Arsenault: Father Yvon Arsenault

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Yvon Arsenault

Yvon ArsenaultHPIM1065.JPG

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Arsenault Times & Transcript 02 February 2015

Fr. Yvon Arsenault, 02 February 2015 Photo: Greg Agnew, Times & Transcript

 

arsenault-picture-from-moncton-times-26-oct-2016Priest, Archdiocese of Moncton, New Brunswick.  Ordained 11 May 1968.  Father Yvon Arsenault was quietly removed from his parish in August 2012 –  December 2012 parishioners advised that removal came on the heels of sex abuse allegations.

19 October 2017: A total of ten men have come forward alleging childhood sex abuse at the hands of Father Yvon Arsenault. Of the ten, Arsenualt has entered guilty pleas to the allegations of nine, and a trial is pending on the allegations of the tenth.

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19 October 2017:  after preliminary hearing, committed to stand trial.  Trial date set for 20-24 August 2018!

18 May 2017:  New charge of indecent assault against a male.  The allegations date to the 1970s.

(July 2017:  There are currently 12 lawsuits filed against Father Arsenault.  It is unknown how many Arsenault victims received compensation through the Bastarache Process)

24 February 2017Sentenced to four years in jail

25 October 2016GUILTY plea to nine of 19 charges (29-day-TRIAL scheduled to start 24 October 2016 on Moncton charges cancelled, – Miramichi charges were  part of the plea deal )

 

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Judges, Crowns and Defence  lawyers

From first set of charges and subsequent ‘guilty’ plea:

Judge:  Zoel Dionne           Crown:  Eric Lalonde    Annie St. Jacques.     Defence:   Gilles Lemieux.

Second set of charges:

Defence:   Gilles Lemieux

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Archbishops of Moncton Archdiocese from time of Father Yvon Arsenaut’s ordination to present:  Norbert Robichaud  (25 July 1942 – 23 Mar 1972) ; Donat Chiasson  (23 March 1972 –  21 September 1995);Ernest Léger (27 November 1996 – 16 March 2002 ) André Richard, C.S.C. (16 March 2002 – ); Valery Vienneau (15 June 2012 – )

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Court dates

(Scroll to bottom of page for record of court dates for which he was convicted in 2016)

Next court date (for new charges laid in 2017): 20-24 August 2018:  TRIAL Moncton Courthouse Moncton NB (45 Assumption Blvd);19 October 2017:  09:30 am, PRELIMINARY HEARING (scheduled for half-a-day, 09:30 am, Moncton Courthouse Moncton NB (45 Assumption Blvd); 07 September 2017:  09:30 am, Moncton Courthouse Moncton NB (45 Assumption Blvd) ; 09 August 2017:  09:30 am, Moncton Courthouse Moncton NB (45 Assumption Blvd); 03 August 2017:  09:30 am, to enter a plea, Moncton Courthouse Moncton NB (45 Assumption Blvd) ;22 June 2017: 09:30 am, to enter a plea, Moncton Courthouse Moncton NB (45 Assumption Blvd)18 May 2017:  ; 18 May 2017:  09:30 am, courtroom #3, Moncton Courthouse Moncton NB (45 Assumption Blvd)

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Media coverage and BLOGS

17 January 2018:  Blame tough lives of priests’ victims on economy, not abuse, says church

19 October 2017:  Convicted Moncton priest could face trial on new sex charge next year

03 August 2017:  BLOG  True or false?

03 August 2017:  BLOG Pathetic

09 August 2017:  BLOG Mark your calendars

09 August 2017:  Convicted Moncton ex-priest will face preliminary inquiry on new sex charge next month

03 August 2017:  Disgraced priest Yvon Arsenault will plead not guilty to new sex charge

27 July 2017:  Exclusive – Two new lawsuits against Yvon Arsenault

27 July 2017:  2 new lawsuits filed against ex-priest and Moncton archbishop

19 June 2017:  Report of new lawsuit filed (External link)

18 May 2017:  Former Moncton priest who molested 9 boys faces another charge

24 February 2017:  “Yvon Arsenault, a former parish priest, faces his victims” & original French text

24 February 2017:  Former priest Yvon Arsenault handed 4-year sentence for 9 sex crimes (with VIDEO embed)

24 February 2017:  Priest sentenced to four years (with VIDEO embed)

24 February 2017:  “Former priest Yvon Arsenault handed 4-year sentence for 9 sex crimes” & related article

24 February 2017:  CBC Live Blog of Father Yvon Arsenault sentencing

24 February 2017:  BLOG Victim asks court for maximum sentence

24 February 2017:  BLOG Update on sentencing hearing

24 February 2017:  “Former priest Yvon Arsenault to be sentenced for 9 sex crimes” with CBC live blog

24 February 2017:  Sentencing underway for N.B. priest who pleaded guilty to molesting boys

24 February 2017:  BLOG Sentencing hearing in Moncton NB

26 October 2016:  Former NB priest pleads guilty to sexual abuse

25 October 2016:  Former priest Yvon Arsenault admits 9 sex crimes with minors

31 October 2016:   BLOG Happy Days????

09 October 2016:  BLOG  There are five lawsuits

08 October 2016:  BLOG A ring???

08 October 2016:  Five new sex abuse lawsuits filed against Catholic Church

07 October 2016:  New Brunswick lawsuit alleges abuse by former chaplain, Roman Catholic priests

07 October 2016:  4 New Brunswick priests caught in sexual abuse allegations

21 March 2015:  9 Court Briefs: Priest’s preliminary inquiry on sex charges slated for June

02 February 2015:  Former priest maintains he’s innocent of sex offences: lawyer

02 February 2015:  “A trial date for Yvon Arsenault postponed again” & original French text

02 February 2015:  Still no trial date for former priest

22 January 2015:  Priest accused of new sex offence as new complainant comes forward

09 January 2015:  “Yvon Arsenault: new charges filed” Google translation & original French text

16 December 2014:  “The case of the former priest Yvon Arsenault will resume in 2015” & original French text

11 December 2014:  Priest’s preliminary inquiry delayed

09 December 2014:  “The case of former priest Yvon Arsenault adjourned” & original French text

09 December 2014:  “Adjournment of the case of former priest Yvon Arsenault ” & 0riginal French text

02 September 2014:  Yvon Arsenault, accused of abusing 4 boys, to return to court on Dec. 9 for preliminary inquiry

24 February 2014:  “Priest accused of sexually abusing boys elects judge and jury” & related articles

28 January 2014:  “Ex-priest Yvon Arsenault did not enter a plea” & original French text

27 January 2014:  “The hearing of the case of former priest Yvon Arsenault is adjourned”  – google translation with original French

05 December 2013:  “Retired N.B. priest faces charges after alleged incidents involving boys” & related articles

20 August 2013:  Sexual assault: the former priest Yvon Arsenault denies all (with original French text)

15 July 2013:  Moncton priest faces new sexual abuse allegations

07 March 2013: Church abuse report delayed by more allegations

01 February 2013: “EXCLUSIVE – An alleged victim of former priest Yvon Arsenault lodges complaint to the police” & “‘They tried to make me believe that this was normal’” (with original French text)

28 January 2013: “Sex abuse report delayed in N.B. as more alleged victims come forward” & related articles

24 January 2013: “The conciliation process in Cap-Pelé widens” (google translation)

05 January 2012: Attorney general can’t comment on priest scandal

04 January 2012: Priest sex abuse allegations not reported to RCMP

04 January 2012: Church not dealing with abuse effectively: expert

04 January 2013: Church had no obligation to tell police about sex allegations: judge

04 January 2013: “Archdiocese failed abuse victims: lawyers” & related articles

03 January 2013: 2 Moncton priests removed amidst sex abuse allegations

02 January 2013: Moncton Archdiocese suspends priests

02 January 2013: Two New Brunswick priests removed after allegations of sexual abuse

30 December 2012: Diocesan Priests Removed From Ministry

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The following information is drawn from Canadian Catholic Church Directories (CCCD) which I have on hand. media (M), the archdiocesan website (AW), and personal information (P)

19 October 2017:  after preliminary hearing has been committed to stand trial on charges related to sex abuse allegations of a 10th man (M)

July 2017:  Report in Acadie Nouvelle that two new lawsuits have been filed.  This now accounts for all three boys referenced below  who were taken by Father Arsenault on a trip to Massachusetts in 1972.  One of the plaintiffs also alleges sexual abuse by Father Camille Leger which began in 1967 when the boy was 10 and last for about two years.

19 June 2017:  Report in Acadie Nouvelle that a of new lawsuit has been filed.  I am unable to download the page and am unable to link to the google translate of the article.  Here is an external link to the French article

According to the google translate the allegations date to the 1970s when the plaintiff, now in his 60s, was 17-years old. The allegations are that the sexual abuse transpired when Father Arsenault took the plaintiff and two of the plaintiff’s friends on a trip to Massachusetts in 1972.   The plaintiff was at the time a parishioner at the Roman Catholic Church in Haute-Aboujagane, New Brunswick (that would be Sacred Heart).

18 May 2017:  In court facing new charge of indecent assault against a male.  The allegations date to the 1970s.

February 2017:  Sentenced to four years in jail

25 October 2016:   GUILTY plea

22 January 2015:  there are now 17 charges and 6 (?) complainants

March 2015:  three charges laid in Miramichi – the charges fall under sections 156 (indecent assault on a male) and 157 (gross indecency) of the Criminal Code.  I believe there are now a total of 20 charges and 7 or more complainants.

Lawsuit filed alleging Fathers Breau and Father Yvon Arsenault repeatedly sexually abused (sodomised) a young boy at St. Joseph’s RC Church in Shediac in the early 1980s.  The boy, who was 13-years-old when the abuse began, was at the time a young offender ordered to do yard work on the rectory and/or church grounds:  The two priests were said to be responsible for supervising the boy. The abuse spanned a two-year period in the 80s.  I have no record of Father Arsenault being at St. Joseph’s in the 80s.  Can anyone help me with this?  (I have been told that Scouduc is only about 8 kms from Shediac)

08 January 2015:  two new charges laid from two new complainants.  There are now 9 complainants.

December 2014:  four charges have been withdrawn.  There are now seven complainants

24 February 2014:  elected trial by judge and jury

December 2013:  charged with three counts of indecent assault and four counts of gross indecency.

