“Gabriele DelBianco found guilty on three of 18 sexual assault charges” & related article

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The Sarnia Observer

Monday, February 24, 2014 2:55:50 EST PM

By Neil Bowen, Sarnia Observer

Sarnia court

Sarnia court

SARNIA – Former Catholic priest Gabriele DelBianco, 57, was convicted Monday on three of 18 charges related to sexual misconduct involving four teenage girls.

Sentencing has been set for May 14.

A pre-sentence report was ordered and DelBianco remains out of custody.

The convictions relate to two of the women, now in their 40s.

The key issues are possible consent to sexual activity and the reliability of the evidence.

DelBianco pleaded not guilty to 16 offences involving four teenage girls during the 1980s.

A one-week Superior Court trial commenced Oct. 16 and included testimony from four women, now in their 40s. DelBianco chose not to testify.

The number of charges was increased to 18 to match with testimony from the four women regarding the offence dates. No further allegations were contained in the new charges.

One woman described that as a teenager she felt the outgoing and popular priest was like a rock star.

Several of the women testified that they had sexual encounters with DelBianco, one saying she believed her teenage sexual encounters with him would lead to them becoming a couple.

One of the women who testified said she had no conscious memory of any sexual abuse. The therapy occurred after she learned of a lawsuit against DelBianco and the Catholic Church by other women.

That therapy was paid for by the Catholic Church, she said.

Her memories continued to get clearer, she said, after her initial statement to the OPP in 2011 when she recalled details of one incident.

Another of the four women testified DelBianco had helped pay for a Florida trip with her family.

Several of the women said he made them feel special as teenagers because he chose to spend time with them alone.

Two of the women testified that he had claimed to be involved with the CIA. One woman testified that DelBianco started a romantic relationship with her when she was 15 or 16 and when he was a 29-year-old priest

She said he fondled her in his car, but they did not have sex until she was 20.

By the time she was 21, she and DelBianco had become a secret couple, she said, noting she stayed at his church residence three to five times weekly.

She testified that the former priest fathered her child.

In the mid-1990s the woman ended all contact with DelBianco through a legal agreement for a one-time $10,000 child-support payment.

DelBianco left the priesthood in 1996 after serving at churches in Wallaceburg and Windsor.

____________________________________

Gabriele DelBianco found guilty on three of 18 sexual assault charges 

London Free Press

24 February 2014

By Neil Bowen, Sarnia Observer

SARNIA – Former Catholic priest Gabriele DelBianco, 57, was convicted Monday on three of 18 charges related to sexual misconduct involving four teenage girls.

Sentencing has been set for May 14.

A pre-sentence report was ordered and DelBianco remains out of custody.

The convictions relate to two of the women, now in their 40s.

The key issues are possible consent to sexual activity and the reliability of the evidence.

DelBianco pleaded not guilty to 16 offences involving four teenage girls during the 1980s.

A one-week Superior Court trial commenced Oct. 16 and included testimony from four women, now in their 40s. DelBianco chose not to testify.

The number of charges was increased to 18 to match with testimony from the four women regarding the offence dates. No further allegations were contained in the new charges.

One woman described that as a teenager she felt the outgoing and popular priest was like a rock star.

Several of the women testified that they had sexual encounters with DelBianco, one saying she believed her teenage sexual encounters with him would lead to them becoming a couple.

One of the women who testified said she had no conscious memory of any sexual abuse. The therapy occurred after she learned of a lawsuit against DelBianco and the Catholic Church by other women.

That therapy was paid for by the Catholic Church, she said.

Her memories continued to get clearer, she said, after her initial statement to the OPP in 2011 when she recalled details of one incident.

Another of the four women testified DelBianco had helped pay for a Florida trip with her family.

Several of the women said he made them feel special as teenagers because he chose to spend time with them alone.

Two of the women testified that he had claimed to be involved with the CIA. One woman testified that DelBianco started a romantic relationship with her when she was 15 or 16 and when he was a 29-year-old priest

She said he fondled her in his car, but they did not have sex until she was 20.

