Michael John A Fallona (Father Michael Fallona csb) (Father Mike Fallona)
Basilian priest. Ordained 1967. Lawsuit filed 2009 by Brenda Brunelle alleging sex abuse in the late 70s starting when she was a 13-year-old girl
Examination for Discovery: 09 November 2011
(Picture Left: 1966 St. Michael’s College yearbook.
Picture Below: Michael Fallona. Photograph by: Star Staff, The Windsor Star)
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Documents
15 February 2011: BMB and Fallona, Quinlan et al (redacted) (Ontario Superior Court of Justice between B.M.B and Fallona, Quinlan, et al. B.M.b. is Brenda Brunelle)
22 October 2010: Affidavit of Paul Ledroit (Fallona)
22 October 2010: Notice of Motion (Fallona)
25 November 2009: Statement of Claim to Michael Fallona, Christopher Quinlan, The Roman Catholic Episcopal Corporation of the Diocese of London in Ontario, Bishop Ronald Peter Fabbro and The Congregation of St. Basil
19 July 2009: Basilian Justice Advocate for Canada and Northern United States: CONFIDENTIAL REPORT: To Fr. Gordon Judd csb, Vicar General
23 March 1978: Windsor Star – Fallona and medical ethics
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09 February 2011: The tape is gone!
26 November 2010: Windsor woman files $3M abuse suit against Catholic Church and Rev. Michael Fallona
25 November 2010: Windsor woman files $3M abuse suit against Catholic Church and Rev. Michael Fallona
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Unless other wise noted the following dates and information are drawn from available Canadian Catholic Church Directories (CCCD) of that date, 1980 Ontario Catholic Directory (OCD) , and personal contacts (PC). Additional timelines will be added as information becomes available.
2010: 95 St. Jospeh St., Toronto (address for St. Basil’s College) (CCCD)
2005: Basilian Annals 2005 lists Micahael Fallona as “Associated” with “The Basilian Father of the University of St. Michael’s College”. The following appears on page 85
“Father Michael Fallona, who resides at St Bernard’s Residence, Toronto, writes the following:
MICHAEL J.A. FALLONA continues to respond pastorally to the many persons (from Vancouver to Connecticut!) experiencing the pain and rejection of having become separated and divorced Catholics, and to the trauma felt by their children and families. He also mentors selected highly qualified Social Workers who, having completed appropriate and excellent graduate courses at U of T, are now Clinical Ethicists at some local Public General Hospitals.
2002: 685 Finch Ave West, Toronto, Ontario (address for St. Bernard’s Retirement Residence) (CCCD)
2000, 1999, 1998, 1997, 1996: 95 St. Joseph St., Toronto (CCCD)
1995, 1994: Site 5657. R.R. #3. 15th Side Rd, Milton, Ontario 905-876-3156 (Diocese of Hamilton – Bishop Anthony Tonnos) (CCCD)
1993: 2333 Windsor Ave. West. Windsor, Ontario (CCCD)
1992, 1991: Apt. 202 – 2345 University Ave. West, Windsor, Ontario (CCCD)
1985-1986: Apt. 202 – 2345 University Ave. West, Windsor, Ontario (CCCD)
1980: 2015 Balfour Rd., Windsor St. Vincent de Paul, Windsor, Ontario (OCD)
1975-76: St. Vincent de Paul, Windsor, Ontario (P) (Blog comment)1975: Guest speaker at 1975 Ash Wednesday Retreat at St. Michael’s College School (online)
1973-74: listed as student, St. Michael’s College School, Toronto, ON (that’s strange?) (CCCD)
1971-72: listed as at St. Basil’s Seminary, Toronto, ON (CCCD)
1968-69: listed as at St. Joseph’s College, Edmonton, Alberta (CCCD)
1966: “Graduate Studies” at Saint Michael’s College (SMCS yearbook)
1965: teaching French at St. Michael’s College School, Moderator of Forensic Society (online)
1964: Home Room Moderator XII-I, French, Moderator of Physics Society (online)
thank you so much for following my story. I note that above it is mentioned that Fr. Fallona was at St. Vincent de Paul, 2015 Balfour Blvd. Windsor ON in 1980.
He was there in 1976/77.
What I was told by the Vicar General of St. Basil, is that he was forced to take a sabaticle in 1975 to focus on a different ministry that education was not something he could participate in. it was during this leave that he was assigned at St. Vincent de Paul parish and was asked to create a program to counsel divorced and separated Catholics and their children.
Thank you so much for taking an interest in my case. I have been shunned, my mother has been shunned by clergy and nuns alike since my claim became public.
Brenda Brunelle
Hello everyone, I just wanted to clarify my comment above where I stated that my mother and myself have been shunned by clergy and nun’s alike.
When I made that statement, I did not include the parishoner’s of St. Vincent de Paul, in fact just the opposite has happened. Fortunately for my mom, many of the parishoner’s that are registered at this parish today were also registered during the time of my abuse.
Much like myself, most loved Fr. Quinlan and would agree that he was a very holy man and extremely giving of his time, prayers and compassion.
So, when I made the statement of how betrayed and shocked I was to read what he had to say about me, I failed to realize how his statements also raised concerns and questions with so many other parishoners that know both Fr. Quinlan and me. Not one of them agree with the statements made, and yet they can’t believe that Fr. Quinlan would make such a statement.
Were those quotes written exact as to what Fr. Chris said? I believe they are, but it sure did raise many questions as to why he would make such strong untrue statements about me.
as for being shunned, I told my mom, not to take it personal I am certain that the priest and the nun in that parish were probably advised to have no contact with my family whatsoever. The sad part is that the nun that is back in the parish was also in the parish when I was a youth. She was very close to my family and lived together in the same convent my aunt lived in until she passed away.
Even when we know that a wrong has been done by our clergy, we still follow instructions from above, instead of doing the right thing.
This is so opposite of what my Catholic upbringing taught me.
Coming forward and speaking publicly has opened the door to many other people that I personally know, but was not aware of abuse they too experienced.
Silence is not the answer, certainly not the solution.
It is time for each person to take ownership of their wrong doing so that innocent people can move forward.
All I wanted was for Fr. Fallona to meet with me in person, I even wanted to seek his forgiveness for doing whatever I did that made him believe it was okay to do what he did.
He refused to meet me, his Order refused to force him to meet with me. I was left with no alternative than to seek out an advocate that will initiate a meeting between myself and Fr. Fallona.
This is where the church failed me and all of their faithful followers. Instead they steer headed this expensive legal representation for the church and the priest involved all in the name of protecting and covering up their sins!
Not only have I been betrayed, but every member of the Roman Catholic faith have been betrayed. Not to mention the priest that are truly men of God, and minister to the faithful with the purest intentions and sincere faith.
I think that the innocent Priests are as much a victim as I am.
Innocent priest being one that truly does not know of a pedophile priest. If you are a priest that is aware of this behaviour and sit back and say nothing, than I am sorry but in my opinion you are equally guilty.
There is no doubt in my mind that Fr. Quinlan was well aware of my situation, if he wasn’t then, he certainly is now…. and yet he is still protecting this man. Why? Especially when it was Fr. Quinlan that had this priest so abruptly removed from our church during this same time period.
Such a strange turn in events.
BB
Brenda
You have certainly articulated very accurately my sentiment along with yours toward silence , cover up and clergy abuse.
You have done nothing but GOOD Brenda and as you move forward , no matter what anyone says , you need most of all to remain fully aware of the fact that you are doing what is right and you are a good person. If the reputation of any priest or any parish suffers as a result of the truth , so be it , it is NOT ever your fault. It,s in God’s hands.
Peace be within Brenda
I initially thought your comment was inadvertently posted here and was about to relocate it for you, but then realized this is exactly where you want it to be and where it belongs.
So many victims seek no more than an apology when they frist approach diocesan officials. I get angered by the reception they recieve, but, on the other hand am starting to realize that the denials which force victims to go to police or lawyers are the means through which we finally learn where to look for the rotten apples in the barrel. Imagine for a moment if an apology were given to every victim who ever reported clerical sexual abuse to a bishop of diocesan official asking only for an apology, or like you, wanting to set the record straight with a priest. I think we’d be in even a bigger mess than we’re in right now – there would be clerical predators lurking all over the place, never charged and therefore unkown to the masses as a predator. So, perhaps in the long run and in a left-handed sort of way the denials have done us all, particulalry chidlren and the vulnerable, a great favour?
It’s hard to imagine how many victims were duped into settling for an apology and how many were manipulated into being convinced that what they needed was a trip to the confessional to mend everything. It’s a sick thought but little doubt a sorry reality.
I am sure that for every stupid klutz molester like Fallona and his enablers , for sure there are at the very least as many molesters and supporters who are very clever and sly like the devil.
My husband and I often say to each other, thank God they did not agree to meet with me. If they had, and Fallona offered to forgive me, I would have accepted that. I also would have continued to live the rest of my life filled with guilt and shame and never would have had the opportunity to rescue that little girl in me that died so many years ago. I recognize the strength in that last sentence, but that is exactly how I have felt all these years, the Brenda Hartman that I was died in my grade 8 year, I lost her and everything about her. That was the year I learned to paint a mask on my face and be what everyone else wanted me to be. Now at 47 years of age, I am trying to reconnect with her and be true to her. I want to give her the voice today that I was unable to do years ago. I strongly believe she deserves that. That little girl is not dead, she is just in a deep sleep. I will awaken her and celebrate everything she is.
You are correct, the failure to meet with me worked out in my favour.
I am so thankful for that.
BB
Do you think Brenda , for now she just needs to be re-assured that she is not alone anymore and that she is safe ?
Larry, I have lost touch with her such a long time ago, I am not even sure I would recognize her to see her.
I do tell myself everyday now; this was not your fault, it was not in my control. I also tell that little girl inside of me, if she is listening…. that I will do whatever it takes to rescue her, support her and love her.
Larry, thanks so much, you truly have the voice of deep understanding. I wish we could meet in person one day, you sound like an incredible person with so much to offer to those around you.
Many blessings to you.
thanks
bb
Brenda, you are a strong courageous lady.
You did your BEST to do the right thing.
I cannot imagine how you must have felt when you heard those lies told about you. What a betrayal!
Those who betrayed you & hurt you badly need to be brought to justice. You rose above that pain of betrayal, I did something about it.
Good for you!
Lina
It appears that I finally now have the answer to my above-question. Why would Rev. Chris Quinlan still want to protect Fallona.
15 February 2011: BMB and Fallona, Quinlan et al (redacted) (Ontario Superior Court of Justice between B.M.B and Fallona, Quinlan, et al. B.M.b. is Brenda Brunelle)
Not only was Quinlan during his 10 year stay at St. Vincent de Paul church making refuge for the pedophile, fallona, but also three other priests! Canada’s most notorious pedophiles, Fr. Jim Hickey made St. Vincent de Paul his home away from home with Quinlan. No doubt he was a frequent visitor during the time Fallona was there. Fr. Hickey is now deceased, but I have no doubt these three men disguised as men of God were all good friend from back in their seminar days.
I am so grateful this information came to light in Court. Before that last motion was heard, I was unaware of this information.
the other priest that was under Chris Quinlan’s supervision was Fr. Gary Roy who also is deceased and was a pedophile.
Not bad supervision for one church during a 10 year span.
I shutter to think of all other details that will eventually become public knowledge pertaining to this priest, I once gave my complete trust to.
This story is nearly beginning – I fear the outcome.
Brenda (Hartman) Brunelle
Windsor ON
Try not to worry about Catholics who shun you for speaking out Brenda. I know that’s easy enough for me to say, but learn through this difficult time who your real friends are. I commend you Brenda. It’s not easy to go public, but you found the courage to do it. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
As for Fallona being at St. Vincents in 1980. That information comes from the 1980 Ontario Catholic Directory. The index of priests at the back of the directory lists Fallon, MJ, C.S.B in the Diocese of London with address as 2015 Balfour Rd., and his phone no. as 945-0867.
