Amesse: Father Stephen Amesse

156 Responses to Amesse: Father Stephen Amesse

1. LS says:

   December 11, 2014 at 12:15 am

   Check out this further information on Fr. Amesse’s volunteer activities: answering general faith questions on Catholic’s Insight’s Canadian Catholic Information Network. His bio there is as follows:

   “General faith questions-moderated by Father Stephen Amesse. Father Stephen was born in Montreal in 1958. Prior to ordination, he had a ten-year career on Parliament Hill as a Parliamentary Assistant. Father Amesse studied at Holy Apostles College and Seminary, and has a theology degree from the University of Ottawa. Ordained to the priesthood on April 10, 1999, he was appointed Assistant Rector of Saint Patrick’s Basilica in Ottawa and served there until July 1, 2000, when he was appointed Pastor of Holy Spirit Parish in Stittsville. He is currently Spiritual Director to the Archdiocesan Challenge Movement. ”

   http://www.thefreelibrary.com/The+Canadian+Catholic+Information+Network.-a076496927

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2. Miecul says:

   December 19, 2014 at 10:01 am

   I’ve read through the articles on this man. He’s put high on a pedestal, and is said to be a great guy. Most if not all of the charged and convicted priests here were about the same with parishioners writing in to say that “He could never do this” “We’ve had him over for suppers many times and he’s good with our children” or “he’s helped us through a difficult time in our lives” “he saved our marriage” blah blah blah. How come he’s believed and comforted but for the victim, nada or he’s lying and my favorite is ” he’s after money”, as if your handed a cheque after the trial. If anyone of you have been to a trial and see what one goes through, you’d change your tune. It’s liken to a rape victim telling the Police that he raped me and the ignorant people saying “she must have asked for it, led him on”

   Most people live in a dream world and never know the horrors of the world. For the most part that’s OK. Before you write, say, or take someone’s side, make sure you’re god or a visionary before you say something that makes you look like you have no idea what you’re talking about. A friend of mine told me that even after a priest he knew very well, was charged, convicted, and jailed, his father said that he could never have done it, and the trial was fixed. Believing something to be true doesn’t make it so.

   Read through the many heart wrenching V.I. S. (Victim Impact Statements)
   If you’re a women reading this, put yourself in a rape victim shoes, and remember you are only 10 or 11 and your uncle or dad did it, think on it hard. If you happen to be a man do the same but now it’s your parish priest and you’re only 10 or 11. If you happen to be 40 years and older and this happen in the 6o’s 70’s and even the 80’s The priests were put at the highest of esteemed positions in our lives. In the 60’s or later our fathers and mothers taught us as much. They weren’t gods but they were as close as one could get. Who would believe a boy from a broken home, a one parent home, that a priest would do this. Remember this isn’t 2014, this is the 60’s 70’s and 80’s.

   Before you bash me say I don’t know what I’m talking about, read and think for yourself. How well do you really know what’s going on in someone else’s mind, or house, when we have a hard time knowing what our own children are doing. Faith in Jesus Christ I’ll have till the day I meet him. Blind faith in a man is a worship of another god. These priest aren’t gods they are just men, Holy Men sent to us by God. But some sneak into the realm of the holy (wolves in sheep’s clothing) they are just men and therefore do ungodly acts. This hasn’t just started up. This has been going on for centuries. All I as is read and educate yourself before you stand behind one of these wolves in sheep’s clothing and ruin your good name.

   In his book ‘The Priest: His Dignity and Obligations’ St John Eudes wrote that God permits bad priests as a sign that He is thoroughly angry with His people.

   God Bless.

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3. Jimmy says:

   December 27, 2014 at 1:52 pm

   I guess St John Eudes didn’t read, understand the applicability of, or even want to acknowledge Ezekiel 34… But who am I to question a saint?

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4. Miecul says:

   December 28, 2014 at 9:43 am

   Jimmy I question everything man makes now. I didn’t a few years back before the chit hit the fan. They makes saints by the handful. Why I question that now is, Pope John Paul II a saint in the making. He pope JPII let a known pedophile priest flourish, because he was bringing in millions to the church, He put the almighty $$ before the welfare of children and before God. So why not question them. I could never put my trust in the hierarchy of the church ever again. They’re as slippery as a moose on skates. If you were wondering what priest I’m talking about, it’s Fr. Marcial Maciel, Pedophile, Psychopath, and former head of the Legion of Christ. Just because he was a pope does he get a pass. Ezekiel 34 is perfect. They not watching the flock and the flock is scattering far and wide from them. This would be a great lead in for the anti pope to rear his ugly head. A great leader to bring the flock back only to lead them to the slaughter.

   Should we not question and seek answers to questions that need answering. We’re asking but they’re not answering. They avoid, evade, and hide the truth so as to protect their (our) $$ Stop giving them your estates, your hard earned money. Give only enough so as to sustain your own churches bills. They have more money that most countries and own more land than anyone here on earth. They’re after yours. It’s in our church bulletin every month to Will them part of your estate.

   The pope has almost been in power for 2 years. How many pedophile priest, bishops cardinals have been defrocked?

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5. Jimmy says:

   December 29, 2014 at 10:05 pm

   Miecul – God promised to get his sheep in Ezekiel 34 if He needed to – He will. Its looking like this Pope is battling internal forces – If I understand correctly he told La Repubblica that he estimated that 2% (8000 ish of the clergy) were pedophiles. Then Vatican comms people seemed to contradict him (like they have on other occasions) later… I get the feeling that we are about to see a mass defrocking but only time will tell. If this pope has proven anything it is that he has no problem firing people regardless of their position.

   Let us pray for justice in the Father Amesse case.

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6. John says:

   January 13, 2015 at 11:41 am

   Father Stephen Amesse was scheduled to appear again in court on January 12, 2015. Did he appear in court at that time and, if so, what transpired?

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   • Sylvia says:

     January 13, 2015 at 1:51 pm

     I am waiting for a call back to get his next courtdate John. As soon as I get word I will post the information.

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   • Sylvia says:

     January 13, 2015 at 4:12 pm

     Father Stephen Amesse’s next court date is:

     09 February 2015: 08:30 am, “to be spoken to,” Ottawa Ontario courthouse (161 Elgin St.)

     I don’t know if he did or did not appear yesterday, but doubt it.

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7. Grace says:

   February 11, 2015 at 9:50 am

   Do you have an update? Did he appear in court this time?

   Thank you.

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8. Sylvia says:

   February 11, 2015 at 10:56 am

   I don’t know if he did or did not appear in court Grace, but, as before, I doubt it.

   His next court date is:

   23 February 2015: 08:30 am, “to be spoken to,” Ottawa Ontario courthouse (161 Elgin St.)

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9. Grace says:

   February 11, 2015 at 11:32 am

   Thanks for your reply. How many times people allow not show up in court order, do you know?

   Thank you.

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   • Sylvia says:

     February 11, 2015 at 4:52 pm

     There are many courtdates where the accused doesn’t show. On those occasions they are not required to be there. The charges against Father Amesse were laid December 2014. It will probably be quite a few months before he appears in court.

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10. Agathe says:

    February 23, 2015 at 1:04 am

    Reading through these articles…is it not just a bit weird that this priest left the seminary after a fellow seminarian confessed to him that they were abused; then returned for ordination; then was present when that poor student tragically died in a school explosion; then wrote the Catholic document about the abuse scandal, From Pain to Hope, with Archbishop of Ottawa Terrence Prendergast, and others charged later with abuse….a very popular, high profile figure. However, he’s older. Been around the block. Knows where the skeletons are stored?

    We know by now that they tend to run together, in circles.
    I would love to know what the whole story is here….and what does Fr Amasse know?Who – in a position of power – might be trying to help save him? And – for what reason.

    Great article gathering. I hope one day we will look back….and the facts will finally add up.

    In the meantime, my prayers to the victims who spoke up.

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    • 1 abandoned sheep says:

      February 23, 2015 at 11:54 am

      Agathe, there are 2 people, one a Parish priest, Fr. J King, and the Archbishop’s right-hand man, Msgr. Kevin Beach, who no doubt have an interest in this matter Bothe practiced Law before becoming a Priest, and both, I think, are Canon Lawyers. Oh ! what a wondrous web we weave when——-

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11. Agathe says:

    February 23, 2015 at 4:06 pm

    I just read the exchange below between Beach and Sylvia. . .
    It’s a good question: who is responsible for who? Which order is in charge of what problems – who will listen to the survivors – when they all pass the buck? And yes, what are the responsibilities of an incoming bishop? As Pendergast arrived in 2007…then “learned about Macneil”. Just how – do they learn? Aren’t their files to read? (And: who painted the graffiti outside the church? An angry individual who no one was listening to?).
    There is a creepy thread in this power circle that connects to older priests abusing seminarians. Then we have Pendergast as archbishop – in charge of ordinations.