2013:  Address and phone listed is that of St. Augustine Roman Catholic Church, Moncton, New Brunswick (CCCD 2013) –

December 2012: Catholics told that Father Aresnault had been removed because of sex abuse allegations against him – they were also told that victims would be compensated through the Bastarache Process (blog).

August 2012: quietly removed from parish (P)

12 July 2012:  retired (M)

2012: Moderator for Saint Michael Roman Catholic Church, Moncton, New Brunswick (CCCD) (Queen of All Saints Parish =- Saints Augustine and Michael in Moncton, and Saint Lawrence OToole in Irishtown, New Brunswick )

2007-2012:  St. Augustine’s and Saint Michael’s Roman Catholic Churches in Moncton and Saint Laurence O’Toole Roman Catholic Church in Irishtown, New Brunswick (AW)

2007-2011: “Moderator,“ Saint Augustine Roman Catholic Church, Moncton, New Brunswick (CCCD and website)

2009 charitable info St Augustines in Moncton

2000-2007:  Moderator of the pastoral unit Sainte-Famille (Cocagne, Notre-Dame and Saint-Antoine (AW)

2002:  Moderator, Notre-Dame-du-Sacre-Coeur, Moncton, New Brunswick (CCCD)

1998-2000:, St. Theresa of the Child Jesus Roman Catholic Church, Dieppe, New Brunswick (AW)

2000:   pastor, St. Theresa of the Child Jesus Roman Catholic Church, Dieppe, New Brunswick (CCCD)

1997-1998:   Moncton, New Brunswick (CCCD)

1998:  Pastor, Christ-Roi Roman Catholic Church, Moncton, New Brunswick (CCCD)

1994-1997:    Saint Louis Gonzaga in Richiboctou, and Kouchibouguac New Brunswick (AW)

1997: Christ-Roi and Notre-Dame d’Acadie (University of Moncton), (AW)

1997, 1996, 1995:  Pastor, Saint Louis Gonzaga in Richiboctou with mission at Saint James in Kouchibouguac (CCCD)

1990-1994: the pastoral unit “Étoile de la mer” in Baie-Sainte-Anne, Escuminac, Hardwick and Pointe-Sapin (AW)

1994, 1993, 1992:  Pastor Sainte Anne Roman Catholic Church in Baie Sainte-Anne with Mission in Stella Maris, Escuminac (CCCD)

1991: Pastor Sainte Anne Roman Catholic Church in Baie Sainte-Anne with Missions in Stella Maris RC Church in Escuminac and St. Brigid RC Church in Hardwicke, NB (CCCD)

1988-1989:  pastoral studies in Montreal, Quebec (AW)

1983-1988: Notre-Dame-de-Grâce Roman Catholic Church and chaplain at Dorchester federal penitentiary, Moncton, New Brunswick (AW)

1986; Vicar foraine (AW)

1985-86: Pastor, Notre-Dame du Grace, Moncton, New Brunswick (CCCD)

1982: Pastor,  Saint Jacques Roman Catholic Church, Scoudouc, New Brunswick (AW) (Scoudac is only about 8 kms from Shediac)

1976-1982:  Pastor, Notre-Dame-de-Fatima Roman Catholic Church, Collette, New Brunswick (AW)

1975-1976: St-Jean-Baptiste Roman Catholic Church, Bouctouche, New Brunswick (AW)

1973-74, 1971-72:  address for Saint Joseph Roman Catholic Church, Shediac, New Brunswick (Pastor Father Oswald Porelle) (CCCD)

1972-1974: Chaplain at Louis-J.-Robichaud high school (AW) and

assisting at Saint Joseph in Shediac (AW)

 1970-1973 –  charges laid May 2017 relate to sex abuse allegations dating to 1970 to 1973 (M)

–  two lawsuits filed 2017 allege sex abuse by Father Arsenault around 1972 – abuse alleged to have transpired while on a trip to Massachusetts organized by Arsenault.  One of the two plaintiffs also alleges sexual abuse by Father Camille Léger

1968-1972:  Vicar, Notre Dame de Grâce Roman Catholic Church, Moncton, New Brunswick (AW)

11 May 1968:  ORDAINED by Archbishop Norbert Robichaud (AW)

pursued studies at Pont-Viau, Halifax Seminary and University of St-Joseph (AW)

01 September 1942:  Born in Moncton, NB, son of Edmond Arsenault and Liliana Cormier (AW)

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The following is an unofficial translation of Jean-Marc Doiron’s article in the 30 December 2012 edition of Acadie Nouvelle.  The original French text is below.

DIEPPE – Two former priests, Yvon Arsenault and Irois Després, are alleged to have committed sexual assaults on minors. They have been removed from any ministry duties by Archbishop Valery Vienneau, this weekend.

Just as the dust settled on the scandal of father Camille Léger, in Cap-Pelé, the Archdiocese of Moncton is facing suspicion of paedophilia brought against two other priests.

This involves Yvon Arsenault, who has worked in Kent County and south-eastern NB from the mid-1970s until his retirement on July 4, 2012, and Irois Després, who worked in the same area from the early 1960s until 1992.

The press release does not indicate if criminal charges have been laid against two men, or the years in which these acts have been committed.

A letter from Archbishop Valery Vienneau was read in all churches of the Archdiocese of Moncton this weekend. It informed all parishioners of the two priests’ withdrawal from any clerical duty.
“I sincerely ask forgiveness from the victims and their families”, the letter states.

A conciliation process, similar to the case of Camille Léger, has been initiated by the Archdiocese to compensate victims. It will be overseen by the same individual, the former judge,  Michel Bastarache.

“We fully support the process initiated by Mr. Michel Bastarache for the victims and we will be vigilant so that anyone working in the Church fully respects the policies put in place to prevent such acts”, Archbishop Vienneau states in the letter.

The allegations against Yvon Arsenault and Irois Després arose during the reconciliation process for father Léger.

Together, the two former priests have worked in 15 parishes.

Yvon Arsenault has been the parish priest of Notre-Dame-de-Fatima, Collette, from 1976 to 1982, the parish of Saint-Jacques-le-Majeur, Scoudouc, from 1982 to 1983, the parish of Notre-Dame-de-Grâce de Moncton from 1983 to 1989, the pastoral unit “Étoile de la mer” in Baie-Sainte-Anne and Pointe-Sapin, from 1990 to 1994, the parish of Saint-Louis-de-Gonzague de Richibucto, from 1994 to 1997, the parish of Christ-Roi of Moncton, from 1997 to 1998, the parish of Sainte-Thérèse-de-l’Enfant-Jésus of Dieppe, from 1998 to 2000, the unit pastoral Sainte-Famille in Cocagne, Notre-Dame and Saint-Antoine, from 2000 to 2007, and St Augustine Parish of Moncton, from 2007 to 2012.

For his part, Irois Després served as priest in the parish Saint-Ignace-de-Loyola of Saint-Ignace, from 1960 to 1968, the parish of Notre-Dame-de-la-Merci of Pointe-du-Chêne, from 1971 to 1973, the parish Saint-Vincent of Sackville, from 1973 to 1979, the parish of Notre-Dame-de-Lourdes, from 1979 to 1983, and the parish of Sainte-Thérèse-de-l’Enfant-Jésus of Dieppe, from 1983 to 1987.

Unlike father Camille Leger, who was already deceased when the allegations (against him) were publicly revealed, Yvon Arsenault and Irois Després are both alive.

…………………………….

From Acadie Nouvelle – Jean-Marc Doiron, reporter:

Le dimanche 30 décembre, 2012
DIEPPE – Deux anciens curés, Yvon Arsenault et Irois Després, font l’objet d’allégations d’agressions sexuelles sur des mineurs. Ils ont été retirés de tout ministère par l’archevêque Valery Vienneau, ce week-end.

Juste comme la poussière retombait sur le scandale du père Camille Léger, à Cap-Pelé, l’archidiocèse de Moncton fait face à des soupçons de pédophilie portées contre deux autres prêtres.

Il s’agit d’Yvon Arsenault, qui a oeuvré dans Kent et le Sud-Est des années 1970 jusqu’à sa retraite du 4 juillet 2012, et d’Irois Després, qui a oeuvré dans la même région des années 1960 jusqu’en 1992.

Le communiqué de presse n’indique pas si des accusations criminelles ont été portées contre les deux hommes, ni les années au cours desquelles ces actes auraient été commis.

Une lettre en provenance de l’archevêque Valery Vienneau a été lue dans toutes les églises de l’archidiocèse de Moncton ce week-end. Elle a appris aux diocésains le retrait des deux prêtres de tout ministère.

«Je demande sincèrement pardon aux victimes et à leurs familles», est-il écrit dans la lettre.

Un processus de conciliation, semblable à celui du cas de Camille Léger, a été entamé par l’archidiocèse afin de dédommager les victimes. Il sera supervisé par le même individu, soit l’ancien juge, Me Michel Bastarache.

«Nous supportons pleinement le processus mis en marche avec maître Michel Bastarache en faveur des victimes et nous nous engageons à être vigilants pour que toute personne travaillant en Église respecte pleinement les politiques mises en place pour la prévention de tels actes», est-il indiqué dans la lettre de Mgr Vienneau.

Les allégations contre Yvon Arsenault et Irois Després ont surgi lors du processus de conciliation du père Léger.

Ensemble, les deux anciens prêtres ont oeuvré dans une quinzaine de paroisses.

Yvon Arsenault a été le curé de la paroisse Notre-Dame-de-Fatima, de Collette, de 1976 à 1982, la paroisse Saint-Jacques-le-Majeur, de Scoudouc, de 1982 à 1983, la paroisse Notre-Dame-de-Grâce de Moncton, de 1983 à 1989, l’Unité pastorale Étoile de la mer à Baie-Sainte-Anne et Pointe-Sapin, de 1990 à 1994, la paroisse Saint-Louis-de-Gonzague de Richibucto, de 1994 à 1997, la paroisse Christ-Roi de Moncton, de 1997 à 1998, la paroisse Sainte-Thérèse-de-l’Enfant-Jésus de Dieppe, de 1998 à 2000, l’Unité pastorale Sainte-Famille à Cocagne, Notre-Dame et Saint-Antoine, de 2000 à 2007, et St Augustine Parish de Moncton, de 2007 à 2012.

