Hamilton Spectator
15 December 2010
ANTIGONISH, N.S. – A Hamilton man has filed a lawsuit against Nova Scotia’s Roman Catholic Diocese of Antigonish, alleging one of its former priests sexually abused him as a child.
The 69-year-old man alleges he was abused in the 1950s by Rev. Malcolm MacEachern, who was the priest of Mount Carmel parish in New Waterford, N.S., at the time.
The plaintiff, who lives in Hamilton, alleges in the statement of claim that the abuse began around 1953.
He says he was about 11 years old and an altar server at the church at the time. He claims the abuse continued for about two years.
MacEachern died in 1982.
None of the allegations contained in the suit filed last Thursday in the province’s Supreme Court have been proven.
The plaintiff is seeking $1.75 million in damages.
The diocese is trying to raise money for a $15-million settlement with victims of alleged sexual abuse in a separate matter.
Bishop Raymond Lahey, who helped negotiate the settlement, faces a trial of his own next year on charges of possessing and importing child pornography in 2009.
The Canadian Press
Oh my!!!
This is Father Malcolm MaEachern, a priest ordained for the Diocese of Antigonish, Nova Scotia who was installed as Bishop of Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island in January 1955!
He was known as “Big Malcolm” – some who knew him say he was a huge man – at least 6’4″ and also large build.
I will add him to the Accused list and open a page for him later this evening.