The church itself, St. Vincent de Paul, is listed under Windsor in the London Diocese section of the directory. Here is what I am looking at:
So, I’d say that at the very least he was definitely at St. Vincent’s when the directory went to press, probably around the end of December 1979 or early January 1980.
Since finding each other on FB I have found you to be a kind and decent person Brenda. We were classmates from 1972-75 at St. Vincent de Paul in Windsor, and you were always kind back then although we weren’t really close friends. Let me tell you now, that even though we haven’t re-connected in person yet, consider me your true friend. I completely believe in you and do not shun you and those who do are probably dealing with something they can’t admit to yet, and choose to somehow blame you. Victims of sexual abuse have done nothing wrong and should never be treated as if it’s their fault. The fault lies completely in the hands of the perpetrator and I don’t buy that they’re “ill”; with the amount of time they put in to groom and entrust their victims, I believe they know exactly what they’re doing. He most likely won’t get the punishment he deserves, but you will finally get validation. Always here for you.. Hayley
Thank you Sylvia, as for being shunned by the church, I feel little regret for myself.
My mother however, does not deserve the isolation. My guess is that the officials of the church must have been instructed to have no contact whatsoever with my family. So, once again, instead of doing the right thing, they cowardly follow like sheep orders passed down from above and victimize the faithful.
You raised a question in your blog on whether or not I was aware of what Chris Quinlan thought of me or shared to others on his feelings about me and how this must have felt when I learned of this.
I can answer that question for you. Up until I read his comments, I insisted that my claim remain confidential and that my name was not to be put on any documents that went before the courts. I did not my story to become public, as I remained a faithful practicing Catholic all my life.
Fr. Quinlan and I always had a strong mutual respect for each other, even as late as two years ago when I became very ill, Fr. Quinlan visited me in the hospital.
When I contacted the Order of St. Basil, I encouraged them to contact Fr. Chris as he was pastor at the time, and I assured them that Quinlan would know who I am and certainly knew my family.
When I read his comments in that confidential report, I was devastated. His words and description of me was worse than the sexual assault itself. I was shocked that he would lie to Fr. Riegal the author of that report and make outright false statements about me. After all, Quinlan was very close to me, why would he lie? Who was he protecting?
As well liked and respected Chris Quinlan was (is) by the people of St. Vincent de Paul, I know that many of them were as shocked by his lies as I was. I was not just a bench sitter in my church. I was as well known and respected in that church by the parish as a whole. The statements Quinlan made were so far from how anyone would describe me, that it left many questions to many readers as to who exactly he was trying to protect.
Betrayal, the ultimate betrayal is how I felt. It was that day when I stopped attending Mass, and have never returned since.
It was Fr. Quinlan’s lies and strong statements against me that made me want to take my story public.
Fr. Quinlan successfully managed to destroy what faith I had left in the Catholic church. I am certain that you will not find one other priest that would agree with Chris Quinlan’s statement about me. I know this to be true. Just as I am certain that your blog will not invite any parishioner to write in support of Quinlan’s statement.
Father Fallona was at St. Vincent de Paul in 1977. This was the year I graduated from grade 8. I have his autograph on the back page of our class of 77 graduation booklet.
The Diocese clearly has not kept clean or accurate records, at least that is my opinion.
He was in fact at St. Vincent de Paul during the time Mike Parent was there, that is accurate.
Brenda
The devastation you have been forced to endure is absolutely gut wrenching. I can’t find the words to describe the empathy – the heartache -I feel for you in what you have been through , from the psychological and physical injury of sexual assault to the spiritual damage of the betrayal and blacklisting by your own church. I do sincerely hope that you – and your Mom- have a support system to help you through this extremely difficult process through the courts and the healing that must take place. You sound to me like a very courageous person and I am sure that you certainly are not lacking in the resilience of the human spirit.
Well said Larry.
Brenda, I was sick when I read what you had to say. Just sick. To what depths will a priest stoop that he would sink a dagger in your back like that? What a cruel betrayal of your trust. Yes, I am sure that you were devastated. Who wouldn’t be? The only good in this is that you found out. I am sure he did not for one moment expect that you would ever know what a dirty underhanded move he had pulled. Thank goodness you found out. He will have to answer to God for his actions, and for being the priest whose betrayal ultimately drove you out of the Church.
As for Fallona at St. Vincent’s, I think the issue of dates boils down to his being there both in 1977 and late 1979 and or 1980, and possibly the time between?
Fallona changed Brenda’s reality for the rest of her life through his abuse.
She has lost her trust, faith,lightheartedness and any expectation to experience the good in each day.
After reading of Chris Quinlan’s false witness against Brenada I believe that he is attempting to hide and cover up his own past association and allignment with Fallona
while they were young seminarians at St. Peter’s in London.
Even in this present time the lies, cover ups and re-victimizing of the innocent carries on.
I can only assume that those in Authority and Power in our Church whom continue to protect the preditors among them are like minded and also an Abberation and not true men of God.
I like to say they’ve hijacked our Church Don. I actuallly believe it too. These predators and their sympathizers have hijacked the Church. They are not men of God. They have destroyed the lives of children. They have brought and continue to bring scandal to the Church. They have sullied the priesthood. They have deceived the faithful. They have thumbed their noses at God. .
What man of God would do this?
It is an oxymoron to call such priests men of God. The true men of God suffer greatly because of them., as do the victims, and as do we all.
Don
I agree with your assessment of those in authority and power in our church. It is an evaluation drawn not only from a passionate response but it is grounded also very reasonably so.
It is important for yourself and Brenda to know though that with or without the church , Jesus loves you just the way you are and there is nothing the church or anyone else can do that will change that. You can begin to form your own place and way of nurturing a beautiful ,meaningful and even more deepening relationship with Jesus.
Larry,
thank you for your words of encouragement. My entire being was developed around my faith in God, the Roman Catholic Church and all that it represents. Without faith in our lives, what would we use to control our direction in life.
It was important for me to read your comment “Jesus loves you just the way you are and there is nothing the church or anyone else can do that will change that”.
Larry, I don’t believe that I know who you are, but I needed you to know how profoundly impacted your kind and generous support was received at my end.
I am not strong or courageous. I am simply a strong believer in justice. When I started my quest to find this priest, it was to seek his forgiveness as for all these years I always believed it was something I did or said that made him believe it was okay to do what he wanted to do.
All I wanted was for him to hear from me that I never wanted this, and I am sorry – please forgive me! I was very ill at this time. I promised God that if I was blessed with a positive outcome that I would seek this man of God out and seek his forgiveness. My health was blessed with positive outcome and so my quest began.
Fr. Fallona refused to meet with me, denied knowing who I was and did not know my family. Fr. Quinlan refused to speak to me – I bet he is now wishing he had refused to speak to the Basillian priest that conducted the investigation now.
In any event, when the Vicar General of St. Basil called me and told me that we are at an impasse. That my file will remain an active investigation, and how unfortunate it is that Fr. Fallona refuses to meet with me. The Vicar General assured me of his continued prayers for me and my family, and although he could not force Fallona to meet with me, when Fr. Fallona eventually dies, he would be happy to escort me to his graveside so that I could obtain closer then!
That is when the wheels for justice turned in my mind as harsh and as fast as turning on and off a light switch on the wall. It was at that point that I contacted my attorney to seek his assistance in arranging for a meeting between me and Fallona.
Here I am, two years later and we are still arguing before the courts for the records of the priest named in this suit.
Unfortunately what we innocent Catholics see week after week is the intimacy of Mass, of celebrating the Eucharist with each other, common prayer, beautiful music from a choir, and just the added strength of having a community of people gathering together to share their faith.
What the average Catholic does not see is what I have been personally experiencing behind the scenes; that being the day to day dealings of the hierarchy of the Church that is above and beyond the local parish church.
as for everyone else who has commented on this blog – thank you so much for your time and supporting words. It means so much to my family. I share all these comments with my mom and it brings her support knowing that we are not alone.
When I have my day in court, my mom, my husband, my children and my brother’s and sister will be there in support for justice. Not only for me, but for all other victims that are still suffering in silence.
I thank God for my illness, it brought out my secret of 33 years. I was afraid of being exposed and disappointing my family and friends. What I have learned since releasing this secret is that this has never been mine to own and carry for all these years.
I did not shock my family and friends, nor did I offend them. Instead I reached out to them and they all embraced me with love, support and encouragement.
My husband has been my strongest supporter, he believes in me and feels every bit of the pain I have lived with.
My children are confused, sad and angry that this happened to their mom and by a priest! My children who are now 25 and 27 years old are proud of me for standing up for the little girl that once lived within me. They both told me that they can’t think of a time that they have ever been more proud of their mom. (that in itself made all of the shame going public worth it).
I miss my church, I miss the congregation and the intimacy of Mass. I feel as though a part of who I am has been separated from the rest of me.
I am sure this is all part of the process, and at this point, I am taking life one day at a time.
My sister Geri says it best, there must have been a huge shortage of brooms back in the day, because so much by so many have swept this incredible crime under the carpets!
Again, to all of you that took the time to write on this blog, thank you so much.
Please pray for my mom, my husband and my children. This has been incredibly difficult for all of my family, not just me. It is the strength of the community that truly brings the love of God back into my life.
God bless all of you.
Brenda
“ditto”- Sylvia!
Sylvia, Larry Green & so many others pretty well stated what I would have said to Brenda.
The law firm (lawyer(s)) that represents Brenda are top notched professionals.
They do not go into a courtroom without the goods if you get my drift.
The biggest excuses I hear & read about,….such as, the clergy abuse victims they are bringing lawsuits because they are liars, are misled & it is all about getting the money. Their lawyers want to get rich & are using them. They forget lawyers got bills to pay & they also have families to support like everybody else.
The Catholic Church, like clockwork goes directly into a damage control mode when they are face yet again with another scandal.
Those potential large pay outs are not good for the image of the Catholic Church.
Whatever Brenda is feeling about the Catholic Church now is very, very normal. She’s got to do what she has to do. It is all part of being acknowledged, part of the healing process & getting that closer.
You are a brave, courageous lady Brenda & you will get through this because you have the truth on your side. That is something that the anti-Brenda Brunelle folks do not have. Shame on them for they love the lie, the deceptions, the cover-ups, the betrayal.
They have this unbelievable nerve & belief that it is alright to project this falsehood they call TRUTH of theirs that represents the way God sees it & wants it to be played out.
It is sad to say but they have numerous followers/supporters that believe in the same concept of thinking as they do inside the Catholic Church as well as outside the Catholic Church .
It’s obvious & very wise of you that you are not buying into that pile of manure.
I’m happy you have family & friends that are part of your support system that is an important lifeline for you.
I cannot take away the pain that you are going through Brenda but I do support you in what you are doing.
Best wishes to you, Brenda!
Lots of hugs,
Lina
hugs right back your way. Lina, I am sure we do not know each other but I so appreciate your understanding and compassion.
God Bless,
Brenda
Thank you prima facie for commenting on our blog.
your support is very much appreciated.
Brenda Brunelle
Well you know these so called preist are not God.They are like many people went to school for education,and back in the day Catholic family wanted one family member to become Priest,Nun to prove the family faith.We need to stop sweeping the abuse under the carpets.i tell you stores could not keep the broom handles on the shelf there was so much swept into the carpets family wanted people from the outside looking in say what a great family.Well now we are in 2011 Stop Protecting these Priest they are nothing but Barn Yard Animals that have been prying on the Victims for decades,and as we speak there are still preching on the alter one hand in pockect the other out in open so people ,will not second guess and eyes wondering who will be next,I am tired of excuss drugs ,mental, alcohol Brenda is my SISTER and dont no where Chris came up with this adverse statement because Brenda Is in her right mind. and with this statement maybe Chris is wishing this would stay under carpets. Chris you are upset because your statement was released But you where the one that displayed in writing so what you write or say have a backbone to stand behind your words no one eles.this just not effect the Victim it effects the entire Family and Love Ones .And Fallona your biggest mistake was not admitting and Lying that you do not no are Family one cover up after another you should be all put on a plane brought to island know where to go and have the pitt bulls waiting for you People need to stop covering up Face it they have gotten away with this behavior way to long and because of this the victims are revictimized all over shame on all you
Gee,
I love it you, regardless of your audience you always call things as you see them. You never were one for mincing words regardless of the situation.
