Fr. Hugh P. Rafferty
Ordained for the Diocese of Providence where he was assigned 1964-1967. Sent to treatment in 1967 at Via Coeli in Nevis MN. Rafferty subsequently worked in the Dioceses of Brooklyn, Boston, Norwich, Paterson, Worcester and in Ireland. He was removed from ministry 11/1/1974 and laicized in 1976. He died 1/11/2001. Rafferty was named publicly as credibly accused by the Diocese of Providence on its list 7/1/2019. Allegation(s) noted to have been received after his death. Included in 3/2021 on the Rockville Centre diocese’s list of accused, showing alleged abuse at St. Aidan’s in Williston Park, where Rafferty was assigned 1/1969-6/1971. Included in the 3/4/2026 RI Attorney General’s Report. Per the Report, in 1995 a woman reported to the Providence diocesan officials that Rafferty sexually abused her, including rape, beginning when she was 13-years-old in the 1960s and he was assigned to St. Matthew’s in Cranston. She came forward again in 2016 and said that she had never been updated as to Rafferty’s status.
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