Full Notification

This is a Notice of Deadline for Filing Sexual Abuse Claims in Franciscan Friars of Califonia, Inc. Bankruptcy Case

Dear Tribal Member, 

We hope this letter finds you well. On December 31, 2023, the Franciscan Friars of California Inc. sought Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection at the United States Bankruptcy Court of the Northern District of California, Citing a surge in lawsuits triggered by a California sex abuse law that temporarily lifted the statute of limitations on child sex abuse claims. The Roman Catholic organization, responsible for founding and maintaining Mission Santa Barbara in Buellton, California, was facing 94 child sex abuse lawsuits. The Franciscans of the Province of St. Barbara, serve in California, Arizona, Oregon, and Washington, and in a number of Native American nations in the Southwest. 

In May 2019, the names of friars connected with the Province of Saint Barbara who were deemed credibly accused of the sexual abuse of minors dating back to 1950 were disclosed. Media outlets were notified of that event in communities impacted by the news. The report by the Franciscan Friars of the Province of St. Barbara listed friars who previously served at San Xavier Mission and Our Lady of Guadalupe credibly accused of sexual abuse of a minor.

According to the list, Friar Camillus Cavagnaro had claims of sexual abuse of a minor from 1962-1965. He was at San Xavier between 2002-2005 and 2006-2007. Friar Berard Connolly had claims ranging from 1960-1963 and 1982-1984. He was at San Xavier between 1988 – 1993. Friar Kevin Dunne’s claims range from 1970- 1973. He was at San Xavier between 1995 – 1997. Friar Adrian Furman’s claims range from 1959-1965. He was at San Xavier dates not available. Friar Jorge Lopez had claims of sexual abuse of a minor from 1975 – 1976. He was at Our Lady of Guadalupe between 1982-1988. Friar Santiago Almaguer, had a claim of sexual abuse of a minor in 1978. He was at Our Lady of Guadalupe in 1978.

The Pascua Yaqui Tribe is not aware of any attempts to provide official notice of the release of the list of credibly accused friars in 2019 to the Tribe. To the best of our knowledge, the Franciscan Friars of California, Inc., did not provide official notice to the Pascua Yaqui Tribe of the 2023 Chapter 11 Bankruptcy filing. To the best of our knowledge, Pascua Yaqui officials were not contacted by the Franciscan Friars of St. Barbara Province, aka the Franciscan Friars of California, or their attorneys, regarding the bankruptcy case, the Sexual Abuse Claim Notice Package, and/or provided with the public notice of the deadline for Filing Proofs of Claim.

Our primary concern is to ensure that all Pascua Yaqui victims are given notice and the opportunity to receive the compensation and support they rightfully deserve. You or your family member may be entitled to file a claim under this bankruptcy case. The deadline to file a proof of claim against the Franciscan Friars of California, Inc. is July 19, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. (Pacific). We understand that this process can be emotionally challenging, and we are committed to providing the necessary information and assistance.

Taking the step to report a claim of sexual abuse is not easy. The strength and courage to make such a report often comes after many years of suffering.

Survivors and families should have an opportunity to report a claim of sexual abuse and the Pascua Yaqui Tribal Council is providing notice to the Pascua Yaqui Reservation and to our community of Guadalupe, Arizona.

Support Services:
We recognize the sensitivity of this matter and have planned for support services to assist you. If you need emotional support, counseling, or any other form of assistance, please contact Pascua Yaqui Victim Advocate Manager at 520-879-5769 or 520-260-8287

If you have any questions about the claims process or require assistance in completing your claim form, please do not hesitate to contact the Pascua Yaqui Attorney General’s Office at 520-883-5106 or you can also visit us in person at 7777 S. Camino Huivisim, Tucson, AZ, 85757 for more information.

All communication and requests for assistance will be kept strictly confidential. We are here to support you. Thank you for your courage and resilience.

More information: https://bit.ly/4bmdSMK