    One day – I just have a feeling – the threads will connect.

    http://www.theinquiry.ca/wordpress/accused/charged/macneil-edward-mark-macneil-father-ed-macneil/email-exchange-with-msgr-kevin-beach-re-fathers-ed-macneil-omi-and-john-huels-and-msgr-john-renken/

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12. Sylvia says:

    February 24, 2015 at 2:52 pm

    The next courtdate for Father Stephen Amesse is:

    02 March 2015: 08:30 am, courtroom #5, “to be spoken to,” Ottawa Ontario courthouse (161 Elgin St.);

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    • jesse says:

      March 2, 2015 at 10:21 am

      Sylvia; Do you know what “to be spoken to” means? As well, I wonder why have the media suddenly stopped reporting his court dates? I know much more about this man and his recent parish but feel like I am in a rubber raft in a sea filled with piranhas..

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13. Sylvia says:

    March 3, 2015 at 11:34 am

    This is part of the legal process which seems to go on and on and on forever jesse. These first wave of courtdates are heard in remand court – there will be another courtdate set. Usually there is nothing of great note happening other than one side or the other perhaps requesting , for example, disclosure of certain documents, or a request for more time to read through files, or simply a request for another court date.

    The hearings are over and done with in a flash. Remand court handles a whole series of such cases each day it sits – there many be 20 or 30 or more. Often it is a Justice of the Peace on the bench. Each case is called and addressed ever so briefly and an agreement is made on the next court date. In the case of priests, they usually are not in court for this series of courtdates other than for the first appearance (Father Amesse managed to avoid that) . Their own lawyer may or maybe there or may send a representative from the firm to speak to the issue. If a Crown has been assigned to handle the file the same holds true: the assigned Crown may be there, or may have someone else from the Crown’s office addressing the case.

    These dates will continue until a decision is made to take the the case to trial, or the accused enters a guilty plea. I often refer to this part of the process as the revolving door. It will probably carry on for at least a year from the time charges are laid, sometimes longer .

    As for the media, you would have to ask them why they don;t keep tabs on the dates.

    Stay afloat jesse.

    My thoughts and prayers are with you.

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14. Sylvia says:

    March 3, 2015 at 2:58 pm

    A date for a preliminary hearing for Father Amesse has been booked:

    21 December 2015: 10 am, courtroom #2, Preliminary Hearing, Ottawa Ontario courthouse (161 Elgin St.)

    Good news on one hand, but, four days before Christmas on the other.

    The court has been booked for one day.

    Preliminary hearings are open to the public, but are generally always under a publication ban of all evidence and testimony. You can attend. The media can attend. No one can publicly report evidence or testimony.
    I

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15. Agathe says:

    March 7, 2015 at 3:27 am

    I guess for the legal system this is pretty good progress….but this is still a very long time to wait, almost a year, for those involved/in so much pain. My sincere prayers to all involved. I wish more could be done to speed things up.

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16. Jon says:

    December 22, 2015 at 1:12 am

    Have there been any updates? The preliminary hearing was today.

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17. MikeMc says:

    December 24, 2015 at 7:45 am

    “In his book ‘The Priest: His Dignity and Obligations’ St John Eudes wrote that God permits bad priests as a sign that He is thoroughly angry with His people.”

    It’s people and comments like this that worry me.

    Fr Amesse I believe has a darker side. Time will tell.

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18. Sylvia says:

    February 2, 2016 at 3:47 pm

    Father Stephen Amesse’s next court date is:

    05 February 2016: 09:30 am, Assignment Court, Ontario Superior Court of Justice, Ottawa courthouse (161 Elgin St.)

    Please note that this is NOT his trial. This is a routine part of the process of the charges moving to the Ontario Superior Court of Justice after he was committed to stand trial in that court. Father Amesse will probably NOT be in court on Friday – whether he is or is not there, and the proceedings will be over in a matter of minutes with another court date set.

    I still encourage those who can do so to attend. While there is usually nothing of great significance happening at these court dates, it sometimes can be interesting.
    Please keep the complainant in your prayers.

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19. Sylvia says:

    February 9, 2016 at 10:52 am

    The next court date for Father Stephen Amesse is:

    29 February 2016: Pre trial (NOT open to the public), Ontario Superior Court of Justice, Ottawa courthouse (161 Elgin St.)

    Note that this is NOT open to the public. This is discussions regarding the case, evidence and/or trial between both parties, usually in the presence of a judge. The accused – in this case Father Amesse – is usually not present.

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20. Sylvia says:

    March 2, 2016 at 4:29 pm

    The next court-date for Father Stephen Amesse is:

    08 April 2016: 09:30 am, Assignment court, Ontario Superior Court of Justice, Ottawa courthouse (161 Elgin St.)

    Hopefully this will be to set a trial date, but, ….no guarantees 🙁

    Please keep the complainant in your prayers

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21. Louis says:

    March 2, 2016 at 9:56 pm

    may the truth prevail.

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22. Kirby Maglione says:

    March 11, 2016 at 11:54 pm

    According to her, Amesse had been helping with the recent restoration work being done on the church and he had a good rapport with parishioners.

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23. Sylvia says:

    April 11, 2016 at 3:27 pm

    The next court date for Father Stephen Amesse is not available yet. I will try again tomorrow.

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24. Sylvia says:

    April 12, 2016 at 3:12 pm

    The next court date for Father Stephen Amesse is:

    09 May 2016: 12:30 pm. pre-trial, Ontario Superior Court of Justice, Ottawa courthouse (161 Elgin St.)

    I am quite certain that this will NOT be open to the public – it is lawyers from both sides meeting with the judge, usually in chambers. I have left a message and am awaiting a call back to either confirm or refute this. It often takes one business day to get the call back, so, there may be no further news until tomorrow afternoon. The one for sure is that the next court date is 09 May 2016.

    Please keep the complainant in your prayers.

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25. Sylvia says:

    April 28, 2016 at 6:40 pm

    Please note: The pre-trial scheduled for 09 May 2016 will be conducted in chambers. It is NOT open to the public. This is the norm for pre-trials here (In some provinces the lingo is different and what we in Ontario refer to as a preliminary hearing they refer to as a pre-trial. It gets confusing 🙁 but, I always like to double check to be 100% sure.)

    So, there’s no need of even thinking of going to the courthouse. 10:1 Father Amesse won’t even be be there – usually it’s just lawyers with the judge. I will find out the next day what his next court date is and post.

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26. Sylvia says:

    May 11, 2016 at 3:16 pm

    The next court date for Father Stephen Amesse is:

    18 May 2016: pre-trial, (in chambers, NOT open to the public) Ontario Superior Court of Justice, Ottawa courthouse (161 Elgin St.)

    Please keep the complainant in your prayers.

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27. Mike Fitzgerald says:

    May 11, 2016 at 4:45 pm

    How many “pre-trials” does this guy get?!!!!! Is this a “go past GO and collect $200.00”? Get on with it for God’s sake! He’s been “spoken to” so many times he must be blue in the face by now! Mike.

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    • 1 abandoned sheep says:

      May 11, 2016 at 5:41 pm

      Mike, his ears are blocked by the wax from some candles he stood too close to at some point while he secretly viewed his next victims.
      I know people who think he is great- so that is what kind of an upside-down world we live in. God Bless.

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28. Sylvia says:

    May 26, 2016 at 1:35 pm

    A trial date has been set. The trial, scheduled to run for seven days next year, will commence Monday 06 March 2017

    Prior to trial there is one day scheduled for a pre-trial motion:

    19 January 2017: 10 am, pre-trial motion, Ontario Superior Court of Justice, Ottawa courthouse (161 Elgin St.)

    Please keep the complainant in your prayers.

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29. Jimmy says:

    December 13, 2016 at 10:07 pm

    After this July’s Supreme Court ruling can’t he ask for a dismissal – its been more than 18-months since he’s been charged? (I’m asking the question not making a statement)

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30. Victoria says:

    March 9, 2017 at 12:11 pm

    It’s scary to think that someone could do something so vile, and even scarier to think that the Catholic Church could just sweep this under the rug. Not only did I attend Sacred Heart High School, my family and I knew him. For him to have been released on bond is absurd. Molesters/rapists and murderers should never be bailed out of prison. He deserves to stay in prison for the remainder of his life. I don’t care who you are, you hurt anyone like that, especially a kid, you deserve to suffer in prison for the rest of your life.

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    • kelly says:

      March 14, 2017 at 4:00 pm

      You are assuming he is guilty! No other victims have even come forward and the guys who claims he did this has a long sorted history of making unfounded accusations against many people. Dial it back till it’s proven in court .