Pour sa part, Irois Després a servi comme prêtre dans la Paroisse Saint-Ignace-de-Loyola de Sainte-Ignace, de 1960 à 1968, la paroisse Notre-Dame-de-la-Merci de Pointe-du-Chêne, de 1971 à 1973, la paroisse Saint-Vincent de Sackville, de 1973 à 1979, la paroisse Notre-Dame-de-Lourdes, de 1979 à 1983, et la paroisse Sainte-Thérèse-de-l’Enfant-Jésus de Dieppe, de 1983 à 1987.

Contrairement au père Camille Léger qui était décédé au moment où les allégations ont été révélées publiquement, Yvon Arsenault et Irois Després sont tous les deux vivants.

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The following is an English translation of information posted on the Archdiocese of Moncton website.  The original French text is below.

P. Yvon Arsenault

Born on September 1, 1942 in Moncton; son of Edmond Arsenault and Liliana Cormier. Studies : Pont-Viau, Halifax Seminary and Univ. St-Joseph. Ordination: 11 May 1968 by Msgr Norbert Robichaud. Ministries: vicar: N.-D. de Grâce, Moncton (1968-1972); school chaplain at Louis-J.-Robichaud high school and cooperator vicar in Shédiac (1972-1974), St-Jean-Baptiste, Bouctouche (1975-1976); priest, Notre-Dame de Fatima, Collette (1976-82); priest: Scoudouc, 1982, Notre-Dame-de-Grâce, Moncton, chaplain at Dorchester federal penitentiary (1983-1988), vicar foraine, 1986, pastoral studies in Montréal (1988-1989), Baie Sainte-Anne, Escuminac, Hardwick and Pointe-Sapin (1990-1994), Christ-Roi and Notre-Dame d’Acadie (U. de Moncton) (1997) St-Louis-de-Gonzague, Richibouctou and Kouchibougouac (1994-1997), Moncton (1997-1998), Sainte-Thérèse, Dieppe (1998-2000), Moderator for pastoral unit Sainte-Famille (Cocagne, Notre-Dame and St-Antoine) (2000-2007), St. Augustine’s, Moncton, St. Michael’s, Moncton, Laurence O’Toole, Irishtown (2007-2012 ).

Original French text on Archdiocese of Moncton website

Né le 1er septembre 1942 à Moncton; fils d’Edmond Arsenault et de Liliana Cormier. Études : Pont-Viau, Séminaire d’Halifax et Univ. St-Joseph. Ordination : le 11 mai 1968 par Mgr Norbert Robichaud. Ministère : vicaire : N.-D. de Grâce, Moncton (1968-1972); animateur de pastorale scolaire à la polyvalente Louis-J.-Robichaud et vicaire coopérateur à Shédiac (1972-1974), St-Jean-Baptiste, Bouctouche (1975-1976); curé, Notre-Dame de Fatima, Collette (1976-82) ; curé : Scoudouc, 1982, Notre-Dame-de-Grâce, Moncton, aumônier au pénitencier fédéral de Dorchester (1983-1988), vicaire forain, 1986, études en pastorale à Montréal (1988-1989), Baie Sainte-Anne, Escuminac, Hardwick et Pointe-Sapin (1990-1994), Christ-Roi et Notre-Dame d’Acadie (U de M) (1997) St-Louis-de-Gonzague, Richibouctou et Kouchibougouac (1994-1997), Moncton (1997-1998), Sainte-Thérèse, Dieppe (1998-2000), Modérateur de l’Unité pastorale Sainte-Famille (Cocagne, Notre-Dame et St-Antoine) (2000-2007), St. Augustine’s, Moncton, St. Michael’s, Moncton, Laurence O’Toole, Irishtown (2007-2012 ).

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from the Archdiocese of Moncton website

March 10, 2010

Feed My Lambs, Session 3
Fr. Yvon Arsenault, priest moderator of Queen of All Saints will share his experiences of priesthood as we mark the Year of the Priests
Date:
from 10/3/2010 to 10/3/2010
Time:
07:00
Place:
St. Michael’s Church
Contact
Ellen Bennett
Telephone
857-9531 x227
Email:
ellen.diocesemoncton@nb.aibn.com

_______________________________

Feed My Lambs continues with Fr. Yvon Arsenault (Father Yvon Arsenault Feed my Lambs)

Archdiocese of Moncton website
On Wednesday, March 10th the third session of Feed My Lambs
took place at St. Michael’s Church in Moncton with Fr. Yvon
Arsenault, priest moderator of Queen of All Saints. One of the most
life-giving aspects of priesthood for Fr. Yvon is preaching. Prior to
his ordination, an uncle asked that when he preached he use a
language that ordinary folks could understand, and Fr. Yvon said
that comment has stayed with him throughout his 42 years of
priesthood. He mentioned that Fr. Bill Burke’s comments during It’s All
About the Mystery concerning the recovery of the Word brought about
through Vatican II really resonated with him. Fr. Yvon sees the
priesthood as a call to be at service to the people of God and said that
this is the call he has responded to, and the one which is the most
important to him as a priest – being with people in their need, whatever
that may be. Feed My Lambs continues at Immaculate Conception
Church in Rexton on April 29th with Fr. Alfred Desautels, C.Ss.R.

____________________________________

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Record of court dates

The charges in both the Miramichi and Moncton are now being handled in the N.B. Court of Queen’s Bench

Next court date (Miramichi):  Miramichi charges were transferred to Moncton and dealt with 25 October 2016when Arsenault entered a guilty plea ;03 January 2017:  1:30 pm, motions (tentative trial dates of 21-24 Jan,  to be confirmed), Miramichi  Law Courts (679 King George Highway)

21-24 February 2017:  TRIAL cancelled – TENTATIVE TRIAL dates

01 February  2016:  1:30 pm, possibly a trial date will be set,  Miramichi Law Courts (679 King George Highway); 07 August 2015:  09:30 am, date to be set, Miramichi Law Courts (673 King George Highway, Miramichi, NB) ; 23 June 2015:  09:30 am, Preliminary Inquiry (hearing),  Miramichi Law Courts (673 King George Highway, Miramichi, NB) ; 19 March 2015: 1:30 pm, “for election and plea,” Miramichi Law Courts (673 King George Highway, Miramichi, NB) ; 05 March 2015:  09:30 am, courtroom #2, “for election”, Miramichi Law Courts (673 King George Highway, Miramichi, NB)

Next court date (Moncton):   24 February 2017: 09:30 am, sentencing hearing, Moncton Courthouse Moncton NB (45 Assumption Blvd); 25 October 2016:  13:30 pm, GUILTY plea; TRIAL Cancelled 24 October 2016-01 December 2016:  09:30 am,  TRIAL   Moncton Courthouse Moncton NB (45 Assumption Blvd) booked for 29 days; 11 September 2015: TRIAL by judge and jury,  Moncton Courthouse Moncton NB (45 Assumption Blvd); 02 March 2015:  to set trial date, Moncton Courthouse Moncton NB (45 Assumption Blvd); 02 February 2015:  to enter a plea, Moncton Courthouse Moncton NB (45 Assumption Blvd) ; 22 January 2015:  11 am, election on two new charges,  Moncton Courthouse Moncton NB (45 Assumption Blvd); 08 January 2015: 09:30 am, Preliminary Inquiry/hearing, Moncton Courthouse Moncton NB (45 Assumption Blvd  ;

02 February 2015:  to Court of Queen’s Bench, New Brunswick (on first set of charges);

15 Dec ember 2014:  09:30 am,  issues re Bastarache documents ? “preliminary inquiry date to be set,”  Moncton courthouse, Moncton NB(45 Assumption Blvd).; ADJOURNED 09 December 2014:  PRELIMINARY hearing, Moncton courthouse, Moncton, New Brunswick ; 02 September 2014:  PRELIMINARY hearing (ADJOURNED) , Moncton courthouse, Moncton, New Brunswick ; 24 February 2014:  Moncton courthouse, Moncton, New Brunswick ; 27 January 2014:  Moncton courthouse, Moncton, New Brunswick

219 Responses to Arsenault: Father Yvon Arsenault

  1. jj says:

    After decades of silence, and so much speculation and rumour, how relieved I am to finally see this man publicly acknowledged, by none other than the Archbishop Vienneau himself, as being accused of these acts.

    I know that Yvon left victims behind his path – I hope they find the strength to come forward and report what happened to them. They need to KNOW that they are not alone, that the rumours need to be squashed and made fact, and that this man needs to pay for the pain he has caused others during HIS lifetime – unlike Camille Léger, who died before he had to answer hard questions.

  2. jj says:

    From Acadie Nouvelle – Jean-Marc Doiron, reporter:

    Le dimanche 30 décembre, 2012
    DIEPPE – Deux anciens curés, Yvon Arsenault et Irois Després, font l’objet d’allégations d’agressions sexuelles sur des mineurs. Ils ont été retirés de tout ministère par l’archevêque Valery Vienneau, ce week-end.

    Juste comme la poussière retombait sur le scandale du père Camille Léger, à Cap-Pelé, l’archidiocèse de Moncton fait face à des soupçons de pédophilie portées contre deux autres prêtres.

    Il s’agit d’Yvon Arsenault, qui a oeuvré dans Kent et le Sud-Est des années 1970 jusqu’à sa retraite du 4 juillet 2012, et d’Irois Després, qui a oeuvré dans la même région des années 1960 jusqu’en 1992.

    Le communiqué de presse n’indique pas si des accusations criminelles ont été portées contre les deux hommes, ni les années au cours desquelles ces actes auraient été commis.

    Une lettre en provenance de l’archevêque Valery Vienneau a été lue dans toutes les églises de l’archidiocèse de Moncton ce week-end. Elle a appris aux diocésains le retrait des deux prêtres de tout ministère.

