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Photo: Cathedral of Saint Joseph in Hartford, Connecticut, via Wikipedia.
The Archdiocese of Hartford has agreed to pay $2.4 million to resolve a sexual abuse lawsuit brought by a man who says he was repeatedly abused as a child by Fr. Adolph Renkiewicz, a now-deceased priest, WFSB Channel 3 Eyewitness News reported.
According to a plaintiff’s attorney, the victim was abused more than 100 times between 1985 and 1990 while he served as an altar boy. The abuse began when the victim was 10 years old and continued until he was 15. The victim, who remains anonymous, has shown “an enormous amount of courage” in stepping forward, the attorney’s firm said.
Fr. Renkiewicz was ordained in 1956 and served in multiple parishes across Connecticut, including Sacred Heart in New Britain, St. Ann in Devon, Immaculate Conception in Southington, and St. Stanislaus in Meriden. Later, he was placed on leave and restricted to ministry at the Felician Sisters Motherhouse in Enfield. He died in 2015.
The Archdiocese of Hartford declined to comment on the specifics of the case or the settlement, citing long-standing policy. In a public statement, however, the archdiocese reiterated its commitment to preventing future abuse and fostering safe environments for parishioners.
“Archbishop Coyne and his staff are committed to doing all that is humanly possible to ensure that this never happens again and that our churches are safe places for children and families at all times,” the statement read.
A plaintiff’s attorney representing the victim criticized the church’s response and oversight mechanisms, saying, “This case once again indicates a failure of supervisors to properly supervise a priest who sexually abused a child over years and on multiple occasions. The Catholic Church is incapable of properly supervising priests within its ranks,” adding that “looking the other way” is unacceptable.
The $2.4 million settlement is intended to provide financial redress and support as the survivor continues his healing journey.
If you or someone you love is a survivor of clergy abuse and wondering about your legal rights, read our comprehensive Guide to Filing a Catholic Church Sexual Abuse Lawsuit. You may also fill out the brief, confidential form below so that our intake team may connect you with a legal professional. As this article points out, financial compensation is possible, even if an abusive clergy member has died and the abuse happened decades ago.