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      • Adriana says:

        April 10, 2017 at 11:57 am

        Exactly! why? just tell me why is everyone saying he is guilty? that there have been many who did this, yes, just as many teachers have done it and does this make all teachers rapists? I just cannot understand what proof do all these people have to keep saying he is actually guilty!

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31. Sylvia says:

    March 14, 2017 at 7:53 pm

    What a cruel bunch you are. I can’t say that I’m surprised- I have seen complainants maligned and vilified in the past by “good” Catholics. I have read about it many times more.

    In this case no sooner were the charges laid than this young man and his family were being dragged through the gutter and their every action and word blown out of proportion .

    Shame on every single one of you!

    Thank goodness I was in court to witness and hear the animus first hand. Thank goodness I had the good fortune to meet and spend time with the complainant, his family and friends. They are good decent people who are going through an extremely difficult time.

    You’re a disgrace. All of you. A disgrace.

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    • Debby says:

      March 15, 2017 at 12:32 am

      God bless you Sylvia. Thank you for advocating for victims. You are a guardian angel!

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    • Adriana says:

      April 10, 2017 at 12:01 pm

      wow! everyone is a disgrace because they disagree with you? You call yourself a devout catholic but are the first one to throw the stone? what happened to you that led you to do all you are doing? who harmed you so hard that you want to destroy everyone with your words…And if you are so catholic, then do not only ask to pray for the complainant and his family but also for the priest, EVEN if he is guilty, he also needs prayer and he also has family….Ms. Devout Catholic, have you heard about praying for everyone? I believe Jesus said this, or, what kind of Catholic faith do you profess? And by the way, I hope you are objective and fair enough to let this comment be published and not only the ones that are convenient to you…

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32. kelly says:

    March 14, 2017 at 8:57 pm

    I was there too and it’s clear you have no idea any of the history here at all. If you are going to be reporting facts then please get them straight and stop favoring one party or the other till they have been tried. You should be ashamed of yourself. Even the priests who are guilty are very sick individuals and need serious help!!!!

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    • JoeB says:

      March 14, 2017 at 9:19 pm

      sigh……. you think THEY are the ones who need help? you are just as “sick” as they are. Priests do not rape children because they are attracted to children…… no they pick their victims because children are easier to keep quiet. Any rapist attacks an adult and no one runs to their aid saying”aww but they are sick”……. but you have no problem spitting in the faces of people who were victims as children, suddenly the accused’s rights are more important. There are many survivors on this site, all your comments are is insulting.
      My rapist wasn’t a creepy pedo in public or professionally …… that is in my opinion how they create their own supporters. If it is only the victims who know what they are capable of…. then the priests supporters will do as you have Kelly….. and publicly call the victim a liar.

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      • kelly says:

        March 14, 2017 at 9:30 pm

        Ditto

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        • kelly says:

          March 14, 2017 at 9:33 pm

          This is not a rape case. Stick to the case facts.

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          • JoeB says:

            March 14, 2017 at 10:52 pm

            Charged December 2014 after nine month investigation. Charged with two counts of sexual assault and two counts of sexual interference. Charges date to 2008 – relate to allegations of sex abuse of a 14-year-old boy – police say the abuse happened at a church.

            I am curious to know what you think rape is?
    • Adriana says:

      April 10, 2017 at 12:03 pm

      I support you Kelly no matter how much they insult or disagree with us…people NEEDS to be fair, although it is kind of understandable that if they are victims they will believe anyone who claims to be a victim even if their facts are not straight

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33. kelly says:

    March 14, 2017 at 8:59 pm

    Maybe you should stop just seeing everything from one side and actually talk to both parties your talking about people’s lives here on both sides and you are not judge and jury.

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    • JoeB says:

      March 14, 2017 at 9:21 pm

      yet you are doing the same thing …. you have called the accuser a liar in this very post ….. practice what you preach!

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      • kelly says:

        March 14, 2017 at 9:31 pm

        No I did not

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        • JoeB says:

          March 14, 2017 at 10:49 pm

          kelly says:
          March 14, 2017 at 4:00 pm
          You are assuming he is guilty! No other victims have even come forward and the guys who claims he did this has a long sorted history of making unfounded accusations against many people. Dial it back till it’s proven in court .

          Kind of sounds like it to me.

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          • kelly says:

            March 14, 2017 at 11:11 pm

            There was no rape charge here. In was at trial and everyone including the police had their own lawyers this case is messed up on many levels.
          • JoeB says:

            March 14, 2017 at 11:20 pm

            When a rape case is in the courts the charge is sexual assault …….. Most of us on this site have either gone through the court process or ( like me ) are currently going through this process. Don’t try to BS us with this kind of crap.
          • kelly says:

            March 14, 2017 at 11:27 pm

            I was at the trial there is no rape in this trial. Please read sylvias case notes it’s all covered there
          • JoeB says:

            March 14, 2017 at 11:31 pm

            you can say it is not a rape case all you want …. he is charged with sexual assault …… it is a rape case.
          • Geenda says:

            March 15, 2017 at 6:05 pm

            Well Kelly, any Priest in this day and age, who can stand up in a court of law and say he does not understand the concept of “grooming” even AFTER it is explained to him, is either stupid, evasive or outrightly lying. Mr. Amesse is an educated man and it strikes me as rather odd, that he would CHOOSE to lie about that particular concept, the only reason he would have to lie is if he indeed “groomed” the child and KNOWS he did… so he’s now been caught in one lie what else is he lying about? His entire testimony is now in question…
34. kelly says:

    March 14, 2017 at 9:47 pm

    I’m not talking g about any other case I have no idea and no business commenting on anyone else’s case or experience. I think anyone in any position of authority who commits these disgusting Crimes should be punished to the fullest extent of then law and even more please dont twist my words.

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35. Debby says:

    March 15, 2017 at 12:12 am

    Joe B, thank you for your very intelligent and compassionate input. I am astounded that some people believe because “only” one victim (hero) has come forward (so far), that sexual assaults could not have happened. Evidently some people are also ignorant of what defines sexual assault. Faulting the victim is cruel beyond belief. Sitting in that courtroom, watching the pedophile supporters snickering and rolling their eyes was an ugly and unfair attempt to minimize the serious nature of his crimes. These insensitive and juvenile behaviours, exhibited by adults, only added to the trauma of the victim and inflicted further pain on the family. The pedophile supporters (blind sheep) are completely heartless and lacking in compassion. I wonder how they would be were it their child? No child should EVER be alone with a priest, no child should EVER know details of a priests naked body, no child should EVER, FOR ANY REASON, shower in a priests bathroom, no child should EVER be kissed on the lips by a priest – need I continue? If these facts alone do not cause you to question the innocence of the accused, then you have no heart and are solely lacking in intelligence. May God have mercy on you because you have no souls. Just my own personal opinion.

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    • kelly says:

      March 15, 2017 at 7:57 am

      These are not facts these were testimony on behalf of the complaintant.

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      • JoeB says:

        March 15, 2017 at 11:30 am

        Debby did not quote any testimony. She was simply stating her own observations from the trial.

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        • kelly says:

          March 15, 2017 at 11:33 am

          She said they were facts.

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          • Debby says:

            March 15, 2017 at 11:49 am

            “She” is stating what SHE believes are facts. “She” is going by observations that point to truth, not disbelief. You think the complainant has ulterior motives? Who would put themselves through this devastating ordeal were it not true? This is exactly why others do not come forward. Those who do, are heroes in my eyes. How many children has this particular victim saved from the same fate at the hands of a predator hiding behind a priests robes?
      • Debby says:

        March 15, 2017 at 11:53 am

        Just as the priest’s testimony is not fact Kelly? Yet you believe him

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36. Brenda brunelle says:

    March 15, 2017 at 1:36 pm

    Kelly, ignorance is bliss if you are a child ,and only under special circumstances.

    As an adult, ignorance is reckless and irresponsable. You ought to be ashamed of yourself. I suggest you pull your head out of the sand

    Time will show the facts, at which time you may find yourself guilty of this crime by the encouraging and/ or enabling of his crimes and claim of innocence. Comments like yours is enough to keep other victims silenced. Perhaps you are on payroll for the church and you are seeking job security.

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    • JoeB says:

      March 15, 2017 at 3:08 pm

      Her comments are insulting, sadly I have met her kind many times in my own case. These supporters of rapists have no class, and I feel like they are just as responsible for the abuse as the accused, but that is just my opinion.
      Brenda, the thought did cross my mind that this one may be employed by the church. What other reason does she have to come here, beating the drum for the accused, while calling the victim a liar?

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      • JoeB says:

        March 15, 2017 at 3:26 pm

        I should have said these supporters of ACCUSED rapists have no class.