We are sisters, but the difference between you and I, is that you freely speak your mind. Whereas for myself, I try to be a bit more diplomatic on my approach.
Now clearly my approach has not worked, and after reading Marilyn’s comments about words only having the power you give them (don’t be so polite)….. I think your way is best.
I will let my attorney know that you have volunteered to assist in the questioning of Fallona and Quinlan. I am sure he will do just fine without you, but I will be sure to extend your invitation.
Gee, your heart is always in the right place, you always speak the truth, no matter how unpolitical it may sound.
For this reason and many others…. I love you dearly.
Brenda
Brenda no one wants to mess with my Family or love ones,friends because to many people are like you,you will hurt from inside out, Where i dont care if you like me or not i will always say what and how i feel and people will always no where i stand, And right now Chris is probly wishing he did not make that statement about you after your divorce he was willing to help you remove dean stuff,he had you on so many Church council,youth group ,so his letter just shows how they each proctect one another,and also with his statement as close as he was with family,he is two face coward,because this just effect you.all your family ,Dad is rolling in his grave right now ,You and Don hold your heads high and be very proud that you came out now and well for Fallona his day is comming . Brenda everyone knows what type of person you are and be proud of that and yes I am very proud of you,Don, and kids But with this nasty Micheal speaking breaks my heart because he or she is so clueless not even funnyBroom handles must of been hard to get in there neck of woods They are the people you really need to stay away from LOVE YOU LOTS SIS I WILL ALWAYS BE THERE FOR YA
Brenda!
I love you!
You truly have a heart of gold, and a big one at that!!
You are a special person and how your loved ones view is more important than some man’s voiced openion. He can say what he wants, but it doesn’t change who you are and how your family and friends see you! You know your a good person don’t let this get to you. Your stronger than this, he’s doing what he did back then and making you a victim again! Don’t be his victim and give him the chance to see you suffer! Be strong!
Love you lots.
Love your long time family friend.
“he’s doing what he did back then and making you a victim again”
Sorry correction: He’s doing what happend to you back then, now by making you a victim once again. I understand that Quinlan made false statements about you. The way I wrote it seemed like I was saying that Fallona said it!
Mandy,
Thank you for your courage to write on this blog. I have known you since you were just a little girl. Now look at you married three beautiful children and well on your way to fulfilling your dream of becoming a nurse.
I have always been very proud of you and how you always looked after your handicap sister with love and compassion and never with resentment.
It is hearing from people such as yourself that is reinforcing me that I have done the right thing.
Funny how we always celebrated all your special events in that church, including your baby shower, youth group, confirmation…. When I think back now I can’t help but wonder how I became to love the parish of St. Vincent de Paul as much as I did, in spite of what happened.
I guess in part it is because I always blamed myself, and never the priest, certainly never the church.
I have come a long way since 2008…. I can see clearly now!
Best wishes,
Brenda
I hope that others who have been victimized by this man will step up and speak. Send a message to Brenda or her representative — please do not let her stand alone against these bullies and perverts. Sorry, Brenda, I know you use much kinder and forgiving language. They are only powerful if we let them be powerful.
Marilyn you said it best when words are only powerful if we let them be powerful.
I guess there is still a small part of me that struggles with why did I allow this to happen. Also, I deep down hope that there is still promise for change in that organization in the future.
But let me be clear to all of those bloggers who do not know me, I am so darn mad and angry with how I was dealt with throughout this ordeal. I will never forgive what this has done to my family, especially my mother, my husband and children. How this has changed our family gatherings on holidays and now the shadow of discomfort that floats around the room as nobody knows should we go to Mass should we stay back, everyone wants to sit back, but our teachings and thinking have always been Mass first, celebrate second.
I am furious that we are still before the courts seeking documents to finish a case that began two years ago.
and finally, the betrayal of Chris Quinlan has filled me with hate and disgust of how far these men, a holy man I truly believed to be would stoop so low as to describe me in the manner in which he did.
Thank you for asking others to step forward, I know of one other, not a child, but a divorced woman. Although I believe her story to be documented in the very files that the church is so desperately fighting to protect…… but this occurred during the same time as my abuse and in the same church, and under the same Pastor Chris Quinlan. Don’t worry, if your reading this blog, I will never release your name, I respect you and your privacy to ever to that to you. But you know who you are, and you know what I have claimed to be true.
I hope that your faith is every bit I believe it to be, and that you have the courage to do the right thing and stand up and come forward. You can remain un named as I did in all my documents. Trust me, your name will never be released by me. I have too much respect for you and your family.
Brenda
My mother is a wonderful woman, and for anyone to question her credibility will only be lead towards the truth. She raised both her kids as catholics even though she went through this as a child, that is what surprises me the most. I was brought up in the same church and it angers me to see the manipulation and the “guiding hand” that my mothers generation was fed. the whole diocese protects the offenders almost as if encouraging their behaviour. growing up catholic wasnt what instilled good values in me, it was the way my mother taught me how to live my life that made me a good human being. I love you mom
Sean,
Thank you for your beautiful and kind words. You have grown up to be such a wonderful young man that I could not be any prouder of you. You made all the right choices in life to put you where you are today.
I am sorry for hurting you with this news, I did want to keep this from both you and Lindsey for fear of upsetting your lives. I was afraid you would be angry at you for raising you and having you involved in the very church where this happened to me.
But you did not get angry with me, you stood by me and filled my heart with love and my eyes with tears of pride.
With your support, mom has already felt validated.
I love you Sean, thanks for writing on this blog, that took a lot of courage!
mom
The Brenda that I know is a courageous, very centered woman. Not someone who “is prone to fantasy & not to be believed”. I am saddened beyond belief that such a terrible secret was locked up inside of you for so long. Always quick with a smile, one of the best motivators I have ever known, to know you is to know a wonderful person. Your strength is admirable, & now knowing this, makes me wonder how far down you’ve had to reach to get through.
I am here Brenda, if you need a shoulder, please know my thoughts & prayers are with you.
Genie, thank you so much for your support and generous comments about me.
I have to tell you, it was you and those around us that brought out that smile and strength. I really needed to be part of CEIU for many reasons, but knowing that our job was to represent justice was my driving force.
Having people such as yourself supporting me and the causes we were faced with is what inspired me.
Always in solidarity, (kitty)
your colleague,
Brenda
Hi Brenda,
You have my unconditional support.
Flavio
Flavio,
Thank you so much. As a colleague to read your comment of support says everything to me.
Thank you so very much
BB
Brenda,
We have been friends for many years and my family and I no how wonderful a person you are. We find it very hard to see you going through this just no that we are always here for you, and are always just a phone call away.
Friends always Linda
Linda, thank you and Cyril so much. It is having friends like you, life time friends that really make the difference for Don and myself.
Thank you for being our friend, your support means everything,
Friends forever,
Brenda
I have known you Brenda for many years. Like your other friends and family I too know you speak only the truth.
I know how important it was for you to stay connected to your church, I know how devastated you were when you learned that your church had betrayed you so publicly.
Keep your faith, that is as real as you are. You are the genuine person you are not because you were a member of the R.C. church, but because you have a heart of gold, and share your free loving spirit with those of us around you.
Stay strong, and remember, we believe you and we believe in you.
Tad
Tad, thank you for your kind words and sincere support.
the family appreciates your friendship and support much more than words can explain.
You are very special to us.
Thanks so much
bb
Growing up in a catholic family, this whole situation makes me sick to know that this has been going on for years…. and society was just ok with covering it up for so long! Being a victim of sexual assault myself i know what my mother is going through and was appauled to read his comments about her! Keep your head up mom… this is just the beginning… and hopefully more people who were victims and too scared or ashamed to come forward with what happened to them gain the strength and courage from you doing so yourself!!!!!
Lindsey, you were my biggest fear of letting down having gone through what you did yourself. I have always felt as though I failed you in protecting you from the very experience I myself went through as a you child.
Lindsey, you are such a strong and courageous woman and I could not be more proud of you than I am. You truly are my best friend in the entire world. Nobody knows me better than you and your brother, but with our mutual experience, I know you understand me completely. You are my daughter, and I love you so incredibly much. You are now an adult, and somehow you have become my closest friend.
Both you and Sean have made me so proud that I almost feel as though I don’t deserve you.
Thank you for posting on this blog Lindsey and for sharing such a personal part of your own life with other readers.
What did I ever do to deserve you and your brother to call my children!
I thank God for both of you every day.
All my love,
MOM
You are truly blessed with a great circle of support Brenda 🙂
Sylvia, thank you so much writing this blog for me. I look forward to reading it every day.
Brenda
Well Sylvia; is there anything better in life than this! But For The Grace of God!
prima facie, there is no greater gift, the old saying “the truth shall set you free”
honestly, although I am just in the heart of this litigation, just having my children and family and friends support, somehow I already feel free!
The grace of God is all around even outside of the buildings with steeples on top.
I still believe his presence is very much in our church’s, but I have finally learned that I can receive his love and forgiveness outside of the church as well.
(Brenda Brunelle said: “The grace of God is all around even outside of the buildings with steeples on top.
I still believe his presence is very much in our church’s, but I have finally learned that I can receive his love and forgiveness outside of the church as well.”)
___________________________________
I also believe in that statement of yours Brenda.
Kudos to all your family and friends that are there for you.
Truly, only God knows what your dear mother is going through.
Specials hugs to her.
Sincerely,
Lina
Thanks Lina,
My mom is as much a victim as I am. Unfortunately my dad has passed away and mom is left alone to deal with this mess. She is holding strong on her faith, it is what is getting her through each day.
The betrayal she feels and experiences by the very people she has prayed with and together for over 50 years must be overwhelming.
Sadly, what people fail to understand is that the Catholic Faith is wonderful, and true. My argument is not with my faith nor its teachings…. My problem is with the administration and their failure to recognize and do the right thing when these issues present themselves to them.
Instead, they begin the personal attack as they did with me, and it begins a division within the community of us against them.
Why on earth I ever gave so much power and automatic trust to man in black with a white collar is beyond my comprehension today. Like my mother-in-law reminds me of regularly, they were men first before they became priest.
Blind faith, and false trust is a perfect recipe for long term disasters.
Brenda
Yes, prima facie, God is good! What a blessing for Brenda to receive such warm support , not only from family and friends, but also from people she doesn’t know but who understand and truly care.
And what a blessing for all of us to witness this public outpouring. I must say I personally was deeply touched by Brenda’s initial comments, and then deeply moved by the comments which flowed from her husband, children and friends.
We have all been privvy to a very special moment in time 🙂
Brenda
He Is the truth that has set you free.
There is a great lesson for all of us here Sylvia !
To be more precise and explicit I should say that Jesus has revealed a very important message for all through a very special union that has recently unfolded between He and Brenda.It is not of this world.
Larry, I don’t what to say that would adequately thank you for your kindness and support.
Please believe me when I type that I will remember you in my prayers and make certain to thank Jesus for introducing you to me through this blog.
Many blessings to you.
Brenda
I do believe you Brenda and you can be sure that you and your family will be in my prayers as well.
May the Peace of Christ be with you always
To my wonderful and sincere friend Brenda,
There is not enough words to describe the beauty, strength and genuine sincerity that you possess as a person to your friends & family. I have known you for many years, together we have watched our children grow to become adults and now we are enjoying the role of being Grandparents.
Through the years you were and still are always there to offer-up your wisdom, knowledge and of course your support not only to myself but to my husband and his family. When Nancy was murdered 5 years ago you & Don were there to support us and continue to this day to support us.
We have had many laughs over the years and then there have been times when there have been tears. Just your warmth and friendship you possess as a friend to many brings sunshine into our lives even on the darkest of days. For anyone to slander you with misconceptions of the person you are they are truly mistaken. You are the rock & pillar to many friends & family and never let anyone try to knock you down because of some-ones malicious lies.
