BURLINGTON (VT)
WPTZ, NBC-5 [Plattsburgh NY and Burlington VT]
May 14, 2025
By Alexis Crandall
It was an emotional day in court as abuse survivors of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Burlington delivered victim impact statements. Wednesday was the second of two hearings scheduled after the diocese declared bankruptcy in October 2024.
Seven of the 118 known survivors spoke today, but many others were inside to support them. Some of them say today gave them their day in court.
“All I know is that we have a chance to go forward from today with something positive,” said survivor Michael Veitch.
Lawyers representing survivors say many others have not come forward.
“I spoke with individuals preparing to file a claim in this bankruptcy and in the hours, frankly, and days before the deadline, they made the decision not to go forward,” said a partner at Gravel and Shea Law, Celeste Laramie. “Coming forward is an incredibly personal, difficult decision. My position as an attorney who’s been representing survivors for years is that there’s nothing to be ashamed of. They did nothing wrong. They did not deserve this. But every person’s healing process is different.”
For Veitch, sharing his story and letting other survivors know they aren’t alone is a part of his closure.
“It gives me a sense of closure and maybe a sense of being. Maybe this is why I’m here on this planet, at this time, in my life,” Veitch said. “To reach out and do what I can to try to lift up others and help others who the church has let down.”
Veitch said he wants a change in the church and wants every survivor to have their voice heard.
“I’m hoping that the efforts I and others are doing here today can turn the ship around and get the church to acknowledge their mistakes,” Veitch said. “Help us with our closure and move forward with an absolute zero-tolerance policy.”
In a statement, Bishop John McDermott of the Burlington Diocese said:
“Knowing it was difficult for those in court today, 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 bankruptcy case now heads into a mediation process where a survivors committee and the diocese will try to work out a settlement. That settlement will be monetary but also non-monetary to help protect children in the future.