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37. John Franklin says:

    March 15, 2017 at 6:42 pm

    How in the name of all that is good and holy could ANYONE think it would be prudent to buy a young man or young woman a body shaver? Gives me the creeps big time!

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38. Mike Fitzgerald says:

    March 15, 2017 at 9:44 pm

    Sylvia – you’ve made a REALLY good point! You ask the question “how could the good Father Amesse not know what grooming is?”
    He doesn’t want to know! Ask any reputable Doctor who is the most difficult person in the world to diagnose. The good Doctor will tell you “the most difficult person in the world to diagnose is myself”!
    I strongly suspect a personality disorder here. Father Amesse is not capable of assuming responsibility for his actions. He has convinced himself that he is perfectly fine, and everyone else in the world is nuts.
    Histrionic Personality Disorder is very well known to me – Father Amesse’s attitude of omnipotence, denial, and grossly inflated self-image is characteristic. He is VERY glib, and so full of himself that he cannot see any fault whatsoever in himself. He’s a “Rock Star”, deserving of eternal worship and adoration!
    I hope, regardless of the judicial proceedings, that he is offered and graciously accepts any help that he requires.
    He should not be a Catholic Priest! Mike.

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    • kelly says:

      March 15, 2017 at 10:00 pm

      I agree

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39. Mike Fitzgerald says:

    March 16, 2017 at 7:37 am

    Sylvia – your admonishment is well spoken. I am sorry if my comment is taken as an assumption of criminal guilt. It wasn’t meant to be. I just find Father’s behaviour with this boy EXTREMELY INAPPROPRIATE AT BEST. This IS grooming at it’s highest level. A Catholic priest………? Mike.

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    • kelly says:

      March 16, 2017 at 7:52 am

      I think regardless of the verdict things happened that were very inappropriate and yes I totally agree he needs serious help.

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40. Mike Fitzgerald says:

    March 16, 2017 at 7:57 am

    Just as important (maybe more) is the fact that Robert and his family deserve support and caring as well. I know how I would have felt had this been my own son. Mike.

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    • kelly says:

      March 16, 2017 at 9:37 am

      Originally Robert’s father wanted the church to pay them off then when the church refused they barged him. All I know is if I thought my child was abused sexually or otherwise I could not be bought I would not even entertain moneu first I would want the person punished to the full extent of the law.

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      • Debby says:

        March 16, 2017 at 10:41 am

        Kelly, enough already with your attempts to vilify this family. It is so obvious you have no love or sympathy for them. You believe the gossip spread by other supporters of the accused, you seem blind to the narcissistic denials of the accused but are too quick to just dismiss the victim and his family as the villains. Am I seeing a bit of hero worship on your part towards the accused? It must come as a shock to think he could be a predator. I am guessing from your comments in this discussion, that you are very young, trusting, and perhaps going by what you hear from church members. I am not a psychologist but I just want to say that narcissistic sociopaths are very skilled at deceiving and fooling even those who have lived long and have experiences in life that a young person could not comprehend. Keep your eyes and heart open. There are people who will disappoint you in life, even those you should least suspect. Please, walk a mile in this victim’s shoes, and his family. Realize the horror of finding out someone you trusted and invited into your home has harmed your child. If only for a moment, put yourself in the victim’s place, walk a mile in his shoes. Realize the profound trauma of this kind of abuse and manipulation. It has both short term and long term effects on the person’s life, as a child and into adulthood. It is DEVASTATING! Just as it is devastating to put yourself out there by coming forward, exposing yourself to haters like you, having your life put under a condemning microscope, having your name dragged through the mud. The victim is painted as the villain and the villain has his entourage of blind supporters paraded in front of him. The victim has not brought this on himself, has not caused the priest to sin. The victim was a child victim, not the villain. I see the victim as victim no more but a survivor, a hero who has spared God only knows how many more new victims. Open your eyes and heart to innocence shattered, by a predator hiding in priests robes. I would also ask you to read Matthew 18: 6, see what God says about people like Amesse.

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        • kelly says:

          March 16, 2017 at 11:46 am

          I’m not young and I am a victim of sexual abuse as well. Each case is different you cannot lump all priests into the same category they are people also just as the victims are people. There are people who are very messed up look at case where the father took the blame for the priest that is very sick. Your dealing with two people’s lives here and neither one should be deemed guilty or not until proven so. There are facts in this case on both sides that say there is a history with both parties regarding things that are questionable. I have met many who claimed they were victims and were in fact not we are living in a messed up world these days so all sides need to be taken into account. Also if people dont bring up facts on both sides then one side is automatically favored. This is a process.

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          • JoeB says:

            March 16, 2017 at 11:52 am

            so you repeatedly call the victim a liar? you are full of it kelly
      • kelly says:

        March 16, 2017 at 11:59 am

        Joe and you are a bigot. I clearly several times said no one knows who is telling the truth! Go get some glasses.

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        • JoeB says:

          March 16, 2017 at 12:01 pm

          umm how exactly am I a bigot?

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          • JoeB says:

            March 16, 2017 at 12:05 pm

            If we are resorting to name calling let me know ….. I have a few good ones for you.
          • kelly says:

            March 16, 2017 at 12:05 pm

            Look it up! Someone who does not accept others views. Your a bigot. I have said from the beginning that I have no ide which party is at fault here or who is lying , and you have done nothing but bully me and be rude to me. You don’t know these people anymore then I do who are you go judge what the outcome of this trial is.
        • kelly says:

          March 16, 2017 at 12:07 pm

          Call me whatever you want if you need to make yourself feel better.

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          • JoeB says:

            March 16, 2017 at 12:15 pm

            No I will not accept your views!!! you have called the victim a liar at least twice on this page, You don’t know more than anyone else here. If it comes out that he is telling the truth you can’t really take that back now can you……. this is what set me off ……. there are a lot of similarities between this case and my own, this is why I am reacting to it. Your words hurt, and not just the people involved in this case.
          • kelly says:

            March 16, 2017 at 12:20 pm

            Sorry you are taking this personally but I take personally my words being twisted, and people being bigoted against certain people because of their employ. You are one sided because of your experience, you lump all of the clergy in the same basket and that is a bigot. You have no idea my history I was molested by a family member does that mean I hate them all?
          • JoeB says:

            March 16, 2017 at 12:28 pm

            did other members of your family conspire to make you look like a liar? did they kick you out of the house for speaking up about it? did they throw money at you to keep you quiet so your abuser could go on with his abuse on others?I am sorry that this happened to you, and you deserve peace over it ……. but you have no clue what we as victims of clergy abuse go through, we have entire church communities vilifying us just because we spoke up. No ones dares speak out against victims of sexual assault these days …… unless the abuser was a priest ….. then it is open season on the victim.
          • kelly says:

            March 16, 2017 at 12:34 pm

            And I think that is horrible and so wrong on every level . I think that is inexcusable and that they don’t do nearly enough to catch the priests and clergy who are doing it. I think the cover ups and the buy offs are horrible for a institution to do to try and silence the victims. I am only speaking on this trial and I personally know both parties I was contacted and gave a statement to the police at the beginning of all of this. I in no way want to demean or make statements on any other trials at all I think the actions of these men Is inexcusable and there is no punishment fitting for it.
      • Sylvia says:

        March 16, 2017 at 12:07 pm

        I don’t recall any such testimony at the trial Kelly.

        I just checked my notes. I don’t see anything.

        I do recall attempts to paint the family as money grubbers. That was clarified by Robert’s mother: she explained that her instant response when Robert told her he had been abused/assaulted by Father Amesse was anger and she blurted out to Robert something to the effect of ‘We’re going to sue the Church. We’re getting a lawyer.” There never was nor is there now a lawyer, and there was no plan to sue. It was the instant response of an extremely and understandably distraught mother.

        But, there was nothing indicating in any way shape or form that the father had tried to get money from the archdiocese.

        This begs the question Kelly. Where did you hear this? Who is spreading this rumour? and, more to the point, why?

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        • kelly says:

          March 16, 2017 at 12:10 pm

          We are going to sue means get money it does not mean see that that priest is prosecuted to the fullest extent. That’s my opinion.