    «Je demande sincèrement pardon aux victimes et à leurs familles», est-il écrit dans la lettre.

    Un processus de conciliation, semblable à celui du cas de Camille Léger, a été entamé par l’archidiocèse afin de dédommager les victimes. Il sera supervisé par le même individu, soit l’ancien juge, Me Michel Bastarache.

    «Nous supportons pleinement le processus mis en marche avec maître Michel Bastarache en faveur des victimes et nous nous engageons à être vigilants pour que toute personne travaillant en Église respecte pleinement les politiques mises en place pour la prévention de tels actes», est-il indiqué dans la lettre de Mgr Vienneau.

    Les allégations contre Yvon Arsenault et Irois Després ont surgi lors du processus de conciliation du père Léger.

    Ensemble, les deux anciens prêtres ont oeuvré dans une quinzaine de paroisses.

    Yvon Arsenault a été le curé de la paroisse Notre-Dame-de-Fatima, de Collette, de 1976 à 1982, la paroisse Saint-Jacques-le-Majeur, de Scoudouc, de 1982 à 1983, la paroisse Notre-Dame-de-Grâce de Moncton, de 1983 à 1989, l’Unité pastorale Étoile de la mer à Baie-Sainte-Anne et Pointe-Sapin, de 1990 à 1994, la paroisse Saint-Louis-de-Gonzague de Richibucto, de 1994 à 1997, la paroisse Christ-Roi de Moncton, de 1997 à 1998, la paroisse Sainte-Thérèse-de-l’Enfant-Jésus de Dieppe, de 1998 à 2000, l’Unité pastorale Sainte-Famille à Cocagne, Notre-Dame et Saint-Antoine, de 2000 à 2007, et St Augustine Parish de Moncton, de 2007 à 2012.

    Pour sa part, Irois Després a servi comme prêtre dans la Paroisse Saint-Ignace-de-Loyola de Sainte-Ignace, de 1960 à 1968, la paroisse Notre-Dame-de-la-Merci de Pointe-du-Chêne, de 1971 à 1973, la paroisse Saint-Vincent de Sackville, de 1973 à 1979, la paroisse Notre-Dame-de-Lourdes, de 1979 à 1983, et la paroisse Sainte-Thérèse-de-l’Enfant-Jésus de Dieppe, de 1983 à 1987.

    Contrairement au père Camille Léger qui était décédé au moment où les allégations ont été révélées publiquement, Yvon Arsenault et Irois Després sont tous les deux vivants.

  3. Leona says:

    This is fabulous, jj! I’m sure it came about from the pressures that Survivors put on the church. I’m curious to know the reaction of parishioners to this announcement.
    Now, how do we get all dioceses to list priests with convictions, credible allegations, along with their assignments in a very public way? Victims need to know that they are not alone.

    • jj says:

      Yes, Leona, this is indeed fabulous news! I’m still reeling 🙂

      My understanding is that the Bastarache conciliation process had a direct impact on Yvon’s removal from the ministry in the summer. I don’t know what brought about this public announcement stating the REASON for his removal, but I suspect that it includes the likelihood of survivors coming forward to REPORT.

      Suspicions and rumours had been brewing for years regarding Yvon, and of course, those of us who were assaulted always knew the truth. I have only spoken to either my family members or other victims, so I know that the feeling is of relief and anticipation!

      I am so pleased that others will have the opportunity to participate in the ARSENAULT/DESPRES conciliation process to come!

      jj

  4. Lost Boy says:

    This ”Lost Boy” has finally been found. Now I can release my anger that has been building inside for over 30+ years. I can’t say thank you enough to Michel Bastarache and his team. It has help me in my healing process. Let the chips fall where they may for this predator! I’m starting to feel peace inside but I still have a long way to go.

    And a special thanks to my childhood friend that has been a rock for me through this process. Thanks jj.

  5. Sylvia says:

    I had the same clip posted here Baspuit: http://www.theinquiry.ca/wordpress/2013/01/02/updates-3/

    Same problem – the link is broken. I have checked throughout the CBC site – can’t find the clip in playable format anywhere. I wonder if the interview was pulled or if the site is having technical problems? I do hope it is the latter.

    For those who haven’t see it the clip is a Skype interview with Rob Talach. During the interview Talach says that one victim of Father Yvon Arsenault reported to Archbishop Leger in 1998.

  6. Baspuit says:

    This came out this morning = http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/story/2013/01/02/nb-moncton-priests-abuse-allegations.html

    2 Moncton priests removed amidst sex abuse allegations
    Ontario lawyer criticizes archdiocese over timing of announcement

    The Archdiocese of Moncton is facing criticism by an Ontario lawyer for its recent announcement of two priests being removed from ministry based on allegations of sexual abuse of children.

    The archdiocese informed parishioners during mass last weekend that Father Yvon Arsenault, who was removed in July, and Father Irois Després, who retired in 1992, have been removed “from any ministry whatsoever following allegations of serious sexual abuse on minors.”

    Retired Supreme Court of Canada justice Michel Bastarache — who was hired by the archdiocese in June to handle a conciliation process for the victims of another priest in Cap-Pelé — brought the latest allegations to the archdiocese’s attention, according to a Dec. 30 statement posted on its website.

    None of the allegations have been proven in court.

    Ontario lawyer Robert Talach is critical of the archdiocese’s timing of the announcement. (Mary Sheppard/CBC)Robert Talach, a personal injury lawyer, says he is “concerned” about the timing of the announcement because he understands the archdiocese was aware of allegations against at least one of the priests for decades.

    Talach says one of Arsenault’s alleged victims told him he “had discussions with the archdiocese as early as 1988” about the allegations.

    It’s not surprising, said Talach, who is representing about 14 alleged victims of abuse in Moncton and another 19 alleged victims in Bathurst.

    In May, Normand Brun told CBC News he took his complaint about being abused by the late Léger to the Catholic church in 1997 and received financial compensation.

    Brun, who now lives in Vancouver, was unable to discuss how much money he received due to legal reasons, but said the abuse started when he was nine years old and continued for four years.

    Talach questions timing
    Talach also noted that the archdiocese removed Arsenault from church duties on July 4.

    “Someone has to ask them, you know — if you had enough evidence to remove him in July, why didn’t you go public in July?”

    Archbishop Valéry Vienneau asks in a statement for “forgiveness from the victims and their families.” (Archdiocese of Moncton)Archdiocese officials have declined to comment, but in statement read aloud at all diocesan churches said Archbishop Valéry Vienneau asks for “forgiveness from the victims and their families.”

    Arsenault, 70, of Moncton, and Després, 82, who lives in a seniors home in Shediac, could not be reached on Wednesday for comment.

    “Let’s remember, we’re talking about an institution that treats itself as the highest moral authority in the land,” said Talach.

    “One would hope that such an institution would immediately involve the secular authorities — the police — when they find out one of their employees has multiple allegations of sexual abuse, not simply remove him with pay and pension.”

    Talach said he believes the archdiocese chose to announce the removal of Arsenault and Després now because “it was likely going to come out elsewhere.”

    At least one of the complainants has already gone to the police, he said.

    Talach is urging any other possible victims to do the same.

    “I am concerned … that there’s a message going out now to victims of these two living priests to come on down to the archdiocese and we’ll start up a compensation package. That’s absolutely wrong at this stage,” he said.

    “Nobody should be doing deals right now, there shouldn’t be any talk of money. It should be simply going to the police and the archdiocese should be offering its fullest co-operation to the police on this,” Talach said.

    Arsenault served in churches in southeastern New Brunswick for 44 years, including three in the Moncton area.

    Després, originally from Cocagne, served in southeastern New Brunswick churches for 38 years.

    Conciliation process continues
    Michel Bastarache, a retired Supreme Court of Canada justice, was hired by the Moncton archdiocese in June to deal with alleged victims of a former Cap-Pelé priest. (Jacques Boissinot/Canadian Press)The archdiocese’s compensation process is expected to wrap up at the end of the month.

    “We fully support the [conciliation] process instigated by Mr. Michel Bastarache for the victims and we pledge to be vigilant to ensure that anyone working in the church fully complies with the policies in place to prevent abuse of any kind,” Archbishop Valéry Vienneau said in a statement.

    Talach previously urged victims of the former Cap-Pelé priest Camille Léger to avoid the financial compensation being offered by the archdiocese.

    He argued confidential payouts would only allow the diocese to keep the abuse shrouded in secrecy and said victims should choose litigation instead of the church-sponsored conciliation process.

    Léger died in 1990 and was never convicted of any crimes, but several people in the small, southeastern New Brunswick village came forward last March, alleging they were abused by him as children between 1957 and 1980.

    Within a week of the stories of abuse becoming public, then-archbishop André Richard apologized to anyone who was abused by Léger.

    Village council also voted to remove Léger’s name from the local arena.

    Bastarache told CBC News the conciliation process would allow victims to remain anonymous because it was outside of the usual legal system.

    It would also see more money go directly to the victims, he said, estimating compensation of between $15,000 and $300,000 for each victim.

    Bastarache also handled a church-related sex abuse file in the Acadian peninsula. The Diocese of Bathurst hired him in 2010 after two former priests were charged with sex-related offences.

    More than 90 victims came forward and close to 80 came to settlement, Bastarache had said.

  7. JG says:

    I just finished watching the CTV news and the main headline was about a Saint-John, N.B. city councilor being charged with child pornography, child interference. I saw him being walked to the court house in handcuffs, well escorted.
    At the same time his house was in the process of being searched for further evidence. This is all very logical, to gather all necessary evidence and more evidence to successfully prosecute the case.
    I have yet to hear of the Police going to a priest’s “place of residence” to gather more evidence. Are they being treated differently than a lay person?…or is this a very well calculated move when priests are allowed six(6) months(or six years and more!) from the time they are identified as predators until the time they are “publicly” named??…
    In the case of these two priests in Moncton, Arsenault and Després, would there have been any evidence to be uncovered??…
    Were they quietly told to “clean up” their stuff by the “honorable” and the “venerable” and given ample time to do so??…
    Just another reason why the church or any “appointees” should be required to report those criminals immediately or face charges themselves!
    The Police need to take off the “white gloves” because they(church, et al) are “respectable”.
    jg

  8. jj says:

    The media have cooled down any reporting on Yvon Arsenault and Irois Després, since the questions were asked regarding the Archdiocese’s responsibility to report their knowledge of any abuse.

