Expressions Of Anger And Shame At Inquiry

Cornwall News AM 1220 

August 29, 2008 — There were expressions of anger and shame from Bishop Durocher at the Cornwall Public Inquiry this morning. Current Cornwall Bishop Paul Andre Durocher wiped his eyes when he was asked to describe how he felt when he learned that an area priest had been convicted of sexual abuse. Durocher became the local bishop in 2002 and one of his duties was to review files within the diocese. At that time, he came across information that Father Gilles Deslauriers plead guilty to sexual offences. Durocher told the commission he wanted to punch out the priest. (Hear audio clip below) Deslauriers plead guilty to sex related charges in 1986. Durocher's testimony continues Tuesday afternoon at 1. 

 [Transcript of audio clip:  

BISHOP DUROCHER: My first reaction, I wanted to go punch this guy in the face. I -- I was disgusted. I was disgusted that this priest had abused his power that way, to abuse these young people. I ….. it’s so terrible, you know. And -- and he’s a priest and I’m a priest, and it made me ashamed…]