The Buffalo Catholic Diocese released a statement on Tuesday that the Bishop’s Residence at 77 Oakland Place in Buffalo will be placed on the market this summer.  Proceeds from the sale will be dedicated to the Diocese's Independent Reconciliation & Compensation Program to assist victims of past sexual abuse by priests.

It's a major move by the Diocese which has come under increased pressure and scrutiny after a growing number of adults recently reported that they had been victims of sexual assault by priests while they were children.  Bishop Richard Malone stated, "this move underscores the importance we place on helping the victims of abuse to begin healing.”

The Bishop's Residence was sold to the Diocese in 1952 and has served as the home to six bishops plus priests who served on their staffs.  It was built in 1928 for the Forman family by architect E.B. Green.  It features four chimneys and a detached five-car garage with a separate apartment above it.

Once the Bishop's Residence is sold, the bishop will move to the former convent at St. Stanislaus Parish on Townsend Street on the east side, a short distance away from the Broadway Market.

Additionally, the diocese will be selling the Sheehan Residence for retired priests on Linwood Avenue.  Proceeds from that property will be dedicated to the Retired Diocesan Priests’ Medical Benefits Fund. The retired priests now living at the Sheehan

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