By the time she was 21, she and DelBianco had become a secret couple, she said, noting she stayed at his church residence three to five times weekly.

She testified that the former priest fathered her child.

In the mid-1990s the woman ended all contact with DelBianco through a legal agreement for a one-time $10,000 child-support payment.

DelBianco left the priesthood in 1996 after serving at churches in Wallaceburg and Windsor.

 

43 Responses to “Gabriele DelBianco found guilty on three of 18 sexual assault charges” & related article

  1. Jill says:

    Convicted on three counts doesn’t sound like enough, but I am glad to see he was convicted of something. Please remember that a finding of “not guilty” does not at all mean that he didn’t do it, just that the Judge was not convinced “beyond a reasonable doubt”, which is a very high threshold to meet, especially with historical charges. I hope the punishment fits the crime – he took advantage of these young girls and stole their innocence. These ladies should be standing very proud today. They were brave, and strong, and told their story, and now Gabe will be punished for what he’s done. I hope the victims find some closure and some peace.

  2. monica says:

    Thank you Jill. It is true. We stood tall, proud and told our truth. Gabriele DelBianco is a convicted criminal who now holds all of the shame we once carried. His reputation is ruined and hopefully his life savings has been diminished by his soulless lawyer. He will do time. We have reason to celebrate.

    • Lisa says:

      I knew Gabe as a councellor, not as a priest, how dont we know that u girls didnt come onto him? U were teenagers, if he was so guilty why did he not get charged with all counts? Reasonable doubt, I u gals did this for money or to distroyed another human u should be ashamed of ur self, what goes around comes around! Ur a rude individual Monica!

      • Suzanne Herrick-Lee says:

        Do you really think these women, who were young, vulnerable and easily impressed by a manipulative man who used his Roman collar to seduce and abuse them, would put themselves through the court system just to garner money???
        Come on, use a voice of maturity and cognitive thinking before saying such vile things to the victims….
        HE was the priest, HE took the vows of celibacy, so legalities aside, even from a moral, ethical viewpoint, his actions were totally out of line….how DARE you put HIS actions on the backs of his victims? Monica, please pay no need to the words of this biased person…

      • Leona says:

        Lisa,
        Del Bianco was charged with all counts, just not convicted of all. As Jill says, this does not mean that he didn’t do it. He clearly had inappropriate interactions with all of these women, and he was convicted of 3 counts.
        This man clearly breached the appropriate boundaries between adults and teenagers. Even if these girls got down on their knees and pleaded for him to have a sexual relationship with him it would be wrong. It is normal and appropriate for teenagers to explore their sexual power. Teenagers have numerous infatuations, crushes etc. As adults we have a responsibility to the young to model appropriate behaviour. In his role as a priest and mentor he had an even greater responsibility. That he violated that responsibility while acting in the name of God is abhorrent. You must reexamine your relationship with this so called counsellor.
        These women are brave and heroic. Thank you Monica and all of the others who stood with you. You are to be commended.

      • Sylvia says:

        If these women were in it for money they would never have gone to police to pursue criminal charges. They could have sued and opted not to have him charged. So, good for all four who went to police in pursuit of justice.

        Unfortunately, from what I hear, the defence lawyer (Bradie) ran circles around the Crown. When it comes to child sex abuse cases that, also unfortunately, is not uncommon.

      • PJ says:

        Lisa…you are an idiot for making those comments. Have you ever been abused? Have you ever had your life put on display in the legal system? You should really apologize for what you have posted to Monica. She has every right to celebrate…after going through all she and the others went through. Finally, you should go back to school and learn how to spell and use proper grammar…yours is atrocious.