You have been there for us and now it’s our turn to tell you to stand tall and believe in yourself because we believe in you.
Love Dar
Darlene,
as we are approaching that dreadful anniversary date of Nancy’s murder I remain hopeful that the guilty will be arrested and justice will be served. I just hope the most recent lead I was able to share with you brings your family that much closer to making the arrest that will allow the justice wheel to begin to spin.
We have been friends that have shared so much together, even my own dad had conversations with you about me…. during one of my lowest periods of my life. Of all my friends, he picked you to talk to. He did so because he knew how much we loved each other would be there for each other no matter what the situation.
Thank you for writing on this blog, and please note that if anyone reading this story has any leads to the murder of Nancy Galbraith (quick) please contact crimestoppers or the OPP department in Essex Ontario.
BB
Certainly Brenda I have empathy for your situation as I face the same, my father loves the church and has a medical condition that he can not undertand the magnitude of what has happened to me especially without my mother now, even more devastating for me was to learn through my own work that the dectective interviewing me about the borne case also attended the same school but did not reveal this to me and now stands to have corrupted my whole testimony and as I am not receving a response from the crown in this regard it is doubtful I will go forward and testify in a case where procdure has been corrupted.
I hope and pray snowdog that no response from the Crown simply means that he/she did not get around to returning your call. Surely if your charges were withdrawn or dropped someone from the Crown’s office would let you know?
I am deeply sorry for everything you are going through with this Robert Borne.
Finding out about that detective is just more betrayal .
Borne, with all his clever lies, lawyers & great help with other legal stuff will he get away with it & be back in the church saying/praying the Mass soon?
Are there any priests stepping forward to help you guys snowdog or any other victims or your loved ones?
What a sad situation…..Borne’s mother has no problem entering a church, greeting people & even having the parish priest smiling & talking to her.
Then you have what is happening to Brenda Brunelle’s mother about being shunned.
I wish a good investigating reporter/journalist like those one on THE FIFTH ESTATE program could help & bring out this corruption into the opened in Pembroke Diocese. This area is conservative in more ways that one. Victims are just not believed while priests (clergy) can do no wrong. So frustrating.
I know it’s little consolation to you but lots of folks believe Borne is guilty. Many are like me, we are all hoping that the remaining victims will hang in there because we honesty believe Borne should be held accountable for his actions & crimes.
Weeks ago, Borne walk in with his mother into a Pembroke arena (called Pem Ice 2). In Pem Ice 2 near the ice surface spectators can sit only on one side of it.
Borne was watching his brother’s grandson play hockey. This is a pee-wee division (11 to 13 yr. old).
My youngest adult son was there with a other friends of his watching one of their friend coach a hockey team. My son said when Borne walk in he must have felt all eyes on him. The people thought he had a lot of nerve to show his face there. The language he said around him was not flattering about Borne.
Borne & his mother sat away by themselves from the main group.
snowdog…there is no need to answer me because I do respect you that is more than I can say about (Monsignor) Robert Borne. That includes also anybody else that are enabling him to get away with what he did that includes other priests.
Sincerely,
Lina
snowdog, I am speechless with what to say about the detective betraying you.
Not only did the institution of your faith fail you, but so did the justice system that is in place here in Canada fail to protect you.
Catholic is a universal term that represents belief in Christ globally.
Sexual abuse is also a global problem across the world, I am just now sitting here with this connection, “catholic” Global problem “sexual abuse”
I am living in the London Diocese, you are in Pembrooke, nobody needs to look too far to remember Nova Scotia, Europe etc.
Snowdog, you are not alone, I am so sorry that you are unable to reach out to your dad for support. I am confident that your mom is looking down on you from heaven and filling your surroundings with her love and endless support for you and your litigation.
I remained silent for 33 years, I only disclosed publicly Nov. 2010 to my friends and others what happened to me. Up until that point my support system was me.
It takes great courage to step forward and tell people what happened to us. Nobody would ever do so unless it were true. I agree with Sylvia, that if the charges were withdrawn, the crown’s office would let you know. Please don’t write back and advise us that even the Crown’s office let you down too!
Bottom line snowdog, you know what happened as does he. and any other priest or monsignor that is aware of this sick man’s behaviour and covered for him is just as guilty. They will all face their judgement one day, believe in that.
Snowdog, thank you for sharing your story with me, you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Brenda
Does anyone know who Borne’s laywer is ?
Snowdog , can you say how or by whom it was indicated to you that the case may be corrupted because the interviewing detective went to the same school as you ?
Snowdog: Call the Crown Attorney’s office and ask to speak with whomever is responsible for this case. Let him/her know of your experience.
If you believe that the OPP officer misrepresented your allegation, then contact the OPP and ask for the contact information for the board that oversees their activities.
If you still have any confidence in the Church, call Fr. Peter Proulx at St. Francis Xavier in Renfrew. It is his job to support victims through the criminal process and he might be able to help.
DO NOT LET THIS DROP!! The only way that we will truly rid the church of predators is if people like yourself are able to overcome the hurdles that others place in their way. You deserve to be heard and listened to. Don’t give up! Please know that there are priests of our diocese who have gone to the police with allegations. I know this because I am one such priest having brought three different cases to the OPP. We support your efforts and pray for your success.
Fr. Tim Moyle
(Diocese of Pembroke)
FINALLY, a true holy man of God speaks out for the victims, publicly.
Fr. Moyle, it is priest such as yourself that still offers a glimpse of hope to protect innocent men of God of being painted with the same brush as the abusers.
You either support justice or you support child sexual abuse.
Clearly Fr. Moyle you support Justice and in doing so, you are supporting the goodness that is left within our church.
Thank you
Brenda Brunelle
Father, just to let you know that I contacted Father Proulx last November with questions regarding a particular priest whom I can not name. No response.
I am also not sure it’s a good idea to for a complainant with criminal charges against a diocesan priest to confide in the priest appointed by the diocese to deal with victims. I think there’s the potential of a serious conflict of interest there. Father Proulx may be a wonderful man, but I truly would not refer a victim going through the criminal process to him. Ditto any victim in any diocese across the country
Hi Sylvia,
I understand your point. That’s why I just included his name as one of three options that Snowdog could (should?) follow if he doesn’t just want the case to be dropped due to what he considered to be an unfair situation with the Police.
Peter is a great guy! I would trust him without hesitation, but I appreciate that as a priest he might be seen as being ‘biased’ in these cases (even if I don’t think he is).
Fr. Tim
Fr. Tim
Have any of the three cases that you reported ever gone to trial ?
If not :
Did you also report them to the Bishop ?
Are the three priests ( if the three different cases involve three different priests) still living priests ? And are they from the Pembroke diocese and/if so are they still there ?
Have you ever taken any measure to caution , warn or protect potential vulnerable children with whom the alleged molesters ( if it applies ) have routine contact ?
Would you say that by reporting these three cases to the police you have relieved yourself of any further responsibility in the matter ?
Larry: Two of them went to court. The third one died before the investigation got going. As to the second part of your question, yes I also informed the appropriate Bishop in each case. I expect to probably be called as a witness in at least one case and I know I’ll be involved in the civil cases that I know will follow the end of the criminal trials. Two of the cases were within the Diocese.
As to publicly warning people, if you get involved in these cases you will discover the police tell you not to discuss the case publicly with anyone lest we endanger their investigation.
Fr. Tim
Brenda: Thank you for the kind words but I am far from unique. The overwhelming majority of priests I know believe as I do in these cases and I trust that if the allegations had come to them, they would have done the same as I’ve done. We do not have ‘warm feelings’ in our heart for predators who have sullied all of us with their crimes.
We also feel the same way about religious superiors who enabled on-going abuse by trying to keep these scandals quiet. My only hope for them is that they have FINALLY got the message and are no longer acting as if the rights of the accused are more important than the needs of their victims. I know for certain that this is the case with our new Bishop, Michael Mulhall (if your still ‘new’ after a couple of years in office).
Fr. Tim
BTW Sylvia, I like you celebrate the charge of the Monsignor in Philadelphia who simply moved accused priests to new parishes. Hopefully what happens to him will stand as a warning to other Bishops etc. who might be tempted to not report an allegation. The Church has proven that it cannot be trusted to investigate these issues on its own… she doesn’t possess the expertise to do so! As a former protection worker with the Children’s Aid Society (my first career) I know that the deck is stacked against victims and without a thorough investigation by an outside authority the church will most likely fail to find the truth.
Fr. Tim
Fr. Tim
I agree with Brenda ( because of what you have done and what you do ) that you Tim Moyle has the good intent to support justice in regard to clerical sexual abuse .
I would agree with you that you are not unique but would not agree with the assertion that you are ’far’ from unique.
Your attitude appears to shift in flow from a completely different source of influence though when it comes to protecting ’ church or priesthood image ’ and for me it undermines your own credibility.
To say something like “The overwhelming majority of priests I know believe as I do”
From the number of priests there are worldwide , how many do you know well enough to be so certain that they fall into your categorization ? Out of the very very small portion of this number how many could you be wrong about ? Do you because you are a priest who has gained some credibility try to mislead others with this statement or is it it just a foolish assumption ?
Larry,
I think you are in fools world. Father Tim’s statement is based on facts. Majority of the priests are good like majority of the people . I personally have known over 1600 priests in the past 45 plus years of my life in canada and US and out of that I found only 11 of them who is bad. So I make the statement that majority of the priests are good. That is what majority of the people believe, including non catholics or even non christians. It also depends up on whom do you talk or associate with.
But if you are in touch with or associate with the good people of this country, certainly you will hear the truth. In our society , I see four out of ten are criminals , child molesters. Very few are being caught or convicted.
Catholic church and it’s priests are much better than other churches and it’s ministers!
That is why still Catholic church is the strongest church in the world. Why those three Anglican bishops in England gave up all their power and position as bishops and joined the catholic church just to become priests? You wonder? That shows there is something good in the catholic church than in any other churches. When you have yellow fever, everything looks like yellow. Why don’t you go to the churches and ask the people who go to church, what they think about their church and their priests, then make a statement.
oh look a duck
you and your friends on this site are the ducks
What are you running from you are just a nasty person 1600 hundred priest.and everyone is so perfect ,maybe you are the duck trying not to get dunkened Dont be little people maybe your a victim and dont no how to come forth
Michael
I don’t disagree with your claim that I am in a fools world or even that I am a fool and I will never ever question your credibility. You are indisputably incredible.
You are unlike so many others who would say nothing using only half of the words that you do to convey the same so elegantly ( i.e. with elegant intent I‘m sure). For certain all those years as a principal of a school has paid off . You turned out to be one hell of a man…or ..woman..or..hermaphrodite , whichever one you are.
Larry,
First of all you do not know who I am, nor do I know who you are. In that sense I do not care you agree or not , to my opinions or pat on my back or not. No matter whatever false statements you all write on this web about the church and priests and Pope, those in no way affect the catholic church or it’s leaders. You are simply waisting your time. I do not know other than Fr.Tim , any other priests or the church itself know that “Sylvia’s site ” even exists in this world. Even if they know they do not care. ! So focus your life on yourself, your wife and children. It might bring you some happiness in your life. Good luck!
Mr.Jerry Smith,
you looks like a child abuser yourself. I think you should be arrested and put in jail. There is no doubt in my mind you have abused many children. People report this guy to the police
Sylvia ?
Any way you guys happily continue your attacks on the church with no credible reasons. It is a web site for people who make false accusations against the Catholic church also people who are depressed. I am not one of them. You do not honour the truth. So I for ever say good bye to this site. Good bye and good luck in your efforts. Bye bye!!!!
Michael, who are you, your last statement certainly spoke volumes to any credibility you once thought you had. Good thing for us, you are not visiting this page any longer. I now can’t help but question if you have been following this site to see if your own name one day appears? are you possibly the same Mike that was good friends with Chris and Mike Fallona? your tone and loss of control certainly did raise many concerns in my mind.
FYI, I did send this link to all priests that I have access to their email addresses. So far not one has commented – is their silence in fear? Is it that they are supporting their brother priests? Are they too afraid to allow the truth to set them free?