    I have no idea if Yvon Arsenault would have any evidence in his possession that he could get rid of before charges would get laid – whether the public was told in July 2012 or in December 2012, he would still have had the opportunity to dispose of whatever he would allegedly have in his possession. This is purely speculation at this time…

    I’m just incredibly grateful that his name is OUT THERE! Now, the most important part is that Yvon Arsenault’s victims MUST come forward and report to the police – even if they don’t consider what happened to them as being as “serious” as other abuse… ALL forms of abuse are serious!

    The Bastarache conciliation process is, as I understand it, open to any new victims of Arsenault or Després, but only to the end of January 2013! I find this unfair that, two weeks ago, the public was finally informed of these alleged crimes, and the church is tacking on a last-ditch chance for victims to participate in Camille Léger’s conciliation process – BUT HURRY! SALE ENDS SOON! In the last 2 weeks, I’ve spoken to FOUR of Yvon’s victims who had NOT participated in either the conciliation process or Robert Talach’s suit, and had NOT reported to the RCMP… I’ve also gotten a fifth name from one of these victims – and this is only ONE of the many parishes Yvon has “touched” (pun intended!).

    I’m certain that there are more out there! Now is the time to finally do something about these “alleged” abusers! I’ve lived with my story for almost 30 years – and I say NO MORE… please join me in reporting these crimes and seeing that justice is done!

    jj

    • Sylvia says:

      I noticed that too jj. As far as the media is concerned, the story is dead – at least for now. Not a boo to be read or heard. A terrible shame.

      Yes, I encourage those of you out there who have allegations against Father Yvon Arsenault to go to police. If you don’t live in the Moncton area contact your local police force and they will take it from there.

      • Sylvia says:

        Let me add here, and Father Despres.

        • jj says:

          A few of my friends have contacted M. Bastarache in the last few weeks to take part of the conciliation process… I’m glad to say that there are several reports currently being made to the RCMP… this story is not over – just laying “dormant” until the next steps…

          I expect we will hear about M. Bastarache handing the final report to the archdiocese… about charges being laid if the crown finds sufficient grounds… and if so, an arrest…

          If anyone knows of other victims who want to participate in the conciliation process, they should contact M. Bastarache’s office soon! It was extended until the end of January because they have received many new names!!!

          his phone number: 1-855-752-0172
          email: mbastarache@conciliationmoncton.ca

          Participation is, of course, optional… It helped me sort things out BEFORE I entered into the “statement to the police” side of things…

          jj

  9. jjmlb says:

    I feel the same way,hurry up and run to bastarache cause you only have two weeks to get some cash before the door slams in your face.Mr Talach is right,why are they talking money,why not wait until people can come forward.Trust me ,its not easy but i am coming foward.WHEN I FEEL LIKE IT !!!!!!Thanks jj , lets keep our head up high because we are not at fault here.The diocese are at fault for protecting the abusers.

    • jj says:

      Hi jjmlb,

      Mr Talach has a point here re. talking about money – the archdiocese should be bending over BACKWARDS to make it easier for all victims of Yvon Arse. and Irois D. to come forward – either for conciliation or for reporting the criminal activity that took place.

      Having felt the burden of silence for so many decades, I resent feeling the pressure of time now, unless one of these two were in the process of dying, and potentially not be able to answer to their actions! $$$ is just $$$, and can’t fix what happened… but it does help acknowledge that we were hurt!

      Most importantly, jjmlb, like you said, we must “keep our head up high” because we weren’t the ones who committed crimes against children here… we also didn’t try to cover them up by moving these abusers around to “fresh” victims”…

      jj

  10. Jean-Louis says:

    Wow… The Bastarache process has delayed its report to the Moncton Archdiocese for yet another month because “he said within the last two weeks many more people have come forward with accusations of abuse.”

    Now that I’ve given my statement to police authorities (and I know that others have also come forward!), I can only hope that more will choose to tell their stories to law enforcement (and not only on the compensation side). From my perspective, I will let the cards fall where they may…

    jj

  11. JG says:

    Jean-Louis,
    Not that we got very much out of the last report(from Bathurst) from Bastarache but this delay in my opinion was to be expected. In another month maybe a new pope will have been spawned and the media attention on this report will be buried between two obscure articles on page 17… Right now I heard that 4000 of the media fighters are in Rome waiting for something to bite into… Now if this report came out with a number of more abusers…well, that would be on the news in the Maritimes and Quebec and maybe spark more negative publicity.
    In a months time, just watch the “spin” around Easter, a new era, a new beginning, …the pope of all popes! ….and God forbid Ouellet inherits the satin underwear!
    This report will be discreetly escorted and sealed in Court, to protect the identity of the victims!?…..We all know that is their primary concern![sic]
    Even if there isn’t one single, extra, new complaint we have no way of knowing.
    What Bastarache says, remember, is what Bastarache needs to say. He represents the church and not the victims. Timing is always very crucial!!
    Remain skeptical or you could be hypnotized!!….

    jg

    • Jean-Louis says:

      You’re right, JG – we must remain skeptical while this “cirque du soleil – Rome edition” is happening.

      I’m really not sure what the report will bring – but I do hope that there will be more information given to the public in Moncton than was divulged in Bathurst in 2010. We already have two alleged perpetrators publicly denounced (albeit after their retirement) because of reports of serious sexual abuses.

      I don’t think anyone can hypnotize me anymore… no rose-coloured glasses required. I just want justice, retribution, and peace for all victims. Not much to ask, is it???

      jj

  12. Sylvia says:

    Here is an article on the delay from CBC:

    07 March 2013: Church abuse report delayed by more allegations

    According to the article “many more” complainants came forward in the past two weeks. “Many more” sounds to me like there an awful lot of victims in the Archdiocese of Moncton, no? And if there’s an awful lot of victims there must be an awful lot of predators? or perhaps a few who molested virtually every child in sight? or perhaps a mixture of both. No matter, the Catholics of the Moncton Archdiocese who raised their children and lived in the midst of these predators and received spiritual guidance from them should know who these predators were and are, no?

    I understand what you’re saying jg but don’t think I would go that far. I think there probably are “many more” victims, a reflection of an archdiocese which had far too many predatory priests preying on the young and vulnerable.

    I hope and pray that any victims who have consulted with Mr. Bastarache and received a settlement will slip us a comment here on Sylvia’s Site identifying the priest (s) by whom they were molested. We will never find out otherwise. Unless things change drastically the Catholics of the Moncton Archdiocese will be left as much in the dark as were the Catholics of Bathurst as to what happened to their children, or brothers or sisters, or parents.

    I wonder, with so many victims coming forward, how the archdiocese is going to pay for this (Mr Bastarche’s salary and the settlements)? Is a trip to the courts just around the corner to, as was done in Bathurst, raid the seminary fund? It wouldn’t surprise me in the least.

    I wonder how much longer it will take police to investigate the allegations against Father Arsenault?

    I wonder if any victims have reported Father Despres to police?

    I wonder if there are other priests who are very much alive who have been reported to police?

    Oh my, we are reduced to so much speculation when we can’t trust those in authority to do the right thing.

    My thoughts and prayers are with the many many victims in the Archdiocese of Moncton.

  13. PJ says:

    Good point Sylvia! I pray many who are going through the basterash process will let us know the names of the collars. If this keeps up we’ll have to start a website for the truly unblemished collars but that list may be much shorter than this site’s list.

  14. Mike Mc says:

    I just read the dollowng article today. I think the story serves as a good reminder to all of the sexual abuse problems and how they started. After I read this, I feel Benedict did not do enough and I believe he had no choice but to pass on the Papacy. But I hope they elect a new Pope only after much discussion on this matter. I don’t think a week is long enough.
    http://news.yahoo.com/sex-abuse-scandal-catholic-church-cannot-shake-181135540.html

  15. JG says:

    That was my point Sylvia. Until they come clean we can speculate away…and isn’t that so helpful to the church they want to promote!
    I think a more believable, less ambiguous approach would have been for bastarache to come out and say something like: “so far we have been approached by 10-20-50….victims of clergy and 10-15-20….priests have been named. In the last two weeks, another (???) victims have surfaced and bla bla bla…”
    That would have shown some transparency and delayed, or nullified, any speculation.
    The “timing” bit? It is always in the forefront of the legal game…along with the strategies that change depending on the players…
    Many questions will certainly remain long after bastarache reports and we will only see the tip of the iceberg…again.
    jg

  16. Mike Mc says:

    Tip of the iceberg indeed. Above the surface of all this sexual abuse lies what can be seen. But beneath the surface still lies over 9 tenths of the issue. But icebergs do melt….but it takes a long time! One good thing about Benedict resigning, it has reawakened the Catholic people to know that this abuse scandal is serious and is a major issue in the Vatican right now. If Catholics knew where there collection money was really going, they’d be shocked. Perhaps they’ll wake up to this reality now.

  17. Jean-Louis says:

    This just in on CBC website (follow the link below). Someone is taking Yvon Arsenault (and archdiocese) to civil court! I found the “Notice of Action” provided most interesting reading…

    jj

    Moncton priest faces new sexual abuse allegations

    http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/story/2013/07/12/nb-moncton-diocese-abuse-lawsuit.html

    • Sylvia says:

      Thanks Jean Louis. I just posted the article. Here it is: 15 July 2013: Moncton priest faces new sexual abuse allegations

      I will try to get the Statement of Claim to post – until then please everyone note that it can be accessed by scrolling to the bottom of the CBC page (from link provided above by Jean-Louis).

      By the way, does anyone know if the police are still investigating?

      • Jean-Louis says:

        I haven’t heard anything from the police recently.