      • Miecul says:

        Lisa Lisa Lisa… How do you think OJ got off with murdering his wife. Not because he was innocent, it was because he had a hi priced lawyers. It cost him everything. Innocent? No, they proved than in the civil case. If you think you just call the police say a man is guilty, it’s payday, you’re sadly mistaken. There is no $$ in a criminal case. Yes once the criminal case is over you can make a claim for a Civil suit. You do realize this can take years. The compensation and I do mean compensation never fits or comes close to what the this has done to the victim. There is a cap of $250,000 here in Canada, or at least there was. I wonder how many officials would bend over backwards for this amount. I don’t know how much is enough but I thin k this amount is a joke. This amount is only for the worst of the worst cases. How much would you want, to be raped by someone you had total faith in, and of the same sex. Never mind about being male or female of of the same sex, would you think that that amount would be near enough to be used and abused at that age, or any age for that matter. For now we’re talking about children. I’d want 10 times that amount, and if I had that amount I would give every cent back to have had a normal and carefree childhood. If you were a parent, would you hand over your son at 10 or 11, to be brutalized for a few thousand dollars? If any of your answers is Yes, please seek help.

        Bravo Ladies. You’ve fought the good fight. Remember there is one of these in every crowd. God Bless…..

      • martin says:

        how dare you..i went to high school with these woman, they were my friends, they went to a man they trusted for help and he twisted , manipulated and ruined lives taking advantage of teens when they were vulnerable??
        I suppose women in short skirts deserve to be raped if we follow your idiotic theory.
        read a book you idiot go to school that theory died around the same time corsets went out of style

        • Miecul says:

          Martin, people like this have tunnel vision, and have no idea of what these women might have went through. Let alone understand their pain. I know it’s hard to ignore them, blood boils, tempers raise, for all we know this could be Scaby himself.

          • martin says:

            I have rarely commented publicly on this issue, but the woman involved were/are beloved friends from my childhood..ive stayed in contact and supported them in my very small way, and the fact that someone could dare imply that they did this for money??..its insulting at best, heartless to say the least..i adore these women, there is barely a memory of grade school or high school without them in it..I wish for them peace and love and a chance to finally put this behind them, as much as one can.

          • Miecul says:

            I bet your friendship and support means more to them, than any amount of $$ ever would. The friends and family that stayed by me and supported me was a life saver, before, during, and until this day.

            They’ll draw strength from you Martin, in ways you could never imagine.

      • 1 abandoned sheep says:

        Lisa, what is your response now? Will you say the Devil made you do it?

        • PJ says:

          Normally those trolls and cowards never respond, 1a.s. I’m sure Lisa has read these comments and is either realizing how stupid her post was, or too cowardly to write anything else.

      • monica says:

        Lisa, Your comments only serve to remind me why I went through the ordeal. So that Gabe won’t have access to any more gullible girls like you! I hope you are able to find another counselor who will help you understand your experience with a convicted sexual predator. Peace be with you.

        • Eve says:

          Lisa
          I hope you read this comment,learn from it I don’t know Monica but she has many qualities that you should aspire to, strength courage decency and class. Even tho you Lisa have been unbelievably cruel and rude to her, she still wouldn’t wish you to suffer what she has suffered.

  3. Leona says:

    Well done! You should be standing proud. While I believe the courts have a long way to go in understanding this crime, the conviction on the 3 charges will require that he be on a sex offender registry. As you say Monica, you know your truth and that’s what matters here.

  4. Cathy says:

    I’m so proud of and grateful for those who chose to come forward in a legal way to ensure Gabe is finally recognized exactly how he truly is!! He will no longer have the same legal standing in our world and more than anything, that’s what matters. Others will be protected from being victimized by him through your hard work and bravery.
    Ideally all the other victims will also come forward and legally charge him for what he has done. It must feel very empowering and liberating to finally see justice served (even if it was not served to the full extent!)
    Thank you! He is one creep from the past that I will no longer worry about 🙂

