Br. Fidelis (Francis) DeBerardinis, O.F.M.
Br. Fidelis (Francis) DeBerardinis was a Brother of the Franciscan’s Province of the Immaculate Conception. A 1992 lawsuit alleged that Br. DeBerardinis sexually abused the survivor at Our Lady of Mount Carmel in East Boston, MA. In 2002, Br. DeBerardinis was arrested on charges relating to child sexual abuse. In 2003, the charges were dismissed but Br. DeBerardinis was immediately indicted on different charges of child sexual abuse. While awaiting trial, Br. DeBerardinis reportedly lived at St. Anthony’s Monastery in Catskill, New York in the Diocese of Albany for health reasons. In 2004, Br. DeBerardinis was sentenced to 8 years in prison followed by 10 years’ probation for sexually abusing eight altar boys, ranging in age from 8 to 13-years-old, at Our Lady of Mount Carmel from 1968 to 1973. Br. DeBerardinis’ status as a brother, his current whereabouts, and whether he has access to children are unknown.