Judge orders release of Legion of Christ documents related to widow’s $60M will
January 24, 2013
Calling the public’s right to know “paramount,” a Rhode Island judge has ruled in favor of several media outlets that sought the release of documents related to a widow’s contributions to the Legion of Christ.
Gabrielle Mee, who died in 2008, had given over $60 million to the Legionaries. A niece challenged Mee’s will, charging that the elderly woman had been manipulated by members of the order--which has been under scrutiny since it was revealed that its founder, the late Father Marcial Maciel, had led a double life. A Rhode Island judge dismissed the lawsuit, saying that the niece lacked legal standing, but acknowledged that the situation surrounding the widow’s gift “raises a red flag.”
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Further information:
- RI judge orders Legion of Christ papers unsealed (AP)
- Court hears arguments on wealthy widow’s donations to Legionaries (CWN, 11/6)
- Judge issues ruling on Legion of Christ and widow’s $60M will (CWN, 9/14)
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