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          • Debby says:

            March 16, 2017 at 12:41 pm

            OMGOSH Kelly! Please re-read all your comments through this dialogue. You have consistently contradicted yourself, defended the priest and maligned the victim and his family. You have waffled between agreeing with a supporter of the victim and then go back on the attack. You have verbally attacked and insulted those who have been supportive of this victim. IF in fact you were abused, as you say, I am shocked that you would take such a stance, as someone who SHOULD understand. If you were believed and supported, then good for you. However, I stand by my observations that you appear quite young and have very little understanding of how shock, shame, anger, grief, and pain affect the victim and the victim’s family and friends. I will cease to reply to your juvenile retorts as it serves no purpose in this dialogue, except to inflame, blame and cause more grief to those of us with compassion and a conscience.
          • JoeB says:

            March 16, 2017 at 12:44 pm

            Just because they may have had the idea of suing in their head, it DOES NOT mean they won’t go to the police to have him prosecuted …….. you can actually do both.
          • Geenda says:

            March 16, 2017 at 1:00 pm

            Kelly, So your role was to paint the family as money grubbers? I see.
          • G. says:

            March 17, 2017 at 11:43 am

            Kelly,

            It’s more than apparent from your comments that you don’t understand our flawed system. I personally went to the police with no results, the case was swept under the table with minimal to no investigation, have you read the globe and mails 20 month investigation on how Canadian police forces neglect to investigate and mark cases as unfounded. When the police do nothing, the archdiocese does nothing, what does a survivor do? I called to speak with the Archbishop about the priest who abused me; I was told that a meeting could be arranged but the diocese would have a room full of their lawyers present. I didn’t have a lawyer and wanted to speak one on one with the archbishop. Civil litigation is sometimes the last resort to make the public aware of these monsters in the hope that no other child will have their innocence taken away.
            Do you know the guilt that survivors live with? I felt responsible for keeping silent and that if others were abused after me that I was responsible for not coming forward.
            The whole process with ignorant, uneducated people like yourself add more trauma to the victim. You have no idea!!!!
41. Mike Fitzgerald says:

    March 16, 2017 at 8:41 am

    I was very blessed in meeting a wonderful family in Eastern Ontario a couple of years back, also at a trial for a Catholic priest. They too were dragged through the mud, but came out as shining examples. If I could, I would be in Ottawa for Robert and his family as well. Mike.

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42. Shepherd Watcher says:

    March 16, 2017 at 10:29 am

    I’ve had the opportunity to observe this priest since his ordination, and find that Mr. Fitzgerald’s assessment (below) is in large part accurate. Fr. Amesse ran Holy Spirit parish with a small coterie of syncophantic parishioners and staff who supported him without question while he attempted to operate it as a personal fiefdom with as little diocesan direction as possible. As a legacy of his experience in the federal political environment, he mastered well the art of glad-handing and networking with the powerful. My reading of the Bible, however, suggests the shepherd’s preoccupation should be with the vulnerable, the weak, the marginalized, and the lost. Again we must confront the complex issue of screening candidates for the priesthood, and of ensuring their motivation in pursuing that vocation is not a personal hunger for status, power, and flattery.

    “Father Amesse’s attitude of omnipotence, denial, and grossly inflated self-image is characteristic. He is VERY glib, and so full of himself that he cannot see any fault whatsoever in himself. He’s a “Rock Star”, deserving of eternal worship and adoration!
    I hope, regardless of the judicial proceedings, that he is offered and graciously accepts any help that he requires.”

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    • Praise God says:

      May 2, 2017 at 4:38 pm

      Well Roland looks as if you falsely accused yet another!

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43. Darlene laviolette says:

    March 16, 2017 at 12:41 pm

    My question to you Kellys is have you had to live with a victim of abuse that was not a family member believe me it is a whole other ball game. They go to church for comfort and consolosation not abuse and that causes some major issues .

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44. Mike Fitzgerald says:

    March 16, 2017 at 7:49 pm

    I’m sure a lot of us have heard the old saying “a skunk smells it’s own stink first”? Most of the populace of North America would agree that the skunk, as beautiful and docile as it is, has a vile potency that should not be fooled with. The skunk also knows this, as they frequently suffer from their very own potency! In this regard, I find the skunk brutally honest and living in the real world.
    Now, imagine the criminal courtroom. Mr. Pepi Lepew is on trial, and yours truly (Mike) is the prosecutor. The questioning goes like this:
    “Mr. Lepew, you really stink!” Pepi responds “No sir, I do NOT stink”! I again say “Sorry Mr. Lepew, but yes, you really do stink”! Pepi says”No sir I don’t stink. Why just this fine sunny morning, I spent 1/2 an hour rolling around in a patch of lavender”! I say Mr. Lepew, please look around the courtroom. You will see about 40 people with watery eyes, holding their noses, and frowning. Why do you think they are doing this?'” Well, responds Pepi, they must not like the smell of lavender!!!!!
    What’s missing here is highlighted in the following list;
    Brian Mulroney, Former Canadian Prime Minister “I am entitled to my entitlements!” ( Really Brian? By the way, how is Karl? Do you still have that safety deposit box in New York City?)
    Bill Clinton Former President of the United States “I did NOT have sexual relations with THAT woman (Coulda fooled me, Billy! By the way, pass me a cigar please)
    Former Chancellor of the Diocese of Pembroke – Yes I have had sex with other men, but I’m NOT homosexual (Huh? Come on Bob! Really?)
    Former priest and school principal in Windsor – testifying in his own defense says “I really didn’t think I was doing anything wrong”! (Come on Hod! You aren’t really that stupid, are you – after 30 some victims?)
    Unnamed incarcerated in Millhaven – Loved to rob banks, it gave me a high – but I’m not a thief. (Really!?!?)
    Al Gore former United States Vice-President – now independently wealthy because of his efforts to “save the planet” (Hey Al, how did you manage to pay for the 240,000 kilowatt hours it took to run your mansion, heat your pool, and supply air-conditioning?)
    Father Stephen Amesse Archdiocese of Ottawa – on trial for sexual offenses, states in court, eye to eye with the judge, that he doesn’t understand what is meant by “grooming”! (Come on Steve, you just finished co-authoring a huge paper called “From Pain to Hope”. Your buddy Frank Morrisey asked you to help him in this endeavor because you are so smart and well-informed on the subject of clergy sexual abuse!)
    All of the above, including Mr. Pepi Lepew, have one glaring thing in common. They are all morally and ethically destitute! Legal criminal proceedings aside, these people (degenerates) had NO business being our leaders, whether spiritually or temporally. They (all) have lived a life of false entitlement, and have caused irreparable harm to thousands.
    I am so disgusted that I am having real difficulty putting my thoughts into words! Hot oil nude body massages, gifts of money, travel, booze, shaving a 15 year old boy’s penis and scrotum – He’s a catholic priest for God’s sake, not a massage therapist!!!!!
    Get him out before he harms someone else! With all respect due to Robert and his family, Catholic’s deserve far better than this sad excuse for a priest.
    You can well imagine what I would have to say if this man was appointed pastor in my grandkids and nieces and nephew’s home parish. Not pretty!!! Mike.

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    • Bob LeDrew says:

      March 17, 2017 at 12:10 pm

      At the risk of being a nitpicker, it was fellow Cape Bretoner David Dingwall who was “entitled to his entitlements”, not PM Mulroney (although I don’t doubt he would agree with that sentiment).

      My congratulations to all of you here who suffer through some tremendously ignorant victim-blaming comments and don’t simply explode with rage.

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45. Mike Fitzgerald says:

    March 16, 2017 at 8:57 pm

    I run the risk here of moderation by Sylvia, but here goes. Something really wrong down in Ottawa!!!!! Talk about “connecting the dots”!!
    The Archbishop, along with subordinate priests O’Hanley (previously convicted), King, and Amesse (before the courts) collaborating on guidelines for dealing with clergy sexual abuse!!!
    This, to me, is like asking a convicted break and enter artist to guard your home while you are away on vacation.
    This should be about the Catholic Church, spiritual direction and well-being – not sexual deviancy! This REALLY stinks!!!!! Mike.

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46. Mike Fitzgerald says:

    March 16, 2017 at 9:08 pm

    Mike Mc. – you were right on the money! Mike.

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47. Geenda says:

    March 16, 2017 at 9:15 pm

    Well said Mike, and as a gracious contributor to this site, it is perfectly understandable that once in a while you have to call it the way you see it!

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48. Mike Fitzgerald says:

    March 16, 2017 at 9:56 pm

    Geenda – God help us all, if this is what the Catholic Church has fallen to. Mike.

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49. Mike Fitzgerald says:

    March 16, 2017 at 10:35 pm

    One more thing, before I run completely out of breath. I personally have seen the toll these court cases have on the administrator of this site. I still am not entirely sure of where she gets her fortitude, patience, and stamina.
    Sylvia, we all owe you for your endless support and encouragement. I know how rending and heart-breaking it is for you to watch and report on these sad, horrible cases. You sit there on behalf of each and every one of us, and unerringly report back so that we know we are being properly informed, and vocally supported.
    May God bless you, and continue to give you (and Mike) the mountain of strength necessary to continue the struggle! Thank you.
    I just wish the church would do the same. Mike.

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    • 1yellowknife says:

      March 17, 2017 at 2:53 pm

      Agreed, Mike. Sylvia singlehandedly brought the Grollier Hall Residential School trials in northern Canada to the attention of the public in southern Canada. Her reporting was balanced, she spoke with those affeccted, and she is compassionate and articulate. Moreover, she has an amazingly diverse following.

