Msgr. J Maurice Bourgeois

Diocese of Lafayette

Ordained: 1924

Appointed monsignor: 1943

Retired: 1970

Died: 1978

Assigned as follows:

Sacred Heart of Jesus (Ville Platte, LA)

Summary of Sexual Abuse Allegations against Msgr. J. Mauice Bourgeois:

Msgr. J Maurice Bourgeois was ordained a priest in 1924, and served in the Diocese of Lafayette. He served as rector of Sacred Heart in 1930. He taught over one hundred children in grades in 1-5, and in
1935 grades 6, 7, and 8 had been added. On February 8, 1970, the community gathered at the new Sacred Heart High School. A plaque dedicated to Msgr. Bourgeois was erected, which reads:

"In testimony of the faith of the people who rebuilt the present high school building, to
the memory of Chester Vidrine who made the cross and to the love of Monsignor J. M.
Bourgeois for Catholic education."

According to media reports, in January 2019, an Evangeline Parish lawsuit alleged that Msgr. Bourgeois molested and raped a 7 or 8-year-old altar boy when Msgr. Bourgeois was assigned to Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in Ville Platte, LA. The alleged victim uncovered the repressed memory of the abuse while undergoing therapy in 2002. The case was settled, and there is no indication that criminal charges were filed.

Msgr. Bourgeois resigned due to ill health and died in 1978.

Horowitz Law is a law firm representing victims and survivors of sexual abuse by Catholic priests and other clergy in the Diocese of Lafayette in Louisiana. If you need a lawyer because you were sexually abused by a priest in Louisiana, contact our office today. Although many years have passed, those abused by Catholic clergy in the Diocese of Lafayette may now have legal options, but filing deadlines will apply so do not delay in reaching out to us. Our lawyers have decades of experience representing survivors of clergy sexual abuse in Louisiana and nationwide. We can help.

Msgr. J Maurice Bourgeois – Diocese of Lafayette