MORRISTOWN (NJ)
The Patch [Morristown NJ]
August 18, 2025
By Jack Slocum
“Nothing is more important to us than the safety of the young people entrusted to our care,” said Delbarton Headmaster Michael Tidd.
MORRISTOWN, NJ — Delbarton School representatives have responded to concerning allegations of sex abuse within its institution.
The Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAP) recently demanded transparency from the all-boys school and its affiliates. Specifically, the network called for accountability from school leader Elias R. Lorenzo, who they claim was in charge when several instances of child sexual abuse occurred at Delbarton.
Delbarton School representatives specifically responded to an exclusive report from the New York Post, which states that details of these reported abuses may be made available to the public soon.
Below is a statement from Delbarton School Headmaster Fr. Michael Tidd:
“The New York Post article includes unchallenged statements about Delbarton from past claimants of decades ago seen in the media many times before. There is nothing new about current claims presently before us, nor past settled claims. The Post reporter omitted reference to the Praesidium accreditation of St. Mary’s Abbey and Delbarton School that we shared with him. Praesidium is an independent risk management organization that audits procedures to ensure a safe environment. Nothing is more important to us than the safety of the young people entrusted to our care, and we aggressively adhere to rigorous standards to ensure their well-being.”
Praesidium is an organization made up of researchers, attorneys, social workers, and human resource professionals, who are “dedicated to the prevention of sexual abuse.” The organization offers several tools, courses, accreditations, and more for organizations seeking to prevent the sexual abuse of children and vulnerable adults within their network.
Delbarton representatives added that Lorenzo was “instrumental” in implementing Praesidium at the school, as well as its affiliated church, St. Mary’s Abbey. They also cited his role in establishing the first independent review board under the leadership of the late New Jersey Supreme Court Justice Marie Garibalidi to resolve abuse cases.
According to Delbarton’s website, all school and abbey employees undergo “rigorous” screenings, and must complete annual training programs and seminars on “prevention and informed responsiveness to claims of abuse and harassment of any kind.”
See Related: Sex Abuse Allegations Rock NJ Catholic School, Leadership As Advocates Demand Transparency
“Saint Mary’s Abbey recognizes that cases involving allegations of sexual abuse by a member of the monastic community requires actions that are loving and compassionate to the survivor, fair to the accused, and sensitive to the greater good of the Catholic people and the community at large,” a St. Mary’s Abbey statement read. “We call upon those with knowledge of a Member’s inappropriate behavior – whether past or present – to come forward with this information and prevent further harm.”
Delbarton representatives have not responded specifically to the allegations made by SNAP.
Jack Slocum,Patch Staff
Posted Mon, Aug 18, 2025 at 9:33 am ET
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