BURLINGTON — Two decades after news broke of a nationwide Catholic priest misconduct scandal, seven Vermont child sex abuse claimants spoke in court Wednesday about the lingering impact.

“He molested me in my own house, in my own bed,” a 61-year-old man identified as Speaker 5 recalled of being an altar boy a half-century ago. “I froze and never said a word. Today, as an adult, I am still working on the side effects.”

Leaders of Vermont’s Roman Catholic Diocese have heard many such comments over the years as they’ve paid out $34.5 million to settle 67 civil lawsuits alleging clerical improprieties dating as far back as 1950.

But Wednesday saw officials in a different venue: U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Burlington, where the state’s largest religious denomination is seeking Chapter 11 protection in hopes of reorganizing its depleting finances.

“I’d like to say thank you for having our voices heard,” the first speaker, who identified himself to reporters as Kevin McLaughlin, told Judge Heather Cooper. “This sort of thing leaves scars.”

As part of the Chapter 11 process, all pending and future lawsuits have been placed on hold as 118 new accusers have submitted confidential claims to join the case as potential creditors — almost double the number of people who previously settled before the diocese filed for bankruptcy last fall.

Although the bankruptcy court has no authority to rule on any of the sealed allegations, it allowed seven of the latest accusers to offer non-evidentiary “survivor statements” as a courtesy at a special session at Burlington’s Federal Building.

“When the diocese filed for bankruptcy, it robbed those survivors of their opportunity to stand in front of a jury of their peers,” said Brittany Michael, the lawyer for a federally appointed committee representing creditors with abuse claims. “We know that the opportunity to speak in court can be an important part of the healing journey.”

For two hours, speaker after speaker talked both generally and graphically, standing up and breaking down, as they remembered being anywhere from 6 to 15 when they were abused.

“I immediately buried those memories, but I was forever changed,” said a man identified as Speaker 3. “I thought many times of committing suicide because it was so painful.”

Other men spoke of continuing shame and stress, anxiety and depression, post-traumatic stress disorder and panic attacks, as well as failed classes and marriages and alcohol and drug dependence.

“It has taken me decades to understand this monster has been responsible,” a man identified as Speaker 2 said of the priest who abused him. “All this time I thought I had been the only one. My only regret is not having the courage to come forward sooner.”

The Vermont diocese is the nation’s 40th Catholic entity to seek bankruptcy protection because of clergy misconduct. Under federal law, it must present the court with a tally of its financial assets and liabilities. The judge then will decide whether to allow church leaders to develop a reorganization plan that would require approval from both the court and creditors.

Abuse claimants are seeking church records detailing not only a reported $35 million tied to the diocese’s headquarters and state-level holdings but also all the local operations it oversees, starting with 63 parishes with an estimated collective worth of $500 million. The resulting findings are expected to spark future court debate on which assets can be used to compensate creditors.

Vermont Catholic Bishop John McDermott attended Wednesday’s special session.

“It is my sincere hope and fervent prayer,” he said afterward in a statement, “that today’s hearing will be a source of continued healing for the survivors who shared their stories and for all who have filed a claim against the diocese.”

McDermott was installed as bishop last July, only to land in court just two months later.

“The diocese is not filing this bankruptcy case in an attempt to avoid any responsibility,” the bishop said at the time in an affidavit. “Due to the number of civil cases and claims filed against the diocese and limitations of the diocese’s resources, the diocese determined that reorganization under Chapter 11 is the only way to fairly and equitably fulfill the diocese’s obligations to all survivors of sexual abuse.”

Send in the Songs

thursday 15

Consummate singer-songwriter Judy Collins inspires guests at Paramount Theatre in Rutland with selections from her prolific career spanning more than six decades. Through showstoppers, poignant ballads, and visionary interpretations of traditional and contemporary folk standards, the esteemed music legend reminds listeners why her work has been entered into the Grammy Hall of Fame.

Lit Lovers

Thursday 15-Sunday 18

Guests step into the world of literary legends at QuarryWorks Theater’s poignant production Dearest Friend: A Love Story Written in Letters at the Frank Suchomel Memorial Arts Center in Adamant. Actors Elizabeth Wilcox and G. Richard Ames reanimate the remarkable romance of Victorian writers Elizabeth Barrett Browning and Robert Browning through real-life correspondence — including cherished poems among the missives.