        In the lawsuit, however, the claimant is asking under damages that (Para 57):

        g) “specific performance that the Court order the defendant Archdiocese to produce to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, all information and documentation in theArchdiocese’s possession or control, including that of any agent of the Archdiocese, regarding allegations of sexual misconduct by any and all of their priests or employees, either deceased or living;”
        (from the CBC website)

        Vienneau already stated the archdiocese would cooperate with any police investigation – I’m hoping this will be the case. If not, I hope the civil judge can rule that they “produce” the goods!

        jj

  18. Baspuits says:

    Former New Brunswick priest faces charges after alleged incidents involving boys
    December 05, 2013 – 10:50 AM
    MONCTON, N.B. – RCMP in New Brunswick say a retired Roman Catholic priest faces several charges, including one count of sexual assault, in connection with alleged incidents involving boys in the 1970s and 80s.

    Staff Sgt. Jeff Johnston says 71-year-old Yvon Arsenault of Aldouane is also charged with three counts of indecent assault and four counts of gross indecency.

    Police say the alleged incidents occurred in Shediac, Rosaireville and Collette and involved four boys under the age of 18.

    RCMP began investigating last December after receiving a complaint.

    That same month, the Archdiocese of Moncton confirmed that Arsenault had been ordered six months earlier not to carry out any duties as a priest after it became aware of abuse allegations.

    The Mounties say they believe there are other alleged incidents involving Arsenault and their investigation is ongoing.

    Arsenault is due in Moncton provincial court on January 27.

    This from : http://infotel.ca/newsitem/NB-Priest-Abuse/CP26293479

    • Sylvia says:

      Thank you Baspuit.

      Finally!! I, and I am sure many others, have been waiting and wondering what was happening with that investigation. I will post the article when I get home. The investigation seemed to take a long time, but, finally, charges have been laid.

      Well done all of you who reported to the RCMP. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

  19. Sylvia says:

    Father Arsenault has elected trial by judge and jury – a preliminary hearing is scheduled for 02 September 2014.

    The preliminary hearing would be his option too. The defendant can forgo a prelim if he so chooses.

    24 February 2014: “Priest accused of sexually abusing boys elects judge and jury” & related French article

    Keep the complainants in your prayers

  20. Sylvia says:

    The Father Yvon Arsenault preliminary hearing of yesterday (09 December 2014) has been adjourned to Monday, 15 December 2014:

    09 December 2014: “Adjournment of the case of former priest Yvon Arsenault ” & 0riginal French text

    What, I wonder, has prompted Father Arsenault’s lawyer to go after the Bastarche documents? Silly question I suppose given that defence lawyers will put every complainant statement every made under a microscope to parse every word and look for differences from one statement to the other. There are of course always differences. We all relate accounts of events slightly differently in the retelling of events from one time to the next.

    I called the Moncton courthouse to try to get more information on start time on Monday and to see if I can find out a little more about what’s happening here. The phone rings and rings and rings – no answering machine and no answer. I think perhaps bad weather is causing problems? Anyway, I will try again throughout the day and let you know what if anything I learn.

    Please keep the complainants in your prayers.

  21. Sylvia says:

    The start time for Father Arsenault’s preliminary hearing on Monday 15 December 2014 is 09:30 am.

    I’m a bit befuddled as to what exactly is happening here. I was told that Monday’s courtdate is to set a date for a preliminary inquiry (hearing). There is also the matter of disclosure of the Bastarche files.

    Does this mean that the preliminary hearing which never got off the ground on Tuesday past (09 Dec.) will be rescheduled? and that defence plans to use the Bastarche documents to cross-examine complainants during the prelim?

    It’s looking that way.

    We shall see……

  22. Sylvia says:

    Two more articles with a little more information on the adjournment on Tuesday 09 Dec. – one is a google translate from French:

    11 December 2014: Priest’s preliminary inquiry delayed

    09 December 2014: “The case of former priest Yvon Arsenault adjourned” & original French text

    Note that Father Arsenault is now facing 18 charges – and note that a total of six complainants have now come forward. I commend every one of you!

    I was wondering yesterday after news of the 11th hour adjournment of the preliminary inquiry/hearing and demand for the Bastarche files who his lawyer is. I see now his lawyer is Gilles Lemieux.

  23. Sylvia says:

    The Preliminary Inquiry/hearing for Father Yvon Arsenault is scheduled to start again in January:

    08 January 2015: 09:30 am, Preliminary Inquiry/Hearing, Moncton Courthouse Moncton NB (45 Assumption Blvd)

    Whether or not it shall proceed this time remains to be seen.

    In case you missed it, here is a link to an article of 16 December 2014 posted a few days ago.

    16 December 2014: “The case of the former priest Yvon Arsenault will resume in 2015″ & original French text

    Note that there are now seven complainants. Please keep them in your prayers.

  24. Sylvia says:

    There are two more charges and two new complainants, for a total of nine complainants:

    09 January 2015: “Yvon Arsenault: new charges filed” Google translation & original French text

    I commend those who found the courage to come forward.

    I am trying to get ibn touch with the courthouse to get the next courtdate. As soon as I succeed I will post the info.

    Please keep all the complainants in your prayers

  25. Sylvia says:

    The next courtdate for Father Yvon Arsenault is:

    22 January 2015: 11 am, election on two new charges, Moncton Courthouse Moncton NB (45 Assumption Blvd)

    This is dealing with the two new charges laid yesterday. (Yesterday was listed as a preliminary hearing but there was no hearing – just the laying of these new charges. )

  26. Baspuits says:

    Just got back from the court house, he has to show up on February 2, 2015, on 17 charges from 8 victims………….to enter a plea………to be continued……

    Baspuit

  27. Sylvia says:

    Does anyone have access to the Moncton Times & Transcript? There is an article in today’s paper re Father Aresenault’s court appearance, “Priest accused of new sex offence as new complainant comes forward.” I just can’t pay for these articles. If anyone has it would you please scan and send or send along the text?

  28. Sylvia says:

    I am quite positive that that is a typo in the following article and the date should be 02 February 2015. I am posting because I do believe it is news of Father Arsenault’s court-date of today (15 February 2015), a November trial date not acceptable to defence so parties will have to return to court again to set a date :

    02 February 2015: Still no trial date for former priest

    Why could they not sort out another date today? I don’t understand. Did they not all have their calendars with them in court, or easily accessible?

    Anyway, the next court-date is not indicated. I will check on that tomorrow.

    Please keep the complainants in your prayers.

  29. Sylvia says:

    Father Yvon Arsenault’s next court date is:

    02 March 2015: to set date for trial, Moncton New Brunswick Courthouse (45 Assumption Blvd)

    I have also posted a short article with unofficial translation:

    02 February 2015: “A trial date for Yvon Arsenault postponed again” & original French text

    Sadly, it’s looking as though trial will not be scheduled before 2016!

    Keep the complainants in your prayers.

  30. Sylvia says:

    The next courtdate for Father Yvon Arsenault in Moncton is:

    14 September 2015: TRIAL by judge and jury, Moncton Courthouse Moncton NB (45 Assumption Blvd)
    Good news indeed! A trial date has been set.

    There is also a courtdate in the Miramichi this coming Thursday, apparently on another charge or set of charges:

    05 March 2015: 09:30 am, courtroom #2, “for election”, Miramichi Law Courts (673 King George Highway, Miramichi, NB)

    I will try over the next few days to find out what is happening here. I think he will be deciding on Thursday in the Miramichi if wants trial by judge, or trial by judge and jury in charges laid in the Miramichi. Whether or not these charges will proceed separately or be merged/married to the charges in Moncton and brought to trial with them in September I do not know. As I say, if I manage out find out I will let you know.

    Please keep the complainants in your prayers.

    I see no media coverage of yesterday’s Moncton courtdate which might give explanation. Has anyone seen or heard anything?
    .

  31. Sylvia says:

    The next courtdate for Father Yvon Arsenault on the Miramichi New Brunswick charges is:

    19 March 2015: 1:30 pm, “for election and plea,” Miramichi Law Courts (673 King George Highway, Miramichi, NB)

    Please keep the complainants in your prayers.

  32. Sylvia says:

    The next courtdate for Father Yvon Arsenault on the Miramichi charges is:

    23 June 2015: 09:30 am, Preliminary Inquiry (hearing), Miramichi Law Courts (673 King George Highway, Miramichi, NB)

    I am in the process of getting further information on these charges.

    Those within driving distance of the couthouse in ther Miramichi please mark your calndars and try to attned. The hearing is booked for one day.

    Please keep the complainant (s) in your prayers

  33. Sylvia says:

    Some news on the Miramichi charges against Father Arsenault:

    21 March 2015: 9 Court Briefs: Priest’s preliminary inquiry on sex charges slated for June

    So, by the sound of the article, there is one complaint, and there are three charges under sections 156 (indecent assault on a male) and 157 (gross indecency) of the criminal code.

    I commend the complainant for contacting police. My thoughts and prayers are with you as you move toward the preliminary inquiry on June 23rd.

    Please, everyone, keep this man and the other complainants from the Moncton area in your prayers.

  34. Roy says:

    Has that trial started yet? No news to be found online. It was supposed to start on Monday (Sept. 14, 2015).

  35. Sylvia says:

    For some reason everything has changed Roy. I have been trying to sort it all out and presently have a call in to his lawyer. Here is what I have learned to date:

    MONCTON charges: TRIAL: 11 October 2016: 09:30 am, 45 Assumption Moncton Courthouse Moncton NB (45 Assumption Blvd)

    MIRAMICHI charges: 01 February 2016: 1:30 pm, possibly a trial date will be set

    Please not that both dates are for next year, 2016

    Please keep the complainants in your prayers.

  36. Sylvia says:

    A tentative trial date has been set for Father Yvon Arsenault on his Miramichi charges. It’s a long way ahead:

    21-24 February 2017: TENTATIVE trial dates, Miramichi Law Courts (679 King George Highway)

    Prior to that, there is a court date for motions at which time the trial dates will be confirmed

    03 January 2017: 1:30 pm, motions (tentative trial dates of 21-24 Jan, to be confirmed), Miramichi Law Courts (679 King George Highway)

    That’s a long long wait. Please keep the complainants in your prayers

  37. JTM says:

    Since when, in Canada, did we start to presume the accused guilty instead of innocent??? I served mass for P. Yvon Aresenault for 3 or 4 years and not only did he NEVER try anything but I never got that impression from him either. I never even heard or seen him try to get someone alone…

    Now before anyone jumps on me, I’m not saying that it isn’t true. It would surprise me if it were but I’ll reserve my judgement until all the evidence is out.

