Fr. Charles McDonagh

Ordained: 1963
Status: Settled

Died: 04/23/1999
Diocese: Archdiocese of New York NY

Monsignor. Accused publicly in 1/19 by two sisters, who said McDonagh sexually abused them over 5 years beginning in 1972 when one was age 13 and the other age 7. The family were Our Lady of Refuge parishioners in the Bronx, where McDonagh was newly assigned. The abuse allegedly occurred in the girls’ home when McDonagh would “bless” the girls in bed. McDonagh was later secretary to Cardinals Cooke and then O’Connor. The girls’ mother reportedly told Rev. Benedict Groeschel of the abuse in the 1990s, to no avail. McDonagh died in 4/99. Groeschel said in 2012 that victims of abuse were seducers of priests. On archdiocese’s list 4/26/19. Claims against McDonagh eligible for IRCP. Settlements announced for each of the two alleged victims in 7/19. One of the sisters said that a third, older sister, was also a target of McDonagh.


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