Whatever their reasons are, they are theirs. I can assure you that anything I put on this site is factual and truthful. I believe that this site is designed to support the victims that have been tossed out the back door to fend for themselves.
For that reason and many others, thank you Syliva.
you are unbelievable, sick minded and evil.
Michael, I have no clue as to who you are or where you live.
I admire your conviction for the good and intent of our church, R.C. church. With the exception of one priest at St. Vincent de Paul, I would agree with you that all other 10 priests that served in that parish were true, holy men of God, and the parishoners were as faithful in that church as anywhere else in this global world of ours.
I grew up and was assaulted in this church. Fallona left abruptly, and I continued to attend and become actively involved in many different Ministries in this church. I raised my own children in this very church and had our grandson baptized 10 years ago at St. Vincent de Paul church.
By know means during any of these past 33 years did I ever blame or hold the church as being responsible, this was Fallona’s actions, and I never painted any of the new incoming priest with same brush I had with Fallona.
The problem is not sites like this that create a false image of the church. It is that there are not enough true people in positions that are making changes to protect our children.
Sexual abuse against children is not a problem only created by priests. This is in every profession with no boundaries. The problem with our church is we are the only organization that does not pull these men out of ministry and fire them. Instead we moved them around from community to community to re offend.
In the private sector world, you would never get a second chance on the job if you committed such a crime. Why in 2011 is the Catholic church still covering up the sins of their own. It is not us the people that are distorting the reputation of the church, it is the lack of action the church is taking on these crimes that is profoundly hurting the church.
I hope to return to my faith one day, the majority of my life was celebrated with great joy in the Catholic church. The Faith of the Catholic church is not the problem. the problem is the shame the church takes on when this occurs and so rather than deal with it or end it, they shuffle their shame on to the next community to deal with.
Please don’t ever write on this blog again that we are smearing all priests with the same brush. Not one person as said that, and people are writing about their own specific situation and how it was dealt with. If that offends you Michel, perhaps what you need to do is stand up to the Bishop and all he reports to and tell him to start doing the right thing for the salvation of our church!
BB
I have been involved and I am aware that the cases in the ‘proccess’ of investigation should not be ‘ discussed ‘ publicly . Note that the second part of my question addressed concern in the case that they did not go to trial.
It is not uncommon at all for allegations of sexual assault to be reported to police and never go anywhere for various reasons. I have reported such cases to police ( a very ordinary thing to do) and I know first hand that this ‘ dead end ‘ unfortunately happens – I suspect far to often but I can assure you that in these circumstances I do take certain measures to protect the unsuspecting innocent ones.
The point of my question which concerns me is as follows : DO you know of a living priest in the Pembroke diocese still concelebrating mass in a church with access to children and who has been alleged to have sexually molested any person under the age of sixteen.
With regard to the alleged mollesting priest who is deceased : Have you ever heard of farther ( different people ) allegations of sexual molestation since he died ?
Larry: No. I do not know of any priest of our diocese active in ministry or retired from it, of whom there has been an allegation. If I did know, I would not let it rest without proper action taking place.
Fr. Tim
Larry: P.S. Ask Sylvia about the dead priest. We were both involved with him. It’s not polite to say, but his death was timely as he was threatening both of us with nonsense law suits. The police in Quebec did not cooperate and would not investigate even when (then) Bishop Smith instructed me to bring the allegation to them. They accused me & the Bishop of persecuting a mentally ill individual. They even wrote a letter to the Bishop saying this very thing! Thanks to their inaction, I don’t know if there will ever be other victims who will come forward as the case did not make it into the public sphere. I can say that +Smith suspended him immediately upon hearing of the case – but he was out of ministry by that time anyway and all the priests of the Diocese had been told not to let him minister in our parishes. This is just one case where the Church did the right thing but the civil authorities failed to do their job.
Fr. Tim
We seem to be getting into deep discussion now on the Pembroke Diocese and/or Father Robert Borne. I would like to shift the discussion over to Father Robert Borne page so we can keep info relevant to a particular page together. I realize this will not be an easy transfer, but I wonder if we can give it a try?
I will respond to your last comment Father Tim on on the Father Borne page Once done I will post a link to it.
Here’s the link to my response to Father Tim and Larry
Sorry for this confusion everyone but all of this has nothing to do with Father Fallona so best I try to get it relocated now.
Ooops. Sorry! Fr. Tim
Snowdog,
It appears you have a lot of support, please don’t give-up on yourself now. I have never heard of the priest involved in your case, but sadly enough it appears that many other’s have.
I wish more people that knew Fr. Fallona would come forward and speak up. I hope that you reading the other’s comments confirms that you are not alone in your fight for justice.
Best wishes.
BB
(((Michael says:
February 12, 2011 at 9:17 pm
Any way you guys happily continue your attacks on the church with no credible reasons. It is a web site for people who make false accusations against the Catholic church also people who are depressed. I am not one of them. You do not honour the truth. So I for ever say good bye to this site. Good bye and good luck in your efforts. Bye bye!!!!))))
——————————————————
Lina is saying this to Michael:
Michael…I know we had our disagreements. We pushed each others buttons many times sadly, not for the good.
Believe or not Michael it’s great you have this inner passion of love for the Catholic Church & the faith.
Look at Fr. Tim Moyle, he loves the Catholic Church just like you do. This poor priest is trying so hard to help victims from a tough position. Meaning…very few people trust him or just plainly think the worst of him.
Why not go to Father Tim & talk it over with him whatever is on your mind by private e-mail. Nobody needs to know.
I believe Fr. Tim can help but that will be up to you of course Michael.
Your input is important Michael.
I will not bring this subject up again .
Lina
No more of the insults! I have been busy this weekend but keeping an eye on the blogs.
Enough!! Stop the insults.
Bruenlle,
Since you wrote I need to reply to it. First of all my real name is not Michael. The abuses are mostly among white men and women, whether they are priests or lay persons, man or women. I am not a white man.
You stated that nobody (priests) responded to your emails ! I do not know who you are and I do not want to know also. I too am a victim of abuse, but not by the priests ! but I fully recovered from it through prayer and my family. Many who write on this web page, as soon as they see sthing which they do not like, immediately attack the person and make conclusions saying he or she is “this ” and “that” or the friend or follower of this person and that person etc. That is rediculous. The same thing you have done and you mentioned about two guys and I do not know who they are and I do not live in london area. I assume you are from London. Any way I am glad that you get comfort in your struggles from this web site.
The more I look at this web page , some of them make me angry. I as a catholic have a resposibility to defend my faith. That is what I have been doing. Catholic church is not perfect, it has itsown flows. It is a few who are bad and I know the church is trying it’s best to eradicate the evil ones. It is very hard to know the human heart. Very oftern who appears to be good, are evil and by the time we come to know , it is too late. No one can say the whole church and people in it are bad! There are many who wrote in this web page do not write any more on this site or I have not seen them writing, because they were harassed many a time telling that they are this and that and friend of this and that. I stayed inspite of the insults till today! I believe always there is two sides of the story. I certainlly feel sorry for the victims of abuse, because I had been there.
Good bye to you and all
Michael,
Sincerely…..I wish you the best.
Good-bye,
Lina
Brenda, in your reply to Michael today you reflect my thinking in every aspect of what you wrote. Soldier on, my friend, the best is yet to come for you, I’m sure. With trust in God, Our Heavenly Father, you will find satisfaction no matter who throws whatever obstacles in your path. Already, you must be experiencing some of that satisfaction in the outpouring of support you are receiving on this site.
Thank you Newfoundland Dog,
It is amazing and almost scary when I see just how many of us are out there!
Thanks for taking time to comment and inspiring words.
bb
Michael,
As you well know this blogsite contains a data base of clergy in Canada who have been charged sued or accused. As a consequence those who blog are victims and/or their families and friends and those who have recently come forward with allegations of clerical sexual abuse. Most if not all of these people have suffered greatly.
You know that I am a practising Roman Catholic. I have said it before and I will say it again: I love my Church. I will say yet again that I believe our Church has been hijacked by sexual predators. Not all priests are wolves in sheep’s clothing, but those who are sexual predators are, as are those clergy who cover-up for and/or recycle priests who put the innocent and vulnerable at risk, bring scandal to the Church, and denigrate and bring disrepute upon the priesthood. Good priests suffer and will continue to suffer because of these men. Ditto all of us.
You say that you as a Catholic have a responsibility to defend your faith. So do I Michael. My faith however is not a faith which allows child molesters to run loose masquerading as men of God and hiding behind a collar. My faith tells me that anyone who brings scandal to any of Christ’s little ones it is better that a millstone be hanged around his neck.
I have told you before and I will tell you again, you are more than welcome to express your opinion. You are not however welcome when you say or infer that all victims are liars. I don’t know if you yourself have had the misfortune of not being believed when you spoke up about your own sexual abuse. I can only assume you have not, because I do believe Michael that if you had an inkling of what it is like to be called a liar for saying that you were sexually abused as a young boy you would never ever hurl such accusations at victims of clerical sexual abuse or at those who have just struggled to come forward with their allegations.
If you can not refrain from taking cheap shots at other victims then, yes, and sadly, it may well be time for you to move on Michael. We will miss you. If you want to carry on without making such hurtful and cruel accusations then you are, as always, most welcome Michael.
Thank you Sylvia, as I was beginning to feel personally attached as I watched and read Michael rip apart word for word what others had written, including myself. I became most upset when he went as far as accusing on of being a child molester themself and that someone ought to call the police on this guy?
If that remark can be removed from this site, I would appreciate it. that was uncalled for and extremely cruel.
bb
Michael comes and goes on the site Brenda. You of course couldn’t possibly know that, but sometimes the the rest of us just sort of hold our breath and hope and pray he’s going to stay calm and collected, say what he wants to say, and not fly off the handle. We’ve had a few incidents in the past. This was another.
I will leave the comments Brenda. It’s a reminder to us all that it’s not all smooth sailing for victims. Far from it.
The unfortunate thing here is that Michael himself is a victim, not of clerical sexual abuse, but he is a victim of childhood sex abuse. He has his own pains and his own demons to fight. I have no idea what they, but he wrestles with them. Keep him in your prayers Brenda.
I believe he is a struggle soul.
There are so many painful layers of physical, emotional, spiritual & memories for all abuse victims & these numerous layers need to be acknowledged & healed.
God help us all!
Lina
Thank you all for your comments in my regard, I have observed as the comments went on the message I inteded was lost, I am not dropping nothing against Borne, what is now corrupted is the detective taking my statement also attended the same school in a later decade but siblings of those I attended with attended with him, as well he was accompanied by a female dectative, later discovery would show that a person I named as to collaborating my testimony he knew, this all goes to even though their intentions are good to tainting the case goes beyond saying, as for Tim the priest you are tainted in my eyes as well you are in Mattawa that is where Borne began you may be innocent of anything but to me that is where he came from and I am sure there is undesclosed stories up there as to his activities, the VAP responded to me on Friday saying the crown was out of town until Monday and relayed my emails in this regard, I have also notified the dectective by email of my concerns, his emails must be turned over to the defense. What I am saying is legally to get someone clean you must be transparent the OPP has not been even though their motivation may be good or lack of resources to bring in someone who never lived there, without me there is still one person’s charges going forward however from what Lina is saying he is acting now like no one can touch him that is how he is it is about his mother, he prob would admit if she was dead, I await tomorrow the crown’s response to what I have stirred up.
snowdog, please keep us posted on your updates. if you have your own site, can you share that with me, so that I can follow your updates also?
stay strong, your not alone, and your claim has been more than validated by many. Lets pray the justice system does not fail you or any of his other victims.
Thanks Brenda but I can assure you that there is nothing incredible about me at all. What is powerful and amazing is the truth.
One only has to look at how much you are admired and loved by your family and freinds to know that the little girl inside is aware of your love for her and that for certain she love s you too.
Is it possible for you to slow down a little . Perhaps reserve some time to step away from all of this ? Remember some of the beautiful things she enjoyed doing and do them together with her now just for the sake of taking some enjoyment out of life and sharing it with those you love . The integration of the little girl and the women will gradually over time take place and you will begin to feel whole like you never have before.
