There’s really no easy way to break the news.
Another Canadian priest charged. Possession of child pornography.
Father Rheal LeBlanc csc was charged today (08 December 2011) in Welland, Ontario.
LeBlanc, a holy Cross Father – meaning he is a member of the order of priests known as the Congregation of the Holy Cross, or Holy Cross Fathers – served as principal at Notre Dame College School in Welland, Ontario and St. Paul Catholic High School in Niagara Falls, Ontario. According to media reports, he retired in 1994. It would seem from a quick scan of the directories that he has been living at Holy Cross House in Welland (201 Niagara St.) since his retirement. (Holy Cross House is a residence for Holy Cross Fathers and former site of Notre Dame College School)
Police searched the Holy Cross residence and seized several computer systems and peripheral devices as evidence.
The 76-year-old was released on bail. He is scheduled to appear in court 25 January 2012.
I have put some information together – will carry on tomorrow.
I find no record of Leblanc in the 1967 and 1968-69 directories. Does anyone know if perhaps he arrived in Canada after his ordination? Anyway, I will see what I can find out tomorrow.
I said at the start that there is really no easy way to break the news, and, to a degree I mean that. On the other hand, I am honestly and truly thankful that these priests are being identified and that charges are being laid where sufficient evidence warrants they be laid. Better to lance the boil than let it fester.
Interesting….
Convicted molester Father William White or V White was once a member of the Holy Cross Fathers. As a Holy Cross Father White taught at Notre Dame College School in the 60s. His conviction related to incidents of “sexual touching” of male student at an unidentified ” Catholic high school in Welland.” The “incidents” occurred between 1963 and 1966. White left the Holy Cross Fathers at some point and became in incardinated in the Archdiocese of Edmonton, Alberta.
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I have posted articles and made comment on them on the Press Conference in Windsor, Ontario this morning. I will hopefully get more information tomorrow. I have, as I said elsewhere, been given a first-hand account from someone who was there in person. I had goose bumps just listening to what was said by these two courageous victims. I really would like everyone to hear what I heard so that you can understand why I say courageous.
Here are the articles posted to date:
08 December 2011: Photos: Lawsuits Launched Against Catholic Church
17 November 2011: Jerry Boyle Statement of Claim
08 December 2011: Catholic officials failed to report sex abuse, Ontario suits allege
08 December 2011: Victims of disgraced priest William Hodgson Marshall file $3M lawsuits against Catholic Church
Enough for now,
Sylvia