Fr. Real B. Bourque

Order: OMI
Ordained: 1954
Status: Accused

Died: 07/22/2014
Diocese: Archdiocese of Boston MA

Assigned in Boston MA, Manchester NH, Birmingham AL, Portland ME, Washington DC and Belleville IL. Accused in 1979 and 1994 of abusing male minors in the late 1970s at the Oblates’ center in Natick MA, where he was Director. Abuse alleged also from his time as Director of a retreat house in ME. Bourque was reassigned by Cardinal Medeiros after allegations in 1981 and continued in ministry until admitting abusing teens in the 1990s. Sent to treatment in 1979 and again in 1994. Employed by EWTN for 12 years, prior to and after his 1994 treatment, including appearing on TV and youth ministry. Omitted from 2011 Boston AD database because he was an Order priest. Died in 2014. Included on the Diocese of Belleville’s 9/2022 list of credibly accused. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General’s Report.


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