Jesus is very gentle in the way moves.
Thank you Larry,
you are right in suggesting stepping back from the formal process, at least mentally and give my mind some rest. My attorney has been so great and persistent in encouraging me to spend time doing things I enjoy and share my time with positive energy and try to avoid spending every waking hour reliving this nightmare.
I think now that I have let the secret out, I am more likely going to remember what I once enjoyed as a young child. Honestly, I can’t remember having any passions or interests, I am certain I did, but for some strange reason I just can’t connect with who I was before this happened.
I do know this for certain today, however. I have the most loving and supportive husband I could ever hope for. I have two children and two step-children that have filled my adult life with love and support.
I have two grandsons that I have been blessed with.
My father is deceased, I miss him dearly but I know he is with me in spirit. I have a mother that will move heaven and earth to protect and support her children even though we are all adults and adult children of our own,
I have three brothers and one sister who are extremely proud of my speaking out and feel no shame whatsoever.
and of course my friends, where would we be without our friends and family. I am going to spend my time celebrating what I have in life, in place of what I lost.
It is amazing how freeing it is to no longer hide in secrecy harbouring unfounded guilt and shame on my part.
I would encourage anyone that has experienced such abuse, regardless of how the perpetrator was, to seek out support to encourage you to let go of the self blame and recognize the crime that was committed to you, and that you hold no responsibility whatsoever. This has made such a tremendous change in the way I look at myself. My only regret is that I waited as long as I did to finally free myself from the prison I locked up that little girl in so many years ago.
It is time for me to find the key to release her. I owe that to her, she deserves it.
bb
Brenda:
Thank you for your words. For the first time in a long time I am venturing into the healing territory from childhood sexual abuse. It wasn’t at the hands of a priest, but hurtful still the same.
I readily identify with having a hard time identifying anything I enjoyed or was passionate about as a child because I was so focused on survival. I was a generally happy child who was forced to endure terrible things.
I look up to you, though I do not know you. In a strange way I feel connected to you. For a short time my parish was St. Vincent de Paul.
Keep on keeping on Brenda…you are an inspiration to others.
A, you are so right, sexual abuse is hurtful regardless of who is violating the rights of young children. Victims often know who their attacker is, generally it is someone we trust and often it is someone that know one would ever suspect or think is capable of such a crime.
I wonder if by chance we do know each other or if we ever met during your brief time at St. Vincent de Paul. Even if we do not, we are connected, all victims of this hateful crime are connected with an understanding of each other that a non-victim would possibly struggle with the understanding of the betrayal and ownership we as victims felt (feel) for the crime committed against us.
I wish you much love, peace and healing as you continue on in your journey.
I am certain that you are a true inspiration to those around you.
You certainly inspired me.
Many blessings to you A.
BB
Brenda , You said “It is time for me to find the key to release her. I owe that to her, she deserves it.” She possitively does and I suspect you have already found the key when you became sick. Such a beautiful illustration of finding meaning through recognizing and connecting with a very fundamental desire.
Listen carefully for her Brenda and not only when you are awake .
🙂
Not to include or add a discussion on this site regarding another priest, but I read your site on Fr. John Duarte. I personally called the restuarant to confirm that he is in fact working in a family Italian restaurant, he came to the phone, and when he identified himself, I simply hung-up. What could I say? I sure would love to learn of the restrictions placed on him being around young kids. As I said, this is a family restuarant, young families eat there, and young students work there.
As for the party thrown for him in a parish rectory once he was released from prision!!! I have heard rumours from several individuals, unfortunately none of which I can verify, but if this party occurred in the parish rectory I heard…. I am very disappointed.
bb
I just posted on the Duarte page to keep the Duarte information together.: is there the remote possibility that whoever hired Duarte doesn’t know he’s a convicted sex predator?
If they do know and chose to hire him regardless then I firmly believe there is an onus on them to alert staff and patrons alike.
Oh the owner of Koolini’s definitely knows who he hired. I am just shocked that he hired him.
BB
Well tomorrow is Ash Wednesday the beginning of Lent; I can’t believe how incredibly sad I feel as I think about not being a part of participating in receiving the sign of our faith marked on my forehead tomorrow and the sense of pride I felt by identifying myself as a Catholic.
For some reason the Christmas season felt hollow to me, but for different reasons.
Lent for me has always been the main focus of my faith, what it represented and what it called for me to do as an individual.
I often wondered how it felt to be a new immigrant in our country, learning the language the culture change and what is was like to face the feelings of leaving your family back home, all in an attempt to start a new life.
Somehow, tonight I feel as though in a small way I can relate to how newcomers must feel as it relates to their feelings of loss of what they left behind.
Is there hope that follows this hollow feeling?
Brenda
I know how hurt you are from reading your writings . But I encourage you to be part of Ash wednesday celebration which can be a source of comfort for you . Choose a parish in which you are comfortable. God Bless you and give you comfort .
Thank you Anonymous, for your encouraging words.
If I can’t bring myself back into the church on this special day, perhaps I can offer up a good deed and help someone less fortunate than I am, al in the name of God’s love.
Thank you for taking the time to write me on our blog.
Blessings
Brenda
I agree with Anonymous Brenda. Don’t let them take this away from you. Go to church. Hold your head high. Lent is a time to remember in a very special way Christ’s suffering – for us. He was betrayed by Judas. His disciples fled in fear. And, the most amazing thing for me – God allowed it to happen. He allowed His Son to suffer as He did – for you, and for me, and yes, even for Father Fallona, and for the bishops.
You are in turmoil Brenda. The question I think you need to answer is this: Who do you hurt by not going? That’s the question. Who do you hurt by not going?
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Dear Brenda,
I want you to go to church tomorrow, it certainlly will be helpful for your healing. If one is abused as a child, the hurt and fear will never go away. As a young boy, I was abused by two priests while I was studying to become a priest. I was a handsome young boy. I told to one of my friends in the seminary that the priest has been doing inappropriate thing to me and he told me at that time that he too had similar experience and if we tell to others they will find a reason and kick us out of the seminary and we could never become priests. Those days it was the desire of any boy to become a priest and I wanted to become a priest though I had all desires of a human to get married and to have a family. It was a great honour to be a priest.
I made the sacrifice and became a priest and I am very happy to be a priest. But even today I am very scared to be alone with any men, especially priests.
In any functions, I do not like anyone, especially men, sitting close to me. Some people like to stand close to us and talk, that scares me, I feel sacred when men come close to me and tlk. I need always a respectable distance. I think all these are as a result of my experience as a young boy. So Brenda I understand somewhat, though not fully, your hurts.
I am, prehaps more educated and experienced than many priests, but the childhood experience will never go away. I am very happy to be a priest and a very successful pastor in this small country parish .
If I get an opportunity , I am certainlly would love to meeet with you. I am not a priest of London diocese or work in that diocese. I pray for all victims of sexual abuse by priests. God Bless you all!
Dear Father (Anonymous)
Father, thank you for the invitation back into the Catholic church. Your message touched me deeply, as I honestly have felt like the the kid who was kicked out of the sandbox, since my story became public.
I have not returned to the church since my former pastor from the 80’s made such strong lies about me in a document that was prepared as part of the investigation of my claim. This pastor was very close to me and my family, the shock of reading his words that he described me as convinced me that the report was in error. But learned his quotes in that report were his words. I have not walked back into the Catholic church since, not even to attend a wedding or a funeral.
It is refreshing and somewhat hopeful to receive such a loving and caring message to a victim of clergy abuse from an active Pastor of a church.
You provide hope, I thank you very much for that.
Perhaps one day our paths will cross, if they do, I hope you introduce yourself to me.
It would be a honour to meet you.
Brenda
Dear Brenda,
Today is AshWednesday and a busy day for me. I have just finished two Masses: one with our school children and the other for the parishioners. I have another Mass in the evening . You were in my thoughts and I rememberd you and your family in all the Masses. I am so saddend by the betrayal of that priest. By doing that this priest ( all priests who abused the innocent little ones) is a betrayer of Jesus, His church, His priests and all His children. I am sure he and all these criminals will suffer in this world or the world to come (burn in hell )
I am sure we may cross our paths one day since I work in one of the neighbouring dioceses .
God bless you and your family. May God give you strength and comfort. I know it is not easy. But if God is with us whom shall we fear? Know that He is there in every step of your way. You know the story of ‘foot prints in the sand’.
Anonymous (Fr.)
Father, I may have just found another set of footprints that is walking along side of me.
Thank you for your prayers, especially for my family. Throughout all of this, my mom hurts the most. Ironically, and sadly she is also the most betrayed, as my faith was passed down to me from her, her devotion to our church is well over 73 years, mine only 47 years.
I will share your message with her.
God bless,
Brenda
Please forgive me for interrupting here.
Anonymous Father….I am sorry what happened to you & your friend in the seminary, there is no excuse on earth for having those evil acts done to you.
You were abused by two priests while you were studying to become a priest….you told a friend in the seminary who was also abused by a priest and you decided if you told on these abuser priests they (your superiors?) will find a reason and kick both of you out of the seminary and you could never become priests?
Did these abuser priests ever face justice? Where are they now? Are they still alive & still teaching? or even instructing future priests?
If you sought help for yourself (counseling) good for you! If you already reported on these WOLVES in sheep clothing good for you!
If you & your friend did not report these criminal priests that’s what really frightens me.
Nevertheless, its never too late to do the right thing Father (Anonymous) it’s all up to you of course.
Lina
You are right Lina. I was going to ask Father the same question.
Now that you are ordained Father have you reported these clerical predators to police and/or Church authorities? I pray that you have, and if not, that you will. I am sure as a priest that is not an easy step to take, but then again, it is not an easy step for any victim.
Again, I pray that, if you have not already done so, you will do the right thing Father.
Dear Sylvia and Lina,
First of all I thank you Sylvia for everything you do for the victims of sex abuse by clergy.I am very delighted and happy that many victims find confort and support in your web site. God bless you and your great work you do for Him.
It has been over thirty five years since it happend to me.One of them died a few years back. It took me many years after my Ordination to tlk to a priest about it and at that time both of them were sick and dying and was not working . The good priest I spoke to was a holy man and asked me to make myown decision since I am a priest. I chose not to report because I thought if I as a priest did not forgive, how could I preach about forgiveness to my people?! Secondly both of them could not do any harm to anyone at that age. I thought let God punish them.
When it was supposed to be reported, I did not have the courage , like all the victims, to do it.
Like all the victims, I did not have the strength or courage to face it, because I was afraid that how many would belive me ?, support me?
I was touched by all the victims stories on this web site and each time when I read it tears filled my eyes. How could someone destroy the lives of the little angels for ever??!.
I also want Brenda and other victims know that there are priests who really feel sorry and sad about the horrible crimes of the brother priests and also understand what you are all going through in your life.
I wrote to Brenda about the Footprints in the sand. That was what gave me strength. I always had it in my office and I read it again and again when I though that I was alone. God loves us all. He never gives us any pain or suffering which we can not handle. He gives us strength through all the people who care for us. I see many on this site care for the victims. Keep up the good work . Though I may not write to you oftern, I assure you of my humble prayers to all victims of abuse and all who work for their cause.
Anoymous (Fr)
Fr. report to the police the priest that assaulted you.
If not for your own sake for the sake of someone such as myself that is fighting this battle on my own.
It took years for victims to step forward, perhaps the priest that assaulted you, also assaulted others. Your testimony may help bring justice to many others.
It is never too late to do the right thing, report the names of these priests to the authorities.
It is the right thing to do.
bb
This is obviously a very painful time for you . It is important for you to understand that the life draining hollowness you are experiencing is a very natural and necessary stage in the painful journey of the grief process you are living through. The depth ones grief is largely determined by ones sense of loss. You have lost so much Brenda. The ash Wednesday ritual which you have been a part of for so many years is a reminder that there are much deeper wounds to heal both spiritually and emotionally. You have lost trust – you have lost love – and you have lost hope in the very church you counted on to strengthen these attributes in you for and toward the church.
