Roman Catholic Diocese of Burlington / Facebook
CV NEWS FEED // Survivors of clergy abuse by priests in the Diocese of Burlington, Vermont, shared their experiences at a special federal court presentation May 14 following the filing of more than 100 claims of abuse.
CatholicVote previously reported that the diocese had already settled 67 other lawsuits before the 118 claims were filed. The number of survivors seeking justice forced the diocese to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy last fall to reorganize its finances, attempting to ensure to the best of its ability that every survivor receives fair retribution.
Some of the claims of abuse date as far back as the 1950s. None of the priests who committed abuse are still in ministry, and many have passed away.
Local outlet WCAX reported that seven survivors presented their stories in court. They included Michael Veitch, who is now in his 70s and was abused when he was 15.
“Where was the diocese during all of this?” Veitch asked.
For him, the presentation before the court helped provide closure, but he also said that he hoped it was a “chance to go forward from today with something positive,” WCAX reported.
Celeste Laramie, an attorney for abuse survivors, said that the presentation was a “bizarre reunion” of survivors.
“… they’re all bonded by something that should have never happened to a child,” she stated, according to WCAX.
Burlington Bishop John J. McDermott stated that he hoped the presentation was productive, WCAX reported.
“It is my sincere hope and fervent prayer that today’s hearing will be a source of continued healing for the survivors who shared their stories and for all who have filed a claim against the diocese,” the bishop said.
As CatholicVote previously reported, claimants want the bankruptcy court to order the diocese to detail its assets outside of diocesan-owned property, including 63 parishes worth an estimated $500 million. The resulting ruling would determine how much compensation is available to survivors.