  5. Christopher says:

    Criminal cases do not involve money. There is no financial gain to these girls. Lisa why do you speculate on what the court has proven? To Gabe’s credit he hired an expensive and excellent lawyer that was able to create “doubt” in the girls story. But the truth cannot be stopped no matter how good a lawyer you hire. Rape and sexual assault is not easy to prove and especially when it was 30years ago. These are not jilted teenagers waiting 30years to get back at Gabe. All this happened when he was a priest which is before your time? Did you attend any of the court hearings or the verdict yesterday? Gabe’s crimes are proven crimes. Beyond reasonable doubt proven crimes. Your comments are very hurtful to the girls finally vindicated in court. Do you know the victims? Have you lived with one of the victims for 20 years? I have, and I can tell you beyond any doubt that the stories are true and Gabe is a liar. Do you doubt this? Even the Catholic church acknowledged and admonished his behaviour and the victims received an apology from the Church. Do you doubt that? Your comments are out of ignorance and unfortunately just re-victimize the girls. It is the most painful thing to sit in a court of men and have your abuse read/questioned/doubted. How would you liked to be asked -Did he ejaculate in your mouth then? It takes some amazing courage and conviction to endure a court cross examination- repeatedly. Did I mentioned how the paper prints and published headline that reads “bizarre sex..”. Would you allow yourself to be put through that because you came on to a guy when you were 14yrs old? No he did not abuse every girl he met. And to those girls -like you? You saw the charismatic charming man most of the victims saw. But make no mistake there is a dark side to this man. Do you remember Colonel Russel Williams? So I would like to say to Lisa and others please consider your comments and be informed before you type.

    • Sylvia says:

      Well said Greg. You are so right re cross-examination. I will add that most people do not realize that the object of the exercise of a defence lawyer is to get his/her client ‘off’, and if not ‘off’ on all counts to either keep him out of jail completely or, failing that, ensure that his stay is minimal. Some years ago I sadly concluded that for many a defence lawyer the end justifies the means. Too often I have witnessed truth become a casualty in the legal head games which played out in a court of law, and in which a Crown was incapable of arguing effectively against whatever spin and/or hypothesis an unscrupulous defense lawyer had chosen to get his client off. Surely truth and hence justice should never rest on the abilities of a defence lawyer to outwit the Crown? But, it happens.

      All I can say is that for those who commit crimes, an Andrew Bradie is the type of lawyer they would want to retain to get them off.

  6. Mike Fitzgerald says:

    Lisa;
    You’ve been slam-dunked by a lot of people – now it’s my turn.
    I don’t really know what kind of a spell Gabe has over you, but it’s not healthy or good.
    This creature is a really sharp manipulator, he’s well educated, and he knows how to use people to further his own twisted and deviant desires. Please open your eyes to this!
    The fact that he was a catholic priest makes it even worse.
    Are you aware that a catholic priest takes vows of celibacy and chastity? There is no grey area here, Lisa.
    He is so full of himself that he is incapable of understanding the difference between good and evil. Mike.

  7. Jen says:

    I know how difficult, anxiety-wracking, and painful coming forth is, and thus the women who did are a testament to courage. I know because my clients have taught me this – I work as a therapist – and I can write this too because I knew the offender for years. I believe YOU – the women who came forth. I hope that you are feeling empowered and ultimately transformed in ways that you choose.

  8. Mike Fitzgerald says:

    Jen;
    Thank-you on behalf of the victims of this twisted creature. Your kind words will go a long way to help comfort the victims, something the church has neglected to do. Mike.

  9. monica says:

    So true….kind words of support are like anti-venom! Seriously, thank you to those who have taken the time. It really does help!

  10. Amber says:

    Yes, criminal convictions may lead to sex offender registration, inability to travel abroad, inability to be bonded, licensed and/or insured as a counsellor, loss of reputation, income and security. He has also been exposed as a manipulative pedophile and a certifiable creep.
    I think you are all exceptionally brave to have taken him on, and wish you all the best. Let’s see what May brings. A summer behind bars will put a fine dent into his new landscaping business.