I personally would not encourage you one way or another to attend or not to attend mass tomorrow because in reality only you ( with the help of your loved ones) really know what is best for you on your journey Brenda. No matter what you decide to do though , the one thing we can be sure of is that there are many ways to show our sign of love for Jesus Christ and they will not be rejected. Remember that there are many many people who can’t go to church tomorrow for many different reasons but if asked , Jesus will show to them as He will to you Brenda a sign of His Love.
At 28 years of years of age Jesus left Nazareth , went out into the desert for 40 days to fast and that began His three year mission to go out into the public to spread the truth. He surrounded Himself and was very much drawn to the poor , the sick , and to those who were treated unjustly. He was deeply disturbed by those in authority who would look down on these people and He and he was not afraid to show it. It is for these – the sick , the poor , the lepers, the unjustly treated ( these he called his ’ little ones’) – that Jesus came to free from guilt , shame, loneliness ( hollowness). He took the law that was written in stone to re-write it in the human heart.
I pray Brenda, that the hollowness in your heart be filled with the gift of Jesus’ Love for you.
Larry as I indicated before, I pray for you every day, I thank God for putting you in my life at this very moment when I feel you are most needed.
I wish I knew you personally, you must be an amazing person to be around, your endless support is so much appreciated.
As much as it hurts me to not enter the church, the betrayal that I have been given, I think would not allow me to pass the first set up steps leading up into the church.
Instead I will stay home today and make a small difference in a less fortunates person’s life. I am hoping my actions will serve the same as if I received the sign of the cross on my forehead.
I am not even sure anymore if I could wear that sign on my forehead and feel the same pride as I once did.
I sound confused because I am very confused today. My brain is telling me what I must do today, but my heart is beating to a different drum.
Once again, my faith has created additional turmoil in my soul….and this happened through nobody’s help but my own.
Slyvia is correct, the only person that will hurt as a result of my staying away is me. Tomorrow will come and I may possibly wake-up angry with myself for not going and for cowarding away from what I should be doing.
40 days… until Holy week and Easter I had better fasten my seatbelt tightly.
Thank you everyone for your help and support.
Larry, God Bless you each and everyday, as you have blessed so many strangers that cross your path.
Many blessings
Brenda
Brenda ,
Any person including myself who truly holds your best interest in their heart will and should continue to – in a non judgmental way- respect and support fully your decisions to do what is right for Brenda the woman and the little girl. You need to remember that Jesus comes to you , you don’t have to go to Him, He does not say ” if you were not in anguish I would love you .” But He says ” Brenda, I love you as you are and in a very special way, you are the broken and precious one in who’s heart I have come to dwell.”
Your faith is not the cause of the turmoil Brenda . The cause of your turmoil is the natural human reaction to the brutal and violent acts of aggression against you in the first place when you were molested as a 12 and 13 year old girl and the violations against you were compounded by cover ups and lies for many years to come , all by the very people you were thoroughly convinced (and naturally so ) that you could trust the most. You are in absolutely no way shape or form responsible for the pain inflicted upon you from the outside and way beyond your control. Faith in a church needs to be seeded , cultivated and grown. Faith in God is much much different Brenda. Faith in God comes not from any church nor does it come from ones self. It comes from God Himself , it is a gift of grace which we receive from God and it is the very gift that gives one the courage and the ability to allow God to take up dwelling in ones messy and dumpy inner abode, but therein is the dump where Jesus feels most at home.
Brenda it pleases me to know that some of the things I have said to you have some meaning for you and I truly do acknowledge that it is the way God works through all of us . Thank you for keeping me in your prayers. You are such a good person Brenda. I know the resilience of the human spirit in general and it is plain to see that yours in particular is by no means lacking. It is the work of each of us to become more fully human every day and you are doing so , beautifuly.
Larry
Larry,
Thank you for understanding the part of me I find so difficult to articulate.
You truly are a man of God with great faith and understanding of what we are called to be.
I hope we meet someday.
Thank you, once again.
Many blessings to you
Brenda
Larry (Green), that is so true and so well put.
There are times I do not like going to church because I get so distracted because there is always something there that reminds me of Monsignor Robert Borne, his victims & all victims like Brenda B.. {like opening that hymn book of Catholic Book of Worship, there is in front page of that book Raymond Lahey—what he contributed to that hymn book & all I see another priest connected to kiddie porn & is trying to get away with it & the Catholic Church goes YET AGAIN in that cover-up mode!} I get so angry knowing priests know stuff that can help victims but they will not step forward for whatever stupid reasons they have.
I’m not a clergy abuse victim (it was a stranger) but the scandals of Roman Catholic Church as affected me terribly. I’m broken inside but I still have hope that things will change for the better. I believe….it’s me that needs to change on the inside. I do not like anger, hate & being bitchy but it is part of my human make up. I just need to learn to deal with it better in a constructive way.
After reading your post Larry to Brenda I decided I will go to church tonight.
I know you spoke to Brenda, but I felt you were speaking to me Larry. Thanks to you Larry, this Ash Wednesday, I do have a better outlook today. I pray for inner peace.
My thoughts & shaky prayers are with you all, especially with you Brenda and all your loved ones!
Lots of hugs,
Lina
Lina ,
I am familiar with the anger you speak of and as you say and others have said we need to learn how to deal with it constructively.
Lina I have on several occassions been witness to you exposing some very deep wounds and very often I just want to reach out and help to heal them.
If what I have said here to Brenda has helped in some small way for that to happen then God has done so when I least expected it.
Your struggle for truth and justice Lina is second to none. I so much admire your diligent and relentless pursuit of the bare ( non watered down) facts and reality. Your contribution to this site and I believe wherever you happen to be in the world is so down to earth and invaluable.
I will continue to pray that witheach passing day God will mend your broken heart.
Larry
“Father Anonymous”: I appreciate your input. From my perspective, I do not respect the choices some people make, which is/are similar to the one you have written about (see your entry above dated March 8, 2011 at 9:27pm.) I certainly respect that we all have choices and as a result of carefully considered factors, we have a right and “the will” to make choices. This does not mean I must respect or like the decisions people make. Just as choices I make (like writing this comment), people can respect my choice, they can like what I have written or people can dislike my choice, dislike what I have written, disrespect me, and even comment, support, or criticize my comments, if they elect to do so. Some people can get very upset because I or others question/challenge authority, or someone who has earned a doctorate or someone from a perceived-higher, more prominent status in society than I. I take a risk, so I anticipate positive or negative consequences resulting from my choices. In addition, I have experienced that some, but not all, victims have the courage to “scream out”….;…sometimes they are not heard or their voices are silenced, through various “means”. And, sometimes, some victims “scream out so loudly”, so-to-speak, they are heard. Sometimes victims receive poor or uninformed counsel, which unfortunately influences people to make, what I interpret to be, poor choices. As I see it, this is why it is so very important that “first contact” is truly with someone who can and must help; this is why it is so important that “first contact” is with a person free from real or perceived conflicts and with clearly defined and understood biases,…understood by all involved.
In your “posting”, you write about “fears” many people still experience today, even if the actual “abuse” originated thirty or more years before. From my perspective, I submit, there is a very straightforward explanation for this.
Finally, I address “forgiveness”. For me, to forgive, among other things, there must clearly be a reason to forgive; that is, I must have a reason to forgive. Someone-thing-entity, or similar, must have done something to me or others, that elicits my desire or “need” to forgive. In addition, for “my” own survival, I must attempt to “forgive”; no one other than God has to know.
But, you see, as I see it, in cases of sexual abuse, or at least the one’s that I have encountered for years now,…. I submit, there must also be an admission of guilt from the “accused”; especially where “payoffs and settlements” are involved, there must be a consequence as defined by law administered for the wrongful act or act of ommission; furthermore, should there not also be a “genuine” request from the accused for forgiveness? Or do we simply, “forgive at will”, through prayer and meditation…. and leave it in “God’s” hands, so-to-speak? Did God not give us “free will” to act for ourselves….too? And of course, what about the “non-belivers”, the atheists, the agnostics…the “victims” who no longer consider themselves as members of a religion or Church?
And, these days, fewer and fewer “accused” ever face the music in court; the old line of “innocent until proven guilty” is espoused randomly and with reckless abandon, by the accused, their surrogates and their lawyers.
Most people know I am not a Roman Catholic. I was baptized Anglican-Church of England. As I see it, perhaps Roman Catholics only “suggest or instruct” that forgiveness, should be facilitated through prayer and meditation; after all, in these cases, the forgiveness is an act that is intended to help the victim, not necessarily, the accused.
“Sylvia’s website” has faced many changes since its early days addressing the “Cornwall Public Inquiry”; when I joined in. We addressed alot of simlar topics and alot of “non-secular” topics. As I see it, good or bad, this website has become what I perceive to be, a website for Roman Catholics only. Perhaps this is “The Will of God”.
After all, alleged problems with the Roman Catholic Church, “must” be “fixed” by Roman Catholics…right?
Finally; As early as last week, I talked with a family who had recently lost their thirty-five year old son through suicide. There was a life of “the typical” problems before the suicide. In days following the suicide, more and more information became known to the parents about the sexual abuse, their son had experienced. They said to me, what I hear often, “someone must have known”.
This is so very troubling Father. First, the fact that you yourself were abused by a clerical sexual predator and obviously suffer the effects of that abuse. Your fear of being in the company of other men must cause you great hardship. I recall in particular one victim who testified at the Cornwall Public Inquiry who was heavily burdened with the same fear.
But equally troubling is the fact that the priest in whom you confided told you that it was your decision how to proceed. I personally believe that that was bad advice. Those priests committed criminal acts – serious criminal acts. They should be held accountable, not only by civil authorities, but also by Church authorities.
You mention that both priests at the time were sick and dying and not working. I recall a case in South America a few months ago of a priest in his 80s who was still actively molesting teenage boys and videotaping the crimes. So age can not be assumed to be a deterrent. Sick and dying? If literally sick and dying, perhaps. But, even the sick and dying should be held accountable for their crimes. It does them no favour to pretend nothing happened.
I know of many situations in which someone reported abuse by a priest to another priest and were told to forgive and forget. The predator was left free to carry on.
I can not help but wonder how many vocations were lost because of these priests.? Not can I help but wonder how often they had been reported before they preyed on you and your friend? Perhaps never? But, perhaps there had indeed been complaints which were ignored?
How many, like you, suffer because of their acts, and possibly because of the non-actions of those who may have known and protected them while willfully leaving them free to continue preying ?
As for forgiveness, even the Holy Father said last May: “Forgiveness does not replace justice.”
Justice must be done Father.
Knowing that a priest is molesting children and saying nothing, is as responsible if not more guilty than the priest who is molesting.
Pedophiles are only as successful as silent witnesses allow them to be.
Shame on all those men and woman that are aware, were aware of this behaviour and stood by and said nothing!
Their quiet whispers have generated the deep hollow cry from thousands of victims that should have been protected.
It is never too late to step forward and do the right thing. Writing on blogs and offering support to victims does not correct the cowardly deed of possessing a silent tongue to a crime that should have been reported.
Brenda
Dear Brenda,
you wrote, “Writing on blogs and offering support to victims does not correct the cowardly deed of possessing a silent tongue to a crime that should have been reported.” You are very right about it. Let me ask you how many years it took for you to have the courage to come forward to report? I understand you are now 46 or 47 years of age. It took many years for you to have the courage to do so. That is the case with many of the victims. So you can not say it is a cowardly deed from the part of the victims that they did not do it earlier.! Brenda, this is the same talk I hear from people that why he or she did not go to the police earlier? why did they wait so long ? It may be a made up story? A story for personal gains ? You and I know it is not ?
Some victims even had to wait 60 or more years to have the courage to speak out. How many people who really give support to the victims? I personally hear the coments of the people which is oftern not very positive for the victims. I do not want to go further explaining it. Prehaps you may also know about. Some victims have the courage and support to go through it and some do not. We just need to pray for all.
In my case, one is already dead and the other in death bed.I have not seen or met neither of them in the past 35 years!
