Fr. Linus Hennessy

From Ireland, where he was ordained in 1942. Given name was Michael P. Taught at St. Bernardine College in England until 1951, then did retreat ministry in Australia. Arrived in Buffalo NY in 1954. Had a radio ministry, “Comfort My People” on the Christian Broadcasting Network. Taught at Bishop Timon Highs School in Buffalo, then from 1971-1977 was chaplain for “juvenile delinquents” at St. Elizabeth Friary in Denver CO. Returned to Buffalo as chaplain at Timon. Hennessy also worked with Boys Town, was a chaplain at the Erie County Holding Center, and was involved with the Charismatic Renewal movement. He died 5/9/1983 in Buffalo. In 2015 Hennessy was accused publicly of the sexual abuse of a boy for five years, beginning 1973 when the boy was age 10. The abuse allegedly included oral sex, masturbation and attempted intercourse. His accuser said that Hennessy was a father figure who stepped in to help his single mom with her three children. Reportedly a lawsuit v the Buffalo diocese was rejected due to the statute of limitations, and the plaintiff rejected a $50K settlement offer. The accuser asked Pope Francis to investigate his case. A lawsuit was filed in 8/2019 under the Child Victims Act. Included in 10/2021 on the Holy Name Province Franciscans’ list of those against whom there are substantiated allegations. Included in 9/2025 on the Diocese of Buffalo’s list of credibly accused.