    • Peter says:

      A pedophile is someone sexually attracted to prepubescent children. A person sexually aroused by adolescents, from the onset of puberty and older is not a pedophile and this case showed no evidence that warrants such an accusation.

      Everything else you say is true and a more than adequate denunciation, without having to incorrectly evoke the “pedophile” moral panic.

      The man committed a gross breach of trust, nothing more that I’ve seen evidence of and is being punished for it, as he should be.

      • Sylvia says:

        There are any number of definitions for paedophile. Many years ago I ceased using the word and opted for “molester.” There are molesters who are married and molest. There are molesters who molest a 10-year-old child and continue molesting long after the child has reached puberty. There are molesters who have sexual relationships with ‘consenting’ adults and still molest children. There are molesters who molest both pre- and post pubescent children.

        I found over the years that there is so much quibbling over definitions and often outrage from those who, like yourself Peter, protest that a particular molester is not a paedophile, and in so doing imply that child sex abuse is only a cause for serious concern if the predator is in fact a paedophile.

        It matters not to the child who is molested whether or not his/her molester is or is not classified as a “paedophile.”

        Yes, Del Bianco committed a gross breach of truast, but, he did much more than that. Father Del Bianco sexually violated those young girls. He sexually abused them. He molested them.

        Churhc officials have

    • Melissa says:

      More than a summer! I hope you are pleasantly surprised.

  11. Melissa says:

    Funny you sound just like him Peter. Down playing the severity of his actions. He was confused about his sexuality. It was the church’s fault for not teaching him how to deal with his vow of celibacy. How many grown men need to be taught not to go after 12 year olds (and yes, some of whom have not yet matured into womanhood)? I am tired of hearing it was simply a breach of trust. Biologically, teenage brains function like those of toddlers. Anyone raising a teenage daughter can attest to that. It is an extremely vulnerable and impressionable time in a girl’s development. That is when Gabe struck. And that is why the damage is so great. It takes a long time to recover from such a hit – to relearn what you’ve been taught is right, safe, or good. Maybe he is not technically a pedophile. But let’s not downplay the fact that he preyed on vulnerable girls by mincing words. Is there a term for a man like that? I can think of many, but I won’t print them here.

  12. Maggie says:

    Peter, you have clearly based your opinion on what you have read in news articles. A gross breach of trust is an understatement. To sexually prey on a 12 year old child in my opinion IS a pedophile! I was 12 years old when I first became a victim of Gabe’s “breach of trust”. I hang my head in shame that I was not strong enough to stand with the other 4 victims in the courtroom.

    I feel that Gabe is paying a small price for all the damage he has caused to all of his victims and their families. I believe that with a 4 year sentence, one is entitled to parole after one third of that time.

    • Melissa says:

      Shame is a noose around your neck. When you speak your truth and hand the story back, you are free. It is never too late to press charges. Peace be with you as you heal from the hurt he has caused. He is the only one who needs to carry the shame!

  13. B says:

    Peter,

    From what I’ve seen, therapists have attempted to create various classifications of molesters to demonstrate some organization/understanding of a disorder they cannot effectively treat.

    Lawyers, including Church lawyers, have eagerly grasped these classifications (into different subsets of molesters, depending on what age of children attract them) primarily in order to be able to claim that “only a small percentage of priests, or of the population” are actually pedophiles. It is just a way to make the statistics look less horrifying.

    For most people, and for the victims in particular, it doesn’t matter whether an abuser prefers to con toddlers, elementary school children, pre-teens or teenagers into a one-sided relationship which satisfies the abuser and risks destroying the developing young person. The results will be very similar at any of these ages.

    • 1 abandoned sheep says:

      Peter and others who question the term pedophile. Would you sooner they be called PERVERTS ? For that is what they are. And- what should we call those who defend them?
      OUT OF TOUCH WITH REALITY ?

  14. Amber says:

    Yes, I am pleased that it’s more than a summer!

