Fr. Maurice Souza
Monsignor. Per the Fall River Diocese, it first learned of allegations against Souza in 2012. A plaintiff’s attorney said he attempted to settle in mediation but efforts fell through. A civil suit filed 1/4/2014 in CT accused Souza of sexually abusing two boys, ages 9-17 while assigned to St. Anthony’s in East Falmouth 1977-1986. He also allegedly would take the boys to various areas of MA and CT for athletic events and abuse them there. Died in 1996 at age 83. The suit, which was not made public until 5/12/2014, also names former Fall River Bishop Cronin for his failure to properly supervise Souza. It settled in 1/2019. Included on the Diocese’s list of accused in 1/2021 (as Maurice de Souza).
- The Anchor 08.23.96
- Press Release from Road to Recovery 05.12.14
- Wicked Local Falmouth 05.12.14
- ABC 6 05.13.14
- Hartford Courant 05.13.14
- Mass Live (AP) 05.13.14
- South Coast Today 05.13.14
- WPRO 05.13.14
- WPRI 05.13.14
- Wicked Local Dighton 05.13.14
- Turn to 10 05.13.14
- South Coast Today 05.14.14
- The Media Report 05.19.14
- Herald News 03.29.18
- Boston Herald 03.30.18
- Cape Cod Times 01.25.19
- Wicked Local Falmouth 02.19.19
- Diocese of Fall River List 01.26.21
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