    And reading comments that have “hurry up so you can get some$$$$ before it’s too late is pretty sad! IT sure doesn’t sound sincere that there was actual abuse but more like “some” maybe just looking for some easy money.

    • Sylvia says:

      Rest assured JTM that a thief doesn’t hit every house in the block. In the same vein, a clerical molester doesn’t molest every single child with whom he comes in contact.

      As for his guilt or innocence, – well, the police found sufficient evidence to lay charges. It’s now in the hands of the courts. Hopefully justice will be done.

      Your comment re complainant just wanting money sounds mighty like the standard line spouted by every lawyer who defends priests accused of these heinous crimes. I think it’s #1 or #2 in their little black spin book? I think many clergy use the same line.

      Shame on you and others for falling for it. You should know better. Think it through for goodness sake!

    • PJ says:

      Your remarks are shallow and uncalled for. Just because you weren’t “chosen”, doesn’t mean that collar was innocent. And to even allude to the money thing just shows your true colours about how victims fight their abusers/defenders. Sad sad sad.

    • jj says:

      JTM,

      Your insinuation that an encouragement for victims to participate in the Bastarache process as being a way to “hurry up and get some money before it’s too late”, or better yet, your suggestion that no abuse occurred so that participants would be making “easy money” is one of the most horrendous statements I’ve read on this site! Especially right after your pompous statement to “reserve judgement” and your request for people not to “jump on you”. I judge your comment as being a tad bit hypocritical.

      I was one of “those” who encouraged other victims to come forward, knowing many personally, so they could also have their stories heard and go through the “civil process” with their dignity intact, without having to wait years for a civil lawsuit to take place.

      Easy money? I don’t think so. Try sitting in front of an ex-supreme court judge and tell him some of the most private, long-thought shameful secrets, AND hope to be believed, while dealing with remembering things you wish you could forget! Easy? I’d rather NEVER have had to deal with this filth.

      Careful with your flippant remarks about people making an easy buck off a “poor ole priest” who (luckily) didn’t pick you.

  38. nathalie landry says:

    ses acause de pere yvon que je ne vais pas a la mess quand jetait jeune et nous allion a la mess a la fin de la mess venait nous voire et nous frottait un sein ou une fesse dans se temps en croyait setait correct ses pour sa que depuis plusieur annee je ne va pue a la mess seulment pour des funeraille ou marriage a par de sa non et mes enfants non plus mes je croit quand meme en dieux et mes enfant aussi quand meme nous allon pas a la mess

  39. Sylvia says:

    Would someone please translate nathlie’s comments for us? I tried putting it through google translate – it made no sense.

    nathalie, if you can, would you please write your comment in English? Many of us do not speak French. If I am unable to get a decent translation of your comment from you or someone else I unfortunately will have to delete it.

    • jj says:

      Hi Sylvia,

      I think Nathalie comes from my “Acadian” neck of the woods – I’d be pleased to translate:

      “It’s because of Father Arsenault that I don’t go to mass anymore. When I was younger and we went to mass; after mass he would come to see us and would ‘rub (one of our) breasts or butt cheeks’. Back in those times, we thought it was okay. This is the reason I haven’t gone to mass for many years now – other than for weddings or funerals – otherwise, no, and neither have my children. But I still believe in God; my children do too – even though, we don’t attend mass.”

  40. Jean Bourque says:

    Nathalie said it’s because of Father Arseneault that she doesn’t go to church anymore except for funerals and marriages. She said as a kid, she would go to mass with her parents and after the ceremony Father Yvon would join them at the back of the church where he would rub against their breasts and behinds. She and her children believe in God but do not go to church.

  41. Mike Fitzgerald says:

    JTM;
    Who has assumed guilt before innocence? I see no indication of that here on Sylvia’s site.
    Further, if you are as intelligent as you put forth, you would know that there is no money in a criminal trial for the victim.
    Further to this, count your holy blessings that you have not been sexually abused by a priest! If you had, you would change your precious tune about the money.
    Wow! You knew Fr. Arsenault for a whole 3 or 4 years and are prepared to jump up and down and scream to the whole world that he is innocent!! Mike.

  42. JTM says:

    Firstly, to Mike Fitzgerald, please re-read my last post…When or where did I say he was innocent? Oh that’s right NOWHERE….. so I don’t think I was “prepared to jump up and down ans scream to the whole world that he is innocent!!”

    And for you Sylvia, I agree that a thief doesn’t hit every house on the block….And nor did I say HE didn’t do it….It would just surprise me if he did….again to be clear I’m not saying he’s innocent!

    Be it in Canada or not, even if there’s no money in a criminal trial, the diocese has already said they would pay out restitution.

    And if anyone of you can believe that a priest or anyone for that matter can do this to children ( and we all know that this has happened and unfortunately will continue to happen) because there are sick people in this world, surely you can believe that some people are sick enough to also lie about anything if they think they can get paid from it.

    Oh and Sylvia…. just because the police found enough evidence to lay charges doesn’t mean anything. There are plenty of people who have been charged with many different offences and they were found not guilty. That’s why we have a justice system and not just the police that decide if you’re guilty or not.

    And one last thing I agree with you about Sylvia, is that I truly do hope that justice prevails. But the difference with you, I think, is I hope it prevails either way. Guilty or innocent!

  43. Sylvia says:

    I would it were all as simple as you make it sound JTM.

    For one, I personally have yet to encounter a criminal case of clerical sexual abuse in Canada where a complainant lied. That does not mean it can not happen, but that I personally do not know of any such case. I do know of cases where a predator ‘got off’ on legal technicalities. Over the years I have frequently said that I firmly believe that anyone who falsely accuses a priest – or anyone for that matter – should be charged. My opinion on that matter has not changed, and never will.

    As for police, the Cornwall Public Inquiry shed much needed light on cases in which police opted not to proceed with charges and years later the accused was charged and convicted. There are other such cases, not only in Canada, but around the world, but the Cornwall Public Inquiry truly did shed light on the problem.

    Over the years I have discovered that ‘the system’ as we know it is, alas, far from perfect. There is much that needs fixing. There are no ‘rights’ for the complainant/victim in a criminal court. The complainant is stuck with whatever Crown – good, bad or indifferent – is assigned to the case.

    I have discovered too that despite ‘guilty pleas’ and convictions many Roman Catholics adamantly refuse to believe that ‘Father’ committed the dastardly deeds.

    I too hope that justice – and therefore truth! – prevail.

  44. Sylvia says:

    There has been a change in the Moncton New Brunswick trial date for Father Yvon Arsenault. The trial is now booked for 29 days and is scheduled to start 24 October 2016 running through to 01 December 2016:

    24 October – 01 December 2016: 09:30 am, TRIAL Moncton Courthouse Moncton NB (45 Assumption Blvd)

    The Miramichi N.B. trial dates tentatively booked for 21-24 February 2017 still stand as tentative. I will continue to check periodically to see if those change.

    Please keep the many complainants in your prayers.

  45. Baspuits says:

    He pleaded guilty in abusing 9 boys and his sentence will be on 24 feb 2017!!!
    Donald Landry and i sat with one of the victim in court and it’s been 5 years ago that he laid charges. He was very happy of the outcome, but still has to wait 4 more months to hear the sentence…….

    Baspuit

  46. Baspuits says:

    He even said to the cameras man when walking up to the court house doors “taking my picture should be illegal”!!! Nice of the judge to name the victims ( just initial ) and the charges, for which he answered guilty to all 9 victims!! His looking to up to 10 years in prison!
    When leaving the court house Donald and I were interviewed by local news, for our take on the guilty plea and we were asked why we had one finger nail painted? We are against child abuse and one finger painted represent one out of five children are abused.
    If I may redirect Sylvia’s site readers to what a painted finger nail means please see https://www.facebook.com/lowell.mallais/posts/10155691311128868

    Baspuits

  47. Baspuits says:

    Sorry that link is broken, this one should be good on painting one nail in support against child abuses : https://www.facebook.com/lowell.mallais/posts/10155691550958868

    Baspuits

    • jj says:

      Cher Baspuits,

      As one of the nine victims in today’s trial in Moncton (I wasn’t present – I was told my presence was not required today, due to the plea bargain), I want to thank you and Donald Landry for being there and for representing not only us (Yvon Arsenault’s victims), but ALL victims of priests, dead or alive, past and present. You shared your own pain, experiences, and SURVIVAL, just by being there. You made me very proud.

      I followed the live tweets coming from the Radio-Canada reporter from within the courthouse this afternoon, and felt like I was there (I even got the message that Yvon was “irritated at the cameras and said he thought they should be illegal” – what a joke!

      Knowing you were there made me feel less isolated and alone here in Gatineau. Thank you for representing. Thank you for sharing and caring. Thank you for being there. I feel no regrets for having seen this through!

      Thank you!

      jj

  48. justanothervictim says:

    Hello Baspuits:

    Unfortunately not all people are on Facebook and are not able to see the reason behind the one painted fingernail. Is there some other place they may be able to read about it?

    To those today who had the courage to come forward my thoughts are with you today and as always with all victims of clergy childhood sexual abuse. Although I do not know you, you do not need to walk alone in your aloneness as I will walk with you.

    JAV

  49. Sylvia says:

    Well done Baspuits, Donald, JJ – all of you. we are all proud of you 🙂

    Here`s one article from CBC. I have another but connection issues on the road are creating a bit of havoc, so, for now, here is the article from CBC`

    25 October 2016: Former priest Yvon Arsenault admits 9 sex crimes with minors

    Does anyone know what `humanitarian reasons`are keeping this self professed clerical molester out of jail.

    • jj says:

      According to the Moncton Times & Transcript article, the Crown prosecutor stated: “Mr Arsenault is taking care of an elderly person with special needs” and ” adding that he would understandably need time to arrange care options”.