    My apologies for not replying to Peter. Thank you to those who did. Technically, he is correct. Paedophilia, in the strictest sense, precludes the ability to have adult relationships, which Gabe clearly has. His wife (even though she may have been one of his victims as a teen, and I would argue certainly is now) is an adult. But, Peter, you appear to be an apologist for a child molester then. There’s no denying that Gabe molested children. That is the fact, whatever you want to call it. Either way, he is now a convicted sex offender and will be registered as such for the rest of his days. That will restrict some of his freedom, and may be some small consolation to his victims from whom he stole the freedom of a safe and happy childhood.

  15. Melissa says:

    I guess I am an eternal optimist. I have no concern with the amount of time Gabe will serve. Seeing him cuffed and lead away with his head hung in shame brings me great peace. Hearing that he cannot be around parks where children play, knowing he was shuffled off to have a DNA sample scraped from his cheek for the offender registry and imagining him rooming with Paul Bernardo give me a great sense of justice. Sure, our system is flawed but he is a marked man and his life will never be what he thought it would. I am free to move on. I am no longer a victim, but victorious.

  16. s haffer says:

    this human piece of garbage was my parish priest when i was very young.
    i never trusted him, and never really wanted that much to do with him. i didn’t know why though. it was just a feeling i had.

    i suppose he never really did like that, as he never tried to ‘get close’ to me in any way.
    he would always pick his favourite kids to ‘hang out’ with him and do certain fun activities. i was never picked.
    which really didn’t bother me all that much.

    these days, i wish i could see this man, and kick him very hard in his throat repeatedly.
    god forgives. i’m not god

    i hope he gets what he deserves in prison.

  17. Amber says:

    Your post, Melissa, is the most joyous expression of life that I’ve read in a long time! I am so glad you are feeling the victory – as you should. It is yours!

  18. Kelly says:

    I have been crying a lot today for some reason. Seeing Gabe handcuffed and led away was a beautiful site. But it also made me see how I was still in denial about how much that monster took from me and how he is still even after all my therapy having a negative impact on my life and my children’s lives. I am so thankful that I came forward and charged him even though ultimately my charges were dropped. I loved being questioned by that creep Bradie knowing I could sit there all day and answer and know that I was truthful no matter what he said. Ultimately because my memories were repressed for so long they could not carry the burden of proof beyond a reasonable doubt but it was wonderful to hear the judge say that he felt my testimony was sincere. After I tried to kill myself in grade 9 I decided to tell myself that nothing had happened with Gabe as that was the only way I could carry on. It was difficult as when you repress memories you repress whole parts of yourself. I am still in the process of discovering who I am. All of you who come here that were abused and didn’t press charges I beg you to please come forward. I will personally make myself available to help you in any way I can. I am telling you that I feel this is vital for your health and well being. I know that there are so many women out there suffering needlessly. Gabe’s insincere apology just showcased for me how he still has absolutely no remorse for his actions in anyway.

    • Sylvia says:

      So sorry Kelly that your charges were dropped Kelly, but glad that despite that you see the outcome in a positive light and have no regrets. The fact that you came forward I am sure gave strength to the others

      Well done Kelly. Well done..

  19. Mike Fitzgerald says:

    There isn’t usually a “winner” in any of these types of cases. A pervert hypocrite has been hauled off to the jail to dance with “Big Bubba”, a trail of human carnage has been left in the wake of this twisted priest’s journey, and once again the church is left looking like the 3rd Reich for having employed and encouraged this sick bastard.
    Unfortunately for all of us, there is a big winner! Andrew Bradie.
    He has prospered in large part due to the poor and sad decisions the church has made over the years (and continues to do so) regarding who they ordain as “priests of God”.
    This man has NO conscience that I can see. I witnessed him defending another sicko in Windsor last year (Hod Marshall) and was astounded at realizing that he actually believes in himself.
    I have often wondered about Bradie in this line of thinking – we in Canada have laws forbidding us from accepting funds obtained through “proceeds of crime”. He (Bradie) doesn’t see it that way. Because of the money he has been paid by the church, he is convinced that he is doing the “right and moral” thing. To hell with any of Gabe’s victims is how Bradie sees it.
    To all of Gabe’s victims, my heart goes out to you! You WILL persevere and triumph over your hurt and pain. Mike.

