St. Norbert Abbey Releases Names of Norbertines with Credible Allegations of Sexual Abuse of Minors

By Abbot Dane Radecki, O. Praem
St. Norbert's Abbey
July 19, 2019

http://www.norbertineresponse.org/

[This letter links to the list and supporting materials. Note that the list does not include the most notorious Norbertine abuser, Fr. Brendan Smyth, O.Praem., who abused during assignments in North Dakota in 1979-1982 and Connecticut in 1965-1968.

Dear Confreres & Friends of the Abbey,

Several dioceses and religious communities across the United States have made public lists of clergy with credible allegations of sexual abuse of minors. In the spirit of accountability, I have decided to release these names from St. Norbert Abbey. My hope is that the ‘release of names’ will assist in the healing process for victims and survivors. I profoundly apologize and ask forgiveness from those abused by the Norbertines of our Abbey.

Beginning in 2018, I turned over personnel files to Praesidium, Inc. for an independent review. Praesidium, Inc. is based in Arlington, Texas, with national and international clients. They specialize in abuse risk assessment and management for secular and religious organizations. Their professional team is comprised of psychologists, social workers, lawyers and human resource personnel.

The purpose of the file review was to identify any Norbertine with a credible allegation of sexual abuse of a minor. The reviewed files covered the years 1966 through 2018. Praesidium identified 19 Norbertines from St. Norbert Abbey. In addition, 3 other priests from different Norbertine foundations were identified. Their superiors have been notified.