Jesuits accused of sexual misconduct

The Jesuits, a community committed to the service of faith and the promotion of justice, are the subject of investigation after allegations of sexual misconduct.

The Jesuit New England Province turned over to Suffolk County prosecutors Thursday, March 7th the names of five Jesuit priests who have been accused of sexual misconduct.

The Boston Globe reported that several graduates of Boston College High School had said in interviews that three Jesuits who taught at the school in the 70s and 80s molested them. The three are current teacher, Stephen F. Dawber, S.J. and former teachers, James Talbot, S.J. and Francis N. McManus, S.J.

John H. Acres, who has since left the order, and Michael J. Kossak, S.J. are also allegedly involved in inappropriate sexual behavior with students at BC High, according to officials

Two other Jesuits were not publicly identified and had no connection to BC high, but are being investigated.

Stephen F. Dawber, S.J. was removed from his post as a history teacher pending investigation. The school took the action after a graduate told The Globe he was molested by Dawber, now 63, in the early 1970s, saying that the welfare of the school’s 1,200 students was their highest concern.

BC High spokesman Michael Reardon said the school has yet to uncover evidence of abuse by any of their priests. The school said that there are no current students involved in the allegations.

“We have found no allegations reported to school officials regarding Father Dawber or either of the other two Jesuits,” he said. “However, we are continuing our investigation.”

“Father Dawber was a very good man and a very good teacher. He made some mistakes and the community and church will deal with him properly,” said Bob McGee, ’04, a 2000 graduate of BC High.

School officials are very concerned about BC High alumni who may have been victims of abuse during those times. The school has made an effort to reach graduates through a special hotline and have also hired a counselor.

Administrators said that they planned to tackle the issue head-on, saying that they owed it to current students, alumni and former teachers.

“The well-being of our students is our highest concern,” said Principal William Kemeza. “We are also very concerned about BC alumni who may have been victims of abuse during those times.”

“I knew Dawber, he was still a teacher when I was there but I never had him. He seemed normal. There are a lot of accusations floating around you can’t believe them all, but it doesn’t look good,” said Jeremy Pallai, ’04.

“I’m shocked, I didn’t know the guy, I never had him as a teacher. It’s obviously weird through when someone from your high school is accused of something like that,” said Dan Maciaszczyk ’04.