      I again saw her networking skills, accurate reporing and compassion at work when an Oblate pedopriest was exposed, “found” in Belgium, returned to Canada and tried in Iqaluit.

      Congrats to Mike on his retirement. Thank you for all you both do. I am in awe.

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50. Mike Fitzgerald says:

    March 20, 2017 at 9:24 pm

    Just curious, Sylvia. Are you aware if the Crown has this further information on “Eric”? It may appear that Mr. Carew and Father Amesse would not want this information to come out in court. Mike.

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51. Mike Fitzgerald says:

    March 20, 2017 at 9:28 pm

    Bob – you are entirely right! I do however recall Mr. Mulroney referring to “entitlements” in his pathetic statements of defense regarding his safety deposit box in New York City.
    Sorry about the confusion! In the heat of the moment, my mouth went into gear before my brain slipped out of neutral. Mike.

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52. suzie says:

    March 23, 2017 at 1:16 am

    Catholic educators were twice told to be quiet on Wednesday morning’s court proceedings. They were murmuring so much that Crown could not do her job. Judge threatened to kick them out but did not.
    Educators supported alleged pedophile and yet felt no allegiance to their former student? These professed believers in Catholic teachings assumed Amesse was innocent and victim was not credible. So, innocent until proven guilty but liar until proven credible? Hmm.. Double (hypocritical) standard here.
    These educators further traumatized Robert by being in court. They could have supported Amesse in other ways (and did!). By being there teachers reneged on their oath as educators to protect youth in favor of a career-enhancing or victim public-shaming tactics.
    Educators had allegiances to both former student AND colleague. They chose the latter.

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    • Sylvia says:

      April 7, 2017 at 4:54 pm

      Sorry Suzie, your comment got lost somehow. I just came across it now.

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53. Sylvia says:

    March 23, 2017 at 12:31 pm

    The next court date for Father Stephen Amesse is:

    07 April 2017: 09:30, Assignment court (to set date for rendering verdict), Ontario Superior Court of Justice, Ottawa courthouse (161 Elgin St.)

    This will be to set a court date for the judge to render his verdict. In other words, on 07 April there will a court date set – which is agreeable all parties, ie Judge, Crown and defence – to render the verdict .

    Please keep the complainant and his family in your prayers.

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54. Debby says:

    March 23, 2017 at 1:29 pm

    “Thank you” seems far too simple in expressing my continued gratitude and appreciation for you Sylvia. I know I am not alone in my admiration of your tireless efforts and support for victims of these horrendous abuses. God has surely sent a guardian angel to earth, to advocate for the hurting. It has been an honour and a privilege to meet you and spend time with you. May God bless you abundantly with strength and comfort in your journey for justice.

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55. BC says:

    March 26, 2017 at 8:59 am

    The mens rea element will perhaps exonerate Father Amesse because our criminal procedure system is designed to not risk the sentencing of an innocent person. As a result many who are guilty appear to walk away freely. I lament that once again catholic supporters of an accused priest have attacked a complainant. It is not what Christ would have done with the kid in the Father Amesse case. That’s not loving one’s ennemies. Father Amesse and his followers may fundraise and talk about charity but there is nothing charitable about what they have done. It is unsheating one’s own sword and cutting one`s own ear. It is the denial of even knowing Jesus. And in the end it is the refutation of one’s own faith. Father Amesse was a witness for Stephen Amesse in a case that does not even involve a healer who may or may have not have lived in the Middle-East 2000 years ago. For clerical abuse does not only involve criminal offences and civil torts: it is also the incarnation of unbelief in this world. If Father Amesse did it; he may well appear to walk as a free man and his followers will say that they have been vindicated. But he is already dead in eternity and his followers, unjustified.

    Hear all these things unhearing Sylvia: hear the unspeakable, hear the unspoken; hear the short-spoken and hear the misspoken. Hear all these things in the name of your God who has no name. Hear with your heart God whispering all their names. And love how Love so silently loves you.

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56. Jimmy says:

    March 27, 2017 at 10:15 pm

    People who do the things that Father Steve is accused of are master manipulators. Most of those around them aggressively defend them when they are accused, and can even be manipulated into attacking the accusers (often spreading lies about the victim that have been planted with surgical precision by the manipulator). People defending them honestly believe that the manipulator is a nice person who is being railroaded… Very smart, successful, and well-intentioned people get sucked in, not just the ones who appear as “sycophantic” suck-ups… Manipulators have successfully pulled the wool over the eyes of fellow priests, nuns, and bishops, who absolutely believed them and even protected them with the purest of intentions (I am not referring to the ones that did the cover-ups – they cannot be forgiven). Manipulators are sickly sweet with people that they need, and know what buttons to push and how to push them. They are incapable of empathy and will stop at nothing to manipulate.

    Many people commenting here seem to have made up their minds. They either believe that Father Steve is a master manipulator, or that the victim is a sociopathic liar who is angry over some perceived slight. One thing for certain is that there are not enough facts in the public domain for anybody to honestly know one way or the other. All we can do is pray for justice…

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    • BC says:

      March 29, 2017 at 6:54 am

      Father Amesse`s mental state was not on trial. His plea did not involve a mental incapacity component. And so it must be presumed that Father Amesse is capable of empathy. However I think you are correct regarding the manipulation element involved in abusing another human being. Clerical abuse is not about sex per se but about control/power. Human sexuality involves much more that it`s bio mechanics: it also reaches deep into one`s soul. And as priests are trained to manage the welfare of one`s soul (the word management being from the italian “maneggiare” and/or the french “manège” and referring to the concept of horsemanship) seminaries and religious orders super-train(ed) perverts to groom primary and indeed, secondary victims. If Father Amesse is convicted and/or when his appeals of his conviction have all been denied he might enter into the equation an element of mental health to mitigate his sentence – if he receives any.

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57. Mike Fitzgerald says:

    March 28, 2017 at 8:33 pm

    Jimmy – I agree with you entirely wit regards to justice being done. However, Father Steve could be both innocent of these charges, and remain a master manipulator, no?
    I personally have not made up my mind, because I know so little about the case. I do, however find Father Steve’s personal behaviour completely unbecoming of a Roman Catholic priest. Mike.

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    • Jimmy says:

      March 28, 2017 at 11:10 pm

      Mike – of course he (or anybody) could be both innocent and still be a master manipulator. If he did the things that the person allegedly said that he did in the trial (I say allegedly not calling anybody a liar but because I was not there) then I agree about poor personal behaviour. The press will dig into this after the trial and stories quoting actual testimony with some investigative journalism will be written. We will then have a better idea. It is fair to believe that he might be guilty given the fact that the police took it this far. It is equally fair to believe that the accuser might be a liar, because nobody else came forward. As long as people are using words like “maybe” “might” “possibly” and “allegedly” at this point based on what is publicly available then they cannot be faulted for comments in my opinion.

      I have been to a few of his masses and didn’t get the “Rock Star” impression. That said I have never interacted with him one on one, nor have I been with him in a small group.

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      • JoeB says:

        March 29, 2017 at 4:36 pm

        Yes many people commenting here have made up their minds, because we, as the public, are not bound by “innocent until proven guilty”, that does not apply to the court of public opinion. Many on this site have been down this road, or are currently navigating the court system, and like myself personally, see many similarities between this case, and our own experiences. So, of course we are going to see this differently than someone who say, attended mass with the accused a few times and was never given a reason to not trust him.

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        • John Franklin says:

          March 29, 2017 at 5:45 pm

          Well said!

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58. John Doe says:

    April 7, 2017 at 3:07 pm

    Can you not call him Father Steve. He is not a priest anymore! Thanks everyone! Kelly you don’t seem too toooooo bright. In fact I’m questioning wether or not you are a Stephen Amesse supporter! Debby and Mike seem like their against a manipulative Ex priest who prays on young victim’s. And Sylvie you are an Angel !

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    • Michael AMESSE, OMI says:

      April 7, 2017 at 9:08 pm

      John,
      My brother is a good priest. He will be Father Stephen forever. He does not prey on young victims. As you judge others, God will judge you.

      Father Michael AMESSE, OMI

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      • Debby says:

        April 7, 2017 at 10:26 pm

        Michael,
        Two people know the truth. Our Father in heaven knows the absolute truth. The fact that I believe the victim does not mean I am judging your brother. No matter the verdict, I am consoled by The Word, specifically Matthew 18:6

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      • Still Believe says:

        April 8, 2017 at 12:32 am

        Amen!

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      • Still Believe says:

        April 8, 2017 at 12:34 am

        He will always be fr. Steve to the students who support him!

