Inquiry witness claims letter was written by priest

Cornwall Standard Freeholder

Local News - Tuesday, May 29, 2007 Updated @ 10:54:49 AM

By Terri Saunders

A witness at the Cornwall Public Inquiry Tuesday morning read aloud a letter in which he believes Rev. Charles MacDonald expressed regret for having sexually assaulted him.

The letter, dated Dec. 30, 1997, is handwritten and signed, "Sincerely, Charles F."

It's not been determined MacDonald is the author of the letter.

The man, who cannot be identified under a publication ban, told the inquiry Monday he was sexually assaulted by the priest while the pair was visiting a cottage in Eganville, a small community northwest of Ottawa. The man would have been 17 years old at the time of the alleged assault.

On Tuesday, the man read the letter into the record at the inquiry.

"I realize now I should have said or written these words to you a long time ago," the letter reads. "I honestly didn‚t realize you were hurting."

The author of the letter goes on to ask forgiveness for what happened in the past.

"What's done is done – but I want to tell you… that I am very sorry for causing you any hurt or pain," the letter reads. "It was never my intention to hurt you. I wish I could change things but … again I'm sorry. I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me."

MacDonald was charged with a number of sex-related offences in 1996 but those charges were stayed in 2002 when a judge determined it had taken too long to bring the matter to trial.

The inquiry is continuing.

Did Father Charles MacDonald Ask For Forgiveness 10 Years Ago?

Cornwall News AM 1220

May 29, 2007 — A letter that an alleged victim believes to be from the priest was entered into evidence today. The witness - who can not be named due to a publication ban - shared about abuse he says he suffered at the hands of Father MacDonald. Today, the alleged victim read a letter from 1997 that he claims is from MacDonald. It hasn't been proven that Macdonald is the author of the letter. Charges against MacDonald were stayed in 2002 when a judge determined the matter had taken too long to get to trial.
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