      Kevin Nimmock, Times & Transcript, 25 Oct 2016 “Former NB priest pleads guilty to sexual abuse”.

      jj

  50. Sylvia says:

    Thanks jj. I just now was able to post the article from the Times & Transcript. Here is the link:

    26 October 2016: Former NB priest pleads guilty to sexual abuse

    Again, jj, all of you, we are proud of you:)

    (That picture is unbelievable! Happiness is being a self-professed clerical molester?)

  51. Sylvia says:

    The next court date for Father Yvon Arsenault is:

    24 February 2017: sentencing hearing, Moncton Courthouse Moncton NB (45 Assumption Blvd)

    Please keep the victims in your prayers

  52. Baspuits says:

    Wondering out loud if the person I met in the court house When Yvon Arseneau pleaded guilty of initial OM, would ask Sylvia for my email address
    I would love to chat with you and to tell you that since 2014 the rights of victims have changed as a person/victim’s wife can now give impact statement ( not in my case, way back then) and hopefully someone of victime aid can read out loud ones impact statements for those who can t not talk in public, dialectiques etc…….

    Hopefully you all get your impact statement in to the judge way before February 24 2017!

    Lowell / Baspuits

    • jj says:

      Baspuits / Lowell,

      I just want to assure you that Victims Services from Moncton have contacted me (and probably the other victims of the now CONVICTED CHILD MOLESTER Yvon Arsenault) regarding our Victim Impact Statement.

      They will be helping me to write my statement, and I can either have it read for me in court in Feb 2017 or come to Moncton to read it myself. Rest assured that the statement will be submitted to the court WAY before the sentencing hearing!

      Thank you for attending the trial. Although I couldn’t attend, I was very honoured to have you and Donald there to represent. You both spoke well on TV.

      jj

    • Baspuits says:

      After what happen Friday at the court house, I was given miss information at what changes happen in 2014 on behalf of victims, for the impact statement, that now the wife can also give her input/ impact statement, this is sadly not true…….
      ONE victims even was told, she not the one who suffered………..
      There still too much taken out of initial impact statement at A 8 hours notice………so as not to hert some ones feelings??? This victim is wondering if the judge got the same copy as he read…………with paragraph scratched out?
      The only changes I could see, as JJ has mention was the choice of reading it or having it read!
      Just want to set the record straight…..but something has to change!
      Baspuits

  53. Clarence says:

    I know he’s passed away now but has Father Maurice Leger name come up yet?

    I think he was priest in Shediac around 1981 as well.

  54. Clarence says:

    Doing a great job documenting this very serious, buried for years, Sexual attacks on the innocent and right under the watchful eyes of those two police forces.

  55. Clarence says:

    Shediac Cop Shot
    http://unsolvedmajorcrime.blogspot.com/2014/04/1981-shediac-town-police-rcmp-major.html?m=1

    In my journey to get some answers as to how a police officer, who was setup, shot and the case buried could go on unsolved now for 35 years. 

    The answer is not to be found in those priest but it’s much highter than that. It’s a political justice system problem not just a religious problem.

    In my journey to heal and get some sort of closure I have found that there’s really no department out there capable of dealing with injustices of these natures so you are left right where they put you from day one…. outside.

    The only way to deal with this is to hold them all accountable in a class action law suit and nold the justice system accountable for not acting in a timely fation and allowing these warped individuals to continue molesting children or in the extreme killing people.

    Listen to what I’m saying these things can’t go on unless others are involved and turn a blind eye.

    Clarence 

  56. Sylvia says:

    Please note, the sentencing hearing for Father Yvon Arsenault starts at 09:30 am, tomorrow morning:

    24 February 2017: 09:30 am, sentencing hearing, Moncton Courthouse Moncton NB (45 Assumption Blvd)

    Please keep the complainants in your prayers.

  57. Baspuits says:

    Only got 4 years!!! How I feel for the victims………..all these years of waiting and the judge gave him what they agreed on…….4 years! There should be a law when it come to child abuses, NO PLEA BARGAIN!
    2 victims read their impact statement that got everybody on our side, crying out loud! That will stay with me for the rest of my life!
    Sorry but there was not justice done in Moncton today!!!

    Very pissed off, Baspuits

  58. Sylvia says:

    Agree Baspuit. No plea bargains. I can only wonder if charges specifically tossed aside because of a ‘sweet deal’? and if so, what was the nature of those charges?

    We knew really that it was a done deal as soon as there was word that both the Crown and defence agreed on a four-year sentence. My concern after that was the judge might decide to trim a year or two or three off that. Thankfully the four years stood. This is what I call being thankful for the the crumbs which fall or are tossed under the table.

    I think they all belong in jail for life. Until the day comes that we have a judiciary which recognizes the damage these predators inflict upon every child upon whom they lay their sullied hands we are forced to accept the crumbs under the table. Imagine if defence lawyers were obliged to acknowledge the suffering victims endure when their client-molester plays the ‘did I do it or did I not?’ game for years? Imagine if molesters were harshly penalized for further victimizing their victims in this manner?

    Imagine if Crowns recognized that molesters should be penalized rather being rewarded in their old age for having eluded justice for a life time?

    Some day…

    Some day common sense will prevail, both in and out of the Church.

  59. Mike Fitzgerald says:

    I feel really bad for the victims of this creature. The torment and anguish they have felt all these years is still not answered. Mike.

  60. Sylvia, father arsenault was parish priest in shediac in the seventies says:

    Sylvia, father arsenault was parish priest in shediac in the seventies

  61. Baspuits says:

    It’s too bad for some victims, that I’ve met yesterday, (if not all) at least ONE, for now whom He gave Bastarache phone cell number, his wife and business number! Never got a call back. He is wondering if it’s because ex father Yvon Arseneau pleaded not guilty in the beginning? This changes everything now, no? Now that he is in prison, will mgr Valéry Vienneau bring back Bastarache’s route which is non adversary and confidential for him and others?
    Why make this victims and other suffer more I say?
    There should never be a deadline in coming out, and even asking retribution to say the least!
    As I stated on ATV news “They did nothing WRONG when they were 12 years old and they are not doing anything wrong 50 years later (ATV news cut out my plea for victims about having the same chance with Bastarache, cause I know he (Bastarache) helped a couple of victims, I must admit)
    Mgr Vienneau hear my cry!
    Baspuits

  62. Sylvia says:

    Thanks Baspuit. I posted it along with an updated article:

    24 February 2017: Priest sentenced to four years (with video embed)

    Well done. all of you 🙂

  63. Clarence says:

    When it comes to the two tier system; the politicians, the public & the justice system vs the children & the victims of crime they least important in scope of things.

    The issue must be quickly contained before others are implicated…. and things get out of control… so we have Good deals & bad Deals passed on.

    Containing these matters means the victims Get no justice.

  64. Clarence says:

    Thinking of the victims that are stuck in the pass and suffering of PTSD?
    I’m kind of a late commer to this 30 year old case but I’ve been wondering who’s sorry for the damages that has been done to these children and not just the few but for all of them?

    An apology or saying I’m sorry has three parts

    1- I’m sorry for what I did.
    2- It’s my fault
    3- How can I make this right/ restore you

    It does not become old news or let’s all move on now that the accused has been sentenced leaving the victims to suffer the results.

  65. Paul Arsenault says:

    1. Nothing encourages sin like a clergyman committing one.

  66. Clarence says:

    2. All the leaders of the community turning a blind eye or participating… Coven

  67. Clarence says:

    In 1980-81 a person came to Shediac and moved into the Shediac Inn. He was an aquantance of the members of the Bather’s area. Soon after he settled in he began moving in the Shediac Police force and began hypnotising one of our dispatchers and after that using him to promote his powers as he moved from the Shediac department to the Shediac RCMP.

    A book to discribe closely how a coven effects a town well you can read it for yourself;

    THIS PRESENT DARKNESS by Frank Peretti

    You might get some insight on why children are abused and ehy no one in leadership does anything and how it all works together… I certainly lived through it.

    • Jean-Louis Pitre says:

      Ummm… so you’re saying we were abused because some guy set up shop in Shediac and started a witchcraft circle that included Yvon Arsenault and all the community leaders? And then, they flew their brooms on over to Collette, where he continued to abuse kids while casting spells on the grown-ups there?

      I’m sorry, Clarence… I enjoy a good ghost story as much as the next one… But I don’t think your suggestions of covens and demons are bringing me (or anyone else) any kind of solace. In fact, I find it rather belittling to think that you would blame Yvon Arsenault’s behaviour on anyone other than Yvon himself!

      Jean-Louis

  68. Clarence says:

    Not doing that and your suggestions that what you think has a bearing on what someone else has experienced is at the heart of why it’s hard to get anything done. Don’t take it personal… there are pieces of the puzzel . What you experienced is not the hole picture. When and if you find all the pieces then and only then will you know the truth… What Yvon did he did and he’s responsible but don’t shoot the Messenger if you pardon the pun… Things just don’t happen if you get the drift… there’s always a reason.

  69. Clarence says:

    When the children are not safe, no one is:
    Message from the Former NB Watch Dog
    http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/lost-children-former-watchdog-1.4018784

  70. Clarence says:

    As Canadians we are just not in the business of protecting the Victims of Crimes but strive to protect the ones involved in these sex crimes against children. It just shows that turning a blind eye is not the solution and never was and local police forces should be watching over organizations which involves children instead of shooting the crap at the police station. Accross Canada and the world Canadians don’t have the best report when it comes to child prostitution. The Military, Politicians, The Police and the Upper Class are known to have been involved is these areas that cater to their Demonic spiritual needs. Instead of coming out with laws on Drones why don’t they come out with laws and prisons for these Sex offenders and get them out of our systems as they are suppose to do.

    Google:
    canadian usa senator and child prostitution

  71. Clarence says:

    Senator Don Meredith
    CBCNews; ‘Not full of criminals’ is a pretty pathetic baseline for Senate credibility: Robyn Urback

  72. Clarence says:

    Canadian & U.S.A. Laws

    Fox News Politics
    Oklahoma state senator charged in child prostitution case

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