The numbers the Herald ran were lifted directly from the AG's report and based on archdiocesan records of abuse reported at those times.
The report (though it doesn't seem all that worth reading) is at Attorney General's Report
An appendix, however, lists by year of graduation the numbers of accused priests who graduated from St. John's Seminary. The chart starts in 1946, so I'm assuming they didn't find any for the earlier 40's. To summarize by decade (see the AG's report, Appendix 2 for the chart):
1940s -- 5
1950s -- 33
1960s -- 52
1970s -- 16
1980s -- 5
1990s -- 2
1960 was, of course, the infamous class that produced both Geoghan and Shanley, if I recall, as well as the infamous Bishop McCormack.
From the information I have I can't tell whether the abusers were all priests or if it included church workers like the Reardon character,choir directors,coaches,youth ministers et al. Do you know?
And,last but not least did the Attorney General ever categorize the abuses in any way that would indicate sex of the victims,ages etc. and/or the degree of the abuse. There is a significant difference in a kiss on the lips,which may be an ethnic custom and genital contact. Any info you can give me would be much appreciated. Thanks.