwich Church Official Should Have Taken Stronger Action against Offending Priests, Documents Contend, in The Day [New London CT] (March 18, 2002) [about 13 priests, including Revs. Richard T. Buongirno, Bernard W. Bissonnette, and Robert Marcantonio]
- Abuse Victim's Brother to Meet Bishop, by Brian Scheid (March 19, 2002) [about Rev. Bernard W. Bissonnette]
- Hart Says Publicity Poses Crisis for Church: Abuse Not As 'Rampant' As Newspapers Portray, Norwich Bishop Claims, in The Day [New London CT] (March 21, 2002) [about Revs. Raymond J. Jean, Thomas J. Doyle, Bernard W. Bissonnette, and Richard T. Buongirno]
- A Sudden Spotlight on the Church, by Brian J. Scheid (March 24, 2002). [about Revs. Raymond J. Jean, Thomas J. Doyle, Bernard W. Bissonnette, and Richard T. Buongirno]
- Many Catholics Are Finding Ways to Keep the Faith: Local Parishioners, Church Leaders Have Varied Reactions to Scandal, in The Day [New London CT] (March 24, 2002)
- Bishop Offers Reassurances at Trying Time for Catholics, in The Day [New London CT] (March 27, 2002)
* Scandal Raises Questions about Church Mandate, by Brian Scheid (March 30, 2002)

FEBRUARY 2002
- Diocese Quietly Facing Cases of Priestly Abuse, by Brian Scheid (February 24, 2002) [about Rev. Bernard W. Bissonnette]
- Prosecutors to Remind Church to Report Sexual Abuse: State's Attorneys to Send Letters to Catholic Dioceses, in The Day [New London CT] (February 26, 2002) [about Revs. Richard T. Buongirno, Thomas J. Doyle, and Bernard W. Bissonnette]

2001
- Federal Trial of Former Groton Priest Set to Start: Sexual Abuse Charges Made by Former Altar Boy, in The Day [New London CT] (October 9, 2001) [about John Waddington's case vs. Rev. Charles Many]

1999
- Court: Priest's Alleged Victim Can Sue Connecticut Diocese, by Nancy Plevin (February 18, 1999) [about Rev. Bernard W. Bissonnette]
- Man Sues Priest for Alleged Sexual Abuse, by Associated Press (February 23, 1999) [about Rev. Raymond Jean]
- Ruling on the Marianist Society's Motion for Summary Judgment, in Nutt v. The Norwich Roman Catholic Diocese, U.S. District Court, Docket No. 3:97CV00776, (March 16, 1999) [about Rev. Thomas J. Doyle]
- Priest Faces Felony Charges of Misconduct with Child, by Eric Rich (June 11, 1999) [about Rev. Richard T. Buongirno]

1998
- Church Can Be Sued in New Mexico for Priest's Alleged Sexual Abuse, by Barry Massey (December 29, 1998) [about Rev. Bernard W. Bissonnette]

1997
* Memorandum of Decision on Defendant's Motion for Summary Judgment, in Doe v. Norwich Roman Catholic Diocesan Corp., Middlesex J.D., at Middletown, Docket No. CV93-69529 (June 27, 1996) [about Rev. Raymond Jean]

1995
- Judge Removes Church, Diocese from Abuse Suit, by Gary Gentile (August 3, 1995)
- Church, Diocese Dropped from Abuse Lawsuit, by Gary Gentile (October 31, 1995)

1994
- Brothers Accuse Ex-Pastor of Abuse, by Gerald Renner and Christine Dempsey (May 14, 1994) [about Rev. Thomas J. Doyle]
- 250 at Church for Talks: Congregation Seeks Healing after Allegations, by Gary Gentile (May 18, 1994) [about Rev. Thomas J. Doyle]
- Additional Complaints against Priest Reported, by Gary Gentile (May 19, 1994)
- Our Towns: Vernon | A Chance for Healing, Editorial in the Hartford (CT) Courant (May 27, 1994)

1993
- Ad "Do You Remember Fr. Bissonette?" that two of the Deary brothers ran in early 1993 in the Norwich Bulletin and the New London Day. [about Rev. Bernard W. Bissonnette]

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