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59. Melanie says:

    April 7, 2017 at 4:39 pm

    What happened with the verdict today?

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    • Sylvia says:

      April 7, 2017 at 4:52 pm

      I haven’t seen or heard anything Melanie, but the court date today was actually supposed to be to set a date for verdict. Things can change at the last minute, but that’s what it was supposed to be for.

      Was anyone there who can pass on news of the outcome? Barring that, or media coverage, we will have to wait until Monday to find out.

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      • Adriana says:

        April 10, 2017 at 12:10 pm

        You are the one taking care of this circus Sylvia and cannot even inform, “Was anyone there who can pass on news of the outcome?” wow! well, the judge did not show up, even I that do not know the priest and do not even live in Canada know. I am honest when I say, I will pray really hard for you Sylvia, this is just getting out of hand, people is fighting with each other when they just imply and suppose, they have no proof and the truth, only God and the two implicated know…You must be very happy with your work, “advocating for victims” and making people enemies along the way…God bless you

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        • JoeB says:

          April 10, 2017 at 2:50 pm

          Actually it is the Roman Catholic Church who is “taking care” of this circus. Most priests can be googled, but when the church knows something is before the courts, they scrub any mention of the accused priest from the internet.
          It happened with my abuser, and if you google amesse, It happened with him as well. This is how they take care of things, when they cannot be sent for “treatment”, or move him to another parish in another city, they simply pretend he doesn’t exist. Or even worse ….. they have supporters like yourself try to intimidate or otherwise try to cause conflict with the victim, or with victims advocates! Try to be a better person.

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60. Mike Fitzgerald says:

    April 10, 2017 at 12:49 pm

    Adriana – you are pushing buttons here that once started, cannot be stopped. This site is not a “circus”, as you say. Sylvia reports on these cases factually, for all of our good.
    It is immaterial how the courts find in the case of your friend Fr. Amesse. What IS material here is his behaviour, which is NOT becoming of a Roman Catholic priest. That’s just my take on it, because I have been trying really hard lately to rekindle and reclaim my old faith which was lost at the hands of a “brother” priest of Fr. Ameese, namely Father Henry Maloney.
    Were it not for Sylvia, and her continuing support, I would not be seeking this return to my old faith.
    By the way, to my knowledge Sylvia is NOT paid by anyone when she takes it on herself to travel to these court cases so she can report back to we victims. She does this at her own expense. As I said earlier, I have personally witnessed the heavy toll these cases take on her. It’s not a pretty sight, but she continues anyway.
    You have even admitted that you do not know Sylvia, that you do not know the accused priest. Do you even know anything about the history of the Archdiocese of Ottawa? Do you know anything at all about the alleged victim, or his family?
    Please think about these questions, and maybe say a prayer for yourself as well. Mike.

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61. Mike Fitzgerald says:

    April 10, 2017 at 12:58 pm

    I guess what I’m trying to say to you Adriana, is that you are doing exactly what you are condemning others for doing! Please think about it. Mike.

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    • Adriana says:

      April 10, 2017 at 2:02 pm

      I am really sorry about anything that has happened to you…I never said she is being paid…what makes you think he is my friend? he is not, I actually live in another part of the world…The sad thing is that you being a victim will not help you see things objectively…I will definitely not argue with you, again, it would not be fair…About praying about myself, well, you have no idea how much I do it every day, and lastly, if you want to “rekindle” your faith don’t look for it here on earth or with the help of a mortal, we are so imperfect, look for it from God, he always puts things right where they are supposed to be, and at its perfect timing…And I do pray for the victims, as well as for those who did wrong, now, you have no idea how I got to learn about this case, and yes about the Ottawa cases too….I also believe you have a long way to go and I pray that God holds your hand along the way, God, not sylvia or a judge or anyone from earth…Again, don’t listen to me…I am no one

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    • Adriana says:

      April 10, 2017 at 2:14 pm

      By the way…in the place where I live, there was a time last year when there were several cases of school teachers (public school) having inappropriate relationships with students, all were proven but one. In this case, it was a teacher where another case had occurred. So everyone jumped to the conclusion that it was true. Social media was full of insults to the teacher, and many victims of other cases, said “you need to believe the victim” and well yes, you need to believe but also investigate… It took a year, this teacher lost everything until this girl decided that, well, she was upset because she did not pass the course, she set him up, friends acted as witnesses, but the teacher had never even touched her…But it was necessary to believe he was the monster she said, because he was a colleague of the one who in fact had committed a similar crime, and what? They are all the same? I do not know, how can I? I am not defending any of them, maybe the truth will never come out, maybe an injustice will be done, only one thing for sure, whoever is lying here (the priest or the man) will not escape from God’s justice…

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62. Mike Fitzgerald says:

    April 10, 2017 at 10:35 pm

    Adrianna – no disrespect intended, but I do not agree with you. I actually have a very objective view of what is going on here, and it isn’t pretty!
    The problem I have is that you have not addressed any concerns that I have brought up, not that you should feel the need to do so. However, since you have continued the dialogue, so will I.
    You have accused Sylvia of running a “circus” here. What do you mean by that? She does not force any of us here on her site to voice our own opinions. She actually has set the stage for us to be free in voicing our opinions, which you obviously do not agree with. Why?
    You have not addressed my own opinion that the good |Father’s behaviour is completely unbecoming of a |Roman Catholic priest, regardless of the outcome of the criminal court proceedings. Why?
    I too believe in the power of prayer, but at some point in time one must draw a line in the sand and say, yes God will judge us in the end, but while we are here on planet earth we have the responsibility to police ourselves. Can you imagine our lives if we just turned a continuous blind eye to criminal behaviour, with the bland excuse that “don’t worry, God will judge it all in the end”?
    With regards to your advice about rekindling and reclaiming my faith, yes I will look to God for help with this, BUT I find it incumbent on the church that taught me all about God, to start practising what it preaches. Without this, I have great difficulty.
    Last but not of course least is your comment that “I have a long way to go”. Just who do you think you are to say this? Are you a first cousin of our maker? Are you privy to some information that most of us are not?
    As I said earlier, maybe say a couple of prayers for yourself, not just one. You have elevated yourself above us mere mortals with your comments, so I must assume that you are indeed privy to something that myself, and many of the rest of us are not.
    You’ve got this all wrong Adriana. Maybe if you took the time to research this site, and maybe even contact Sylvia directly, you would see an entirely different view. Give it a try. Mike.

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    • Adriana says:

      April 11, 2017 at 11:37 am

      I will reply just once, you are right when you say I shouldn’t be here…my mistake was to read and disagree with some comments and I felt free to voice my opinion, OPINION… I guess if someone disagrees here, he has no right to write anything but to keep quiet. Of course, no priest should behave in any bad way, just as no teacher, no doctor, no policeman, no one who has some kind of trust relationship with the community, I just don’t think that because of one, everyone is the same. I never said that we must turn blind to criminal behavior expecting for God’s justice, I said that no matter who is lying, God knows the truth and it will definitely come out…also I don’t believe on prayer limits. You are right about the church having to do what they teach, I have felt the same way several times… I told you before, I don’t say only one prayer for myself , if you read again, I wrote “you have no idea how much I do it every day” which means, I pray a lot for myself as I know I need it…I honestly don’t get how I elevated myself, I even wrote to you “I am no one” and I repeat, I am no one… I am sorry if you took it wrong when I wrote that you have a long way to go, I believe that we all have a very long way until we reach that place we all need to be in, or at least, if something that bad would have happened to me, I know that it would be a long way for me to heal, but maybe you are stronger, and the way is shorter. You say I got it all wrong, fine, maybe it is you who knows something I don’t and can sense when people “got it all wrong” without even knowing them. I will not contact Sylvia, I do not need to and that would be something I would never do…I will go to pray a lot for myself, to get myself down from the place I elevated myself to and had no idea, and for those who in their infinite anger are very quick to judge. May God bless you and leads you to healing and that the truth comes out, while we all pray with our eyes very open.

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63. Mike Fitzgerald says:

    April 10, 2017 at 10:38 pm

    busman1055@yahoo.ca

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64. Mike Fitzgerald says:

    April 10, 2017 at 10:49 pm

    Adriana – one further thought. If it were not for Sylvia’s “circus” you would not have a forum to voice your own opinions, which you have done.
    You are now part of the “circus”, which you have so thoroughly condemned. Mike.

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65. Michael AMESSE, OMI says:

    April 11, 2017 at 9:12 am

    I want you to know Mike that Father Stephen is my blood brother. I am 6 years older than he. I am very proud of the way he lives his life as a priest. He is innocent. Even if he happens to be removed from his vocation, he will be a priest forever. I have great devotion to St. Gerard Majella. He too was falsely accused; accused by a woman stating he fathered her child. St. Gerard was ostracized by even his religious congregation . The truth came out in the end. He now is the patron of expecting mothers. Perhaps if my brother cooperates with God’s grace, some day he too will be a saint.

