WOODLAND PARK (BERGEN COUNTY, NJ)
The Record (and NorthJersey.com)
July 25, 2018
By Abbott Koloff
Thirteen monks from St. Mary’s Abbey, which runs the Delbarton School in Morris Township, have been accused of sexually abusing 30 people over the past three decades, according to a letter to alumni and other members of the school community.
Those who have come forward include former Delbarton students, the twin sons of a former Delbarton employee, a parishioner at St. James Church in Basking Ridge and former students of St. Elizabeth of Hungary School in Linden, which was staffed by the abbey, according to the letter.
“We take these accusations very seriously, and we profoundly regret and apologize to anyone who has suffered sexual abuse or harassment because of a St. Mary’s Abbey monk or a Delbarton employee,” the letter, sent on Friday, said.
It was signed by Abbot Richard Cronin, the head of St. Mary’s Abbey of the Benedictine Order, and Father Michael Tidd, headmaster of the Delbarton School.
More: Former Delbarton teacher admits he had sex with 50 boys; school settles 5 sex abuse suits
More: READ: Letter from Delbarton leaders on sex abuse allegations
The letter refers to news stories that appeared in “recent weeks” about “litigation involving sexual abuse by monks of St. Mary’s Abbey. We write to you today because we believe it is important to address these issues with you directly and forthrightly.”
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