Church Knew About Canada's Worst Pedophile Priest
I just watched the CBC's documentary "The Good Father" about one of the worst pedophile priests in Canadian history, Charles Sylvestre.
The heartbreaking stories of Sylvestre's victims are similar to those I have heard from the many sexual abuse survivors that I have represented. Watching the documentary one finds it incredible that Sylvestre could openly sexually abuse hundreds of little girls, that the Church knew about the sexual abuse for four decades, and did NOTHING to protect the children in Sylvestre's parishes.
You can watch the documentary online here.
The unfortunate fact is that the Church's cover up of Sylvestre's abuse appears to be more the rule than the exception.
You can learn about Pope John XXIII's instructions to maintain a policy of "strictest secrecy" about sexual abuse by priests on the Clerical Whispers blog or you can read it yourself here:
Comments
See The John Paul II Millstone — http://www.jp2m.blogspot.com
This chronicles the role of John Paul II in the priests pedophilia phenomena.
John Paul II does not deserve to be venerated as a saint because he did NOTHING for the victims and survivors of pedophile priests.
See the Benedict XVI-Ratzinger, God's Rottweiler - http://www.pope-ratz.blogspot.com — about Benedict's role in covering-up priest pedophilia.
See the John Paul II Pedophile Priests Army - http://www.jp2army.blogspot.com.
This chronicles some of the worst priests pedophile priests on earth.
Posted by: Paris | July 5, 2007 5:27 PM
Hi John:
Thank you for your words/blog and for keeping this issue alive and talking about it. Just because sylvestre's dead, it doesn't mean we stop hurting.
I am one of the victims featured in the documentary. This program originally aired February 28, 2007.
I just wanted to add that what sylvestre did to us was despicable, but the diocese's response was just as bad, if not worse.
Thanks again John.
Irene
Posted by: Irene | July 6, 2007 8:38 PM
Irene:
Thanks for your kind words. I am honoured that you took the time to comment on my post.
I agree with your feelings about those in authority that allowed Sylvestre to continue his predations. In my years representing abuse victims I have found that in many cases the abusers conduct was well known…
One expects lies and denials from the abusers. But how could ANY right thinking adult think that the reputation of an institution was more important than protecting a vulnerable child. Sad…very sad.
John
Posted by: John McKiggan | July 6, 2007 11:23 PM
I disagree with you. Indeed, I�m not giving a ringing disagreement, but just sayin� what I think. I have my opinion, you have yours.
Posted by: Hanlon | April 11, 2008 4:29 AM