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    • Adriana says:

      April 11, 2017 at 11:17 am

      OMI? Is that for Oblates? God bless you and protect you from those who persecute…No matter what, people here will go after anyone who disagrees with them, I believe that it is not worth to keep on the conversation with them. They are not being objective and they are so angry that they do not understand or do not want to…As I read the replies to my opinions, I see that they have no idea what I am saying, they are too angry…I was called “first cousin of our maker” just for telling this other man he has a long way to go, I mean if he is telling me that the situation he is going through is terrible, then there must be a long way to go, otherwise it is not that terrible…what I meant is that there is a long way but God will be with him, but again, they only hear what they want to hear, and they will believe anything bad…Now, he tells me to pray for myself and at the same time he tells me that prayer has a limit… I don’t get it and I guess he doesn’t get it either…You say the accused priest is your brother, and I only imagine the pain you are going through, I think we all must get away from this place where everyone is guilty and people condemns and accuse…

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      • JoeB says:

        April 12, 2017 at 11:04 am

        “They only hear what they want to hear?” That works both ways doesn’t it? You say mike called you “first cousin to our maker”, when what he actually said was “ARE you first cousin to our maker?” simple question.

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    • Bob LeDrew says:

      April 12, 2017 at 10:21 am

      Mr. Amesse, as a brother to someone under criminal trial at the moment, you would be best advised to refrain from speaking. And I would particularly suggest you refrain from speaking in a site that is designed to investigate the impact of clerical abuse and to be a place for those who have been victims of such abuse, when your brother is under criminal trial for sexual offences.

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      • JoeB says:

        April 12, 2017 at 11:13 am

        Especially with that OMI tag behind his name. OMI is the order who abused me, and they are responsible for the cover up. I know how I feel about seeing that here, I imagine I am not the only one who feels like this either.

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66. Debby says:

    April 11, 2017 at 9:50 am

    Michael, I can only imagine the heartache of seeing your sibling charged with this despicable sexual assault on a child. I feel for you and I understand and acknowledge your position. As you defend your brother, I hope you can have sympathy for the child who was preyed upon.

    I know the victim (survivor) and have believed him from the moment he disclosed what your brother did to him. I believed the victim before details came out in open court; details and your brothers own words and behavior, which only confirmed my belief that your brother is guilty as charged. I may be judging but I am judging based on facts, details, evidence and belief in the person who was abused.

    I feel it is an affront to all survivors of sexual abuse, by clergy or anyone, to have the accused compared to a saint. Again, I understand he is your brother, but a saint? I am outraged! I suspect I am not alone in my outrage.

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    • JoeB says:

      April 11, 2017 at 11:07 am

      You are not alone Debby.

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      • Debby says:

        April 11, 2017 at 11:17 am

        Thank you Joe B. I so appreciate your thoughtful, insightful and relevant input in these dialogues.

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67. Mike Fitzgerald says:

    April 11, 2017 at 12:53 pm

    Adriana – once more with no disrespect intended, where did you come up with me saying that “you shouldn’t be here”? I can’t find it, and I would not have said that in the first place.
    I have asked you a number of questions however, that you refuse to address. That’s okay with me, but making up a false quote is not okay with me. mike.

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68. Mike Fitzgerald says:

    April 11, 2017 at 1:17 pm

    No Debby, you are certainly not alone in your outrage! I admire your kind words for Michael (I have the exact same feelings), and I also admire the gusto with which you have used in addressing the real issue here.
    The defining moment for me regarding this sad story was when the good Father told the court that he did not know what was meant by the term “grooming”.
    That statement took this right over the top for me. Mike.

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    • JoeB says:

      April 11, 2017 at 1:27 pm

      The whole not knowing what grooming is is what made up my mind as well.
      I was outraged by the whole saint thing too, but find it hard to respond to someone who is so proud of his brother and his order (the OMI has tormented me for almost 30 years)

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      • Debby says:

        April 11, 2017 at 7:37 pm

        Joe B my heart goes out to you and my admiration is immense. Where others would focus only on their own healing, you have bravely put yourself out there, supporting other victims. You are a hero in every sense of the word. These horrendous abuses were meant for evil but by the grace of God, you have turned it for good. I pray that one day you will find “the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7 LET NO CHURCH TURN YOU AWAY FROM YOUR FATHER GOD.

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        • JoeB says:

          April 11, 2017 at 7:48 pm

          I am in a very unique situation. Yes I was abused by an OMI priest ….. so I fully understand what other victims are going through. I won’t identify him , but I also have a family member who is a RC priest and he has his very own profile on this site, so I have an understanding of what accused priests families go through.
          Also thank you very much for your kind words …… Even though I am no-longer a believer, I do appreciate it.

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          • Lina says:

            April 13, 2017 at 6:18 pm

            JoeB. I’ve been following these postings for awhile.
            It hurts my heart to see how little has changed through the years the way the Catholic Church is dealing with clergy abuse crimes.

            This post of mine is somewhat a satire.

            Clergy abuse as I see it…or, it is what it is?

            The Catholic hierarchy and so many Catholics see the survivors/victims of abuse in this unique garden.

            Each one of those souls might as well make themselves at home in their own special plot in the garden. There are many people like me there, we do share victims’ concern for justice.

            The Catholic Church knows what’s best for survivors/victims because these clergymen have been chosen to lead these folks out from that special area of the garden to this eventual bigger, better future paradise.

            These Catholic leaders believe they have this private permission given to them to continue to keep escaping justice.
            After all, these clergymen are pros at this because they have so much experience under their vestment or I should say belt that goes back way before the pony express days.

            Yes…many of these men of God are experts in avoiding jail time.

            While hopefully waiting for justice to become reality in each individual victims’ case, these survivors (if they choose?) can take comfort in the Catholic Church’s hierarchy, clergy and many of their supporters, we are in their thoughts and prayers.

            Lina
    • Debby says:

      April 11, 2017 at 6:55 pm

      Thank you for your kind words Mike Fitzgerald. As a Christ follower, I try to treat and see others as Jesus would. Not always easy or possible as He was perfect and I am not. Interesting fact – I never knew Jesus as my Lord and Savior until I left the Catholic church. I jokingly refer to myself as “recovered catholic”. I have been blessed to find a Bible based church that feeds my soul “with living water”, not man made rules, rituals, and traditions devised and set by mortal men. But I digress. Please know that I am grateful for your articulate and sensitive replies to those posts that I dare not go near for fear of saying far too much. Thank you for your support on behalf of children whose lives have forever been altered by predators.

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69. Lisa MacDougall says:

    April 11, 2017 at 2:02 pm

    Adriana, this is getting a little nasty. While I tend to agree that one’s eyes can be clouded when they themselves have experienced sexual abuse at the hands of a priest, so too can those of us fortunate enough to have had our children remain innocent. Your lack of empathy towards those victims is troublesome. I applaud Mike on his self control and his ability to show respect towards you. I just wish that in every instance where a priest is accused of such a horrible crime, we pray that the truth prevail, rather than pray for a particular verdict. After all, one thing is certain in every instance, we have a victim, whether that be the accused or the accuser. Only one is being truthful. Most often it is the accuser, but sometimes it is the accused, and in those instances they suffer beyond words as well. I’m praying for the truth in every case.

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70. Sylvia says:

    April 11, 2017 at 2:40 pm

    The next court date for Father Stephen Amesse is:

    12 May 2017: 09:30, Assignment court (to set date for rendering verdict?), Ontario Superior Court of Justice, Ottawa courthouse (161 Elgin St.) .

    Please keep the complainants in your prayers.

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71. Mike Fitzgerald says:

    April 13, 2017 at 7:01 pm

    Thanks Bob. Mike.

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72. Pierre says:

    April 28, 2017 at 7:03 am

    Decision for Amesse will now be May 2 at 1pm

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    • Sylvia says:

      April 28, 2017 at 8:42 am

      Thank you Pierre. I had heard that too and yesterday put a call in to the courthouse to confirm – still waiting for a call back, but sounds as though the 2nd is it?

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    • Sylvia says:

      April 28, 2017 at 3:21 pm

      Confirmed by court. The decision/verdict will be rendered at 1 pm, 02 May. I am just heading out now – will update as soon as I get home.

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73. Tulip says:

    August 21, 2018 at 10:25 pm

    Just want to put it out there: I hear from friends who attend St. Pat’s downtown that Fr. Amesse has been put in charge of the altar boys there.

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    • Debby Palmer says:

      August 22, 2018 at 10:56 am

      Praying for a hedge of protection around the young lives at risk with this predator. Lord, protect them from any and all HARM.

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