Hooked on Fibers

Wednesday 14-Sunday 18

The Green Mountain Rug Hooking Guild hosts hookers and onlookers at its vibrant “Hooked in the Mountains” show at Sugarbush Resort in Warren. The biennial expo began in 1996 and has evolved into a major mecca for crafters, with workshops, vendors, daily hook-ins and the “Magnificent Bugs in Rugs” traveling exhibit. (No bugs were harmed in the making of these rugs.)

Northern Exposure

Thursday 15

Vermont Historical Society gives a nod to our northern neighbors with some well-deserved gastronomic recognition at Vermont Eats: The French Canadian Experience at Green Mountain Technology & Career Center in Hyde Park. Epicureans dive into a bespoke dining experience curated by the center’s culinary students, underscoring the impact of Québécois culture on civic life in the region.

Give Peas a Chance

Thursday 15

“Vermont Edition” host Mikaela Lefrak invites folks to “Get in the Garden” at Vermont Public’s annual spring show in Colchester. Now’s your chance to be part of a live studio audience as Lefrak digs deep into all things horticultural with gardening guru Charlie Nardozzi. Attendees eat up tips about topics ranging from cultivating early bloomers to prepping for wet weather, followed by a Q&A and a jolly seed swap.

Timber Time

Saturday 17

Theresa Maggio’s historically significant documentary Bills Lumber brings the closing chapter of an antique sawmill in Wardsboro, Vt., to viewers at Next Stage Arts in Putney. Filmed in 2023, this touching tribute to the Bills family’s legacy employs heartfelt stories to paint a picture of how tradition and tenacity helped maintain the mill — through flood and fire — for 86 years.

Ciao, Bella

Saturday 17 & Sunday 18

Bella Voce Women’s Chorus marks 20 years of filling up cups with “Glorious Celebration” — featuring special guest artists Solaris Vocal Ensemble — at McCarthy Arts Center in Colchester. Audience members take in dynamic works ranging from exhilarating to ethereal, including Francis Poulenc’s sparkling midcentury gem Gloria and soul-stirring favorites from the past two decades.

Vermont is a great place to visit.

With its beautiful scenic views, the lush forests perfect for hikes and nature walks and rich history, Vermont has everything that makes New England wonderful.

And that’s why Yankee Magazine included two Vermont locales in their list of the 12 most beautiful places to visit in New England.

“More than anything, look through these photos and then find their equal wherever you may travel in New England: villages, cities, woods, waterways, orchards, farms,” Yankee Magazine said. “Be alert for even the smallest moments of beauty.”

Here are Yankee Magazine’s picks for best Vermont places to visit in New England.

Shelburne Farms in Shelburne, VT

If you’re looking to walk through a paradise of color and warmth, this Yankee Magazine pick might be perfect for you.

What Yankee Magazine said about Shelburne Farms: “In a region of rocky soil and notoriously changeable weather, few things say resilience like gardens whose roots go back decades. Among New England’s horticultural gems are the gardens at Shelburne Farms, sited between Lake Champlain and the property’s 19th-century mansion turned inn. Created by the former lady of the manor, Lila O. Webb, they’ve been extensively restored—much to the delight of visitors to these verdant grounds more than a century onward.”

You can visit Shelburne Farms at 1611 Harbor Rd.

Burt Henry Covered Bridge in North Bennington, VT

Do you want to take your family out to a blast from the past? Then Yankee Magazine’s other Vermont pick for a best place to visit in New England might be for you.

What Yankee Magazine said about Burt Henry Covered Bridge: “Covered bridges weren’t built to star on calendars,” writes New Hampshire author Howard Mansfield in his 2016 book, Sheds. “They weren’t built to be pretty.” Yet the same structures that once were practical solutions to 19th-century problems—including this classic Town lattice truss bridge in North Bennington—are now scenic lures for 21st-century visitors.”

You can visit the Burt Henry Covered Bridge at 475 River Rd.

Rin Velasco is a trending reporter. She can be reached at rvelasco@gannett.com.