  20. Lisa (the other Lisa) says:

    It is almost 3 years exactly since this chapter of this nightmare began for me. I awoke on a Saturday morning to find Gabe on the front page of the newspaper. I felt exposed, ashamed and like a woman with a scarlet letter on my forehead. My phone started ringing. Close family members and friends who knew what had happened to me where calling to see if I was ok. Not so close friends who had their own suspicions over the years also called to see if I could confirm what they had suspected. The overwhelming feeling I had was guilt. Guilt for not being stronger earlier and not being able to stop him from doing to other girls what he did to me. I was also extremely angry with the diocese for not stopping him before he got to me. I didn’t come forward for any type vindication or for retribution. I decided to testify and tell my story….the truth… to support the other women who had pressed charges and ensure that there would be NO MORE VICTIMS. If he would have admitted what he did, apologized and been put on the Sex Offender Registry, I would have been content. But no, he wanted to keep up the façade and the charade causing more pain to his victims by doing so. Throughout this journey we have seen other posters on this site call us liars, money hungry and the likely instigators of our molestation. I felt angry but it made me more determined.
    I moved forward with the support of my loved ones but I paid an enormous price, emotionally, physically and ultimately I lost my job. Going back to that place and reliving those memories brought back reoccurring nightmares, anxiety, isolation and depression. I knew that there would be a potential personal price to pay when I had made my decision to come forward but I couldn’t continue to live feeling like I hadn’t done everything I could do to protect past and potential future victims.
    For those other victims who did not testify, please do not feel obligated or pushed to do what isn’t right for you. If this is something you feel would help in your healing than by all means do so and you have my never ending support, empathy and love.

    Now it is the time for me to rebuild.

  21. Melissa says:

    “Owning our story can be hard but not nearly as difficult as spending our lives running from it. Embracing our vulnerabilities is risky but not nearly as dangerous as giving up on love and belonging and joy—the experiences that make us the most vulnerable. Only when we are brave enough to explore the darkness will we discover the infinite power of our light.”
    ― Brené Brown

  22. Anne says:

    I’ve struggled with depression & anxiety all through my teens & adult life. I tried to kill myself in grade 9. In gr. 8 I started a new school. I switched from public to Catholic. I was told if I wanted to take part in gr 8 Confirmation I needed to get up to speed. Go through Communion & other studies. That’s when I was introduced to Father Gabe. I’m being completely honest. I never heard the news of his arrest. When I was pregnant with my daughter I started having bad dreams/memories about going to the rectory for my lessons. I remember him opening the big wooden door, putting his hand on my back & welcoming me inside. Then I wake up sweating & shaking. This dream or memory has been driving me crazy because I honestly don’t remember anything bad happening to me. The really strange thing is that I have an excellent memory. I remember many things from my early childhood in great detail. I can’t remember a single thing about my lessons. NOT ONE THING & I was there several times getting ready for Confirmation. I couldn’t even remember his name. I just asked an old friend on facebook if she remembered his name. Instead of waiting for her to get back to me I googled the church’s name/priest 1980’s. An article from the Windsor Star popped up with his picture & I almost got sick, but I don’t know why! I can’t remember. I found this site & read some people’s comments to see if that would trigger something but it didn’t. I just find it very strange that I have no memory of my lessons. It’s really upsetting. Did anyone else have this issue? Is there a legit way to get memories back. I’ve obviously blocked out everything having to do with him out for a reason. I don’t even care about charges. It sounds like he already went to jail. I just want to remember. I stopped caring about myself in grade 8. I developed huge self esteem issues that have stayed with me my whole life.

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