We use different methods and means for our healing of wounds and I found forgiveness worked for me. Some it works when they bring the abusers to justice.
I should have done it years back, but did not have the courage and support to do so at that time.
Let us close this chapter here.Thanks to Sylvia and all for your support and love. God Bless you all!
Anonymous (Fr.)
Michael?
Many posters here already said what I was thinking. (plus, already what I posted.)
Father Anonymous, you already made up your mind, (some time ago) it’s your choice & decision. By your writing you can live with that. Your very words Father Anonymous.: ” Lets us close this chapter here. ”
It’s ironic you used the word ‘us’ instead of saying: – Let me close this chapter-.
I notice how you answered Brenda B. about how long it took her to come forward etc…
Father, you omitted an very important point you are part of that inner circle the clergy, the Priesthood in the Roman Catholic Church. Folks expect more from priests, yes even you Father!
They are many secrets kept by the Roman Catholic Church about the abuse scandals cover-ups. I am aware you are in a difficult position but believe it or not you are part & still taking part in that on going cover-up yourself.
You are at ease with taking the names of your abusers to the grave. With a heavy heart I wonder how many more molesters & pedophiles you turned a blind eye to over three decades or more? (You haven’t seen your abusers in 35 years) Do not be surprise people like me do not trust you Father.
You are a perfect example why a clergy abuse victim should go to the police & not a priest because they may face a priest like you. True, not all priests are molesters, pedophiles but why take a chance on a priest who is primary concerned is being loyal to his bishop, to the Catholic Church’s image & there’s that questioned how much money it will cost the diocese in lawsuits.
Then again who am I to talk if you Father honestly believe that is what God wants from you is to keep quiet about these abusers of innocent minors because you believe it’s God’s will?
Lina
Beware of the wolf in sheeps clothing . Even more treacherous, and insidious is the wolf who disguises himself as the shepherd.
A lone wolf is not so sly when the lure of the bait detracts him.
Brenda
You are right to trust your intuition.
speechless is what I am after reading the Fr. comment. Yes victims unfortunately take years to step forward, if at all. The reason it takes so long is because we have viewed priest as Jesus’ representative here on earth.
But for a clergy to first hand be aware of priests that have abused whether dead or alive and elects to not report the names to the police is alarming. In my opinion, it also encourages victims who have not yet come forward, cause them to remain silent for fear that even priest who are aware of such perps, still choose to not report their names to the police.
I have no future comments for Fr. except to say – initially I thought he was supportive of victims and understanding of our grief.
brenda
Brenda , he is a fraud. He is the wolf I was speaking of. He is not a priest at all .
I put out bait and and he bit within minutes. Disregard everything he said in here. There is plenty of good reason not to trust clergy but the evil doings of this person was in the name of clergy by someone who is not a member of the clergy. He is a fanatic who puts his percieved good of the church and the clergy above the will of God. He is one of many who’s will becomes perverted by putting a means to worship above that which it is meant to worship.
Beware in the future of the wolves but keep moving forward Brenda , don’t be upset by all this.
Larry
Thank you Larry,
Once again I was feeling betrayed by my church, this man pretending to be a priest… then outcasting me for waiting 37 years to report it!!!
Have a good weekend
bb
Larry,
What is your problem with the church. You are not a catholic. Let the catholics take care of its problems. From his writings the anonymous priest is right about everything he wrote. I support him very much . I do not know who he is and I would love to see him . I hope he will write again in this blog. Larry, you need some psychological help. Why don’t you go for some counseling. As I have mentioned or written earlier that you guys like only who pat each others back. Without knowing the truth, you make judgements. Any way who cares about your barking like a dog? You are nobody in this world. How may reads this web page???? Father Tim has nothing else to do, because he is in a very small parish. He writes to you guys may be he is not liked by his people. I was surprised to see another priest other than Father Tim on this blog!!!!!. Hope he learned a lesson that many who write on this blog are in the fools world. I even doubt how credible Brenda’s claims are. Any way I have great fun in reading this web site. It is like watching the comedy show ahahahah. Please continue to write and yell at priests. Say all the bad words you know against the church and it’s priests. But the catholic church is founded on a rock. It will never fall, though it might shake a little.
Michael, you loss credibility with me when you spoke against Brenda Brunelle & Father Tim Moyle!
So you find it funny reading stuff at this website?
That explains a lot where you are coming from!
Sad, sad, sad……..
I wanted to give the benefit of the doubt to this Fr. Anonymous but I am not surprise by the outcome. Either way this dude needs serious help.
At least Fr. Tim Moyle is a real priest. He has his own website (blog). Good for him!
Have a good weekend to all!
Lina
Dear Lina, Brenda, Larry,
My intention was not to offend anyone of you with my writings. What I wanted to explain was that it takes many many years for a victim of sexual abuse to come forward whether he is a priest or not. I did not try to protect the priests. Thirty five years back you never heard of anyone going to the police complaining about abuses!Now for the one person who is dying compassion and forgiveness prevents me from doing it.
I am very sorry to hear that you call me ‘fraud’, ‘sheep in wolf cloths’ etc. I know that you are hurt in many ways by the abuse of priests. So it is quite natural to make coments like that. I do not have any anger or hatred towars you all for picturing me that way. I hope and pray that your faith in God may heal your wounds caused my the priests. I am very sorry if I have offended you with my words, it was not intentional. God Bless you all
Anonymous (Fr.)
Snake
I would urge ANY person, but especially professionals and others who are in prominent positions, or have access to persons in prominent positions, to “speak out” with words similar to, “it takes many, many years for a victim of sexual abuse to come forward whether he is a priest or not.” (as written by “Father Anonymous” in a post above. In addition, I have blogged about statute of limitations on other threads.)
THIS IS OF PARAMOUNT IMPORTANCE.
If “Father Anonymous” is a victim/survivor or a Roman Catholic Priest, or, meets the “professional” criteria, his word is badly needed, in an effort to inform legislators and compel them all to “do the right thing”….and to argue against “the others” who are wrongly influencing politicians with their own hidden agendas-speacial interest agendas. NOTHING will ever get better unless these goals are accomplished.
The implementation of “statutes of limitations” does not help victims et al and “limitations” does not do ANYTHING to “fix the problem” or instil “the will” to fix the problem-change. As I have repeated, “statutes of limitations” in part, protect the “accused” and “perpetuate the problem(s), criminal offences….the evil”. Again, I believe this is not a “new way” to help victims or “eradicate the problem”, as witnessed by seeing the same signs, symptoms for decades, attached to new surnames and despite so-called new and improved programs. The only thing “new and improved” are the methods designed to “gather the victims, control the victims, muzzle the victims, provide limited “inadequate” counselling, offer minimal compensation up to 100k in most cases….then watch, when within five years, the victim et al, suffers traumatic life experiences, even death.”
NO, the words of “Father Anonymous” as written above MUST be screamed by the “informed” so they are heard through the hallways of legislatures everywhere. “The Laws” MUST reflect “the truth”.
Finally: Although I had once stated in a blog that the Roman Catholics must resolve the problem from within. In fact, I wrote it, ending with a question mark hoping to elicit a comment.
Let me make this perfectly clear. I don’t believe that any issue ocurring in ANY “system” ie) family, political, public, private, religious, municipal, provincial, federal, professional, laymen, community, neigbourhood, etc., etc.,, must be “fixed from within”, just as I do not believe ONLY alcoholics can help other alcoholics. In some cases, perhaps most of the “system” itself “is the problem” and outside intervention is not only needed BUT IS THE ONLY MEANS.
In my experiences and being baptized as Anglican, I have been friends and worked or helped with leader’s and subordinates from a multitude of cultures, socio-economic backgrounds, religions, etc., etc…..oh, and in the time, been very welcomed.
Anonymous (Fr), you have been caught. Lies and deception. Disgusting is too mild a word. The damage you have done with this ruse is immense.
Everyone, Anonymous (Fr) is not who he pretends to be. If you thought something wasn’t quite sitting right or ringing true with his words your instincts were right.
Michael, it didn’t work. Smart as you think you are, it didn’t work.
My God , Sylvia your diligence and dedication is truly amazing. You become unbelievably focused when swayed to sense that the truth is within your grasp. It is no wonder to me that you and this site of yours is held in such high esteem.. You really are an angel for victims of child sexual asault Sylvia.
Thank you so much.
Sylvia: Thanks for your heads-up: It appears “Father Anonymous” may be…”no more”. That’s the “Sherlock” in you Sylvia…..and a necessary part of you keeping the site in order.
Relating to how many “hits” your site gets per day, I remember you telling me that slow days were about 8k hits, but average in the 20-30k. I remember that for about a month you were running around 70k….I think that was right; but I may be wrong…I’m getting old…”short-term memory loss”. My site was getting about 300/day. Just prior to being sued.
In any event, it is only obvious that many, many people from many different perspectives, with a variety of objectives, would contact this website…..”the good-the bad-the ungly”….being specific to “sexual abuse, clergy abuse, religion, “CPI”, Dunlop, priests, courts, criminal charges, dispositions, etc., etc. , will narrow the viewing audience/returns, to people who have genuine interests in what you are blogging or reporting. I would say, you get alot of hits from victims, survivors, educators, researchers, the accused-their surrogates, justice, law offices, active predators, etc., etc. and related.
Many of these contacts are functional and many are dysfunctional……ex) I/you may be functional in our eyes, while everyone else sees me or you as media savvy, homophobic, rumour spreading, liars……so be it…..did I forget one?
I am grateful these “bloggers” have no way of contacting each other, even though they think the other person is a hero, angel, saviour or whatever. Save the praises for the posting on the websites. Most people really have NO genuine way of knowing who another person is NO way, NO WAY, even if we think we know each other. I believe this site, among other things and in part, attracts victims-who have also become offenders/predators themselves….this is very common. It’s like sitting outside a school playground, if you are a paedophile…….so everyone should be over cautious.
I believe, YOUR site and contacts you will have, have had and still have, will attempt to influence you in many different ways….some more obvious than others. I see this as common.
From my perspective, I don’t care who the person is/was…or purports to be. I do not visit the site to develop relationships, placate characters, nor do I need to know who the participants are. I am interested in change!!
Let me make this perfectly clear, I’m not accusing you (Sylvia) of doing the aforementioned. I’m just trying to get to my point, without going on and on, as I usually do………too late!
For me, I keep my “antenna up” and try to stay focussed on the “plot” so-to-speak, as opposed to the thousands of subplots that will surely present themselves. For me, it is more the information that attracts me, than who or what character is delivering it. I attempt to quickly separate my interest from what I see as being outside my interests. I attempt to separate the “mundane” from the “potential”….”I before E”-intellect before emotion.
I assert, some of the points discussed in previous posts are extremely important, whether delivered by a fraudulent clown or the genuine article, “the topics discussed in the posts were accurate and often minimized by the “pearheads”…..not a coincidence.
Dear Prima Facie,
This is just for you to know Prima Facie. I am a Roman Catholic Priest. I work in a big parish. I was confused when I heard that everyone including Sylvia pointed out that I am someone else. I do not know who he is (Mr.Michael). I talked with one of the parishioners about my computer , since I am not an expert and he found out that I have an open wireless internet and anyone can use it. He helped me to secure it with a password.
I found out about this web page recently and I thought it was something that I was looking for . The reason for me to write was Brenda. I felt very sorry for her dreadful and horrible experience.
Now I found out that some people who write on this webpage want to make me a scapegoat. I was made a scapegoat by three bishops, a few priests and I do not want to be again a scapegoat again to people on this webpage including Sylvia. The reason I am saying is that people like Larry says that I am a snake or fraud, or someone else , they think that I would come out and say that who I am and reveal my identity as a priest. Thus they can quote me and make me a scapegoat and use me as target for fulfilling their ulterior motives. Honestly I do not know what are their intentions. I have always great concern and love for woman and children . They are more vulnerable than men. That was the reason I showed my concern for Brenda and still I have that no matter what she thinks of me as a priest.
I am a well liked pastor and I try my best to protect the children and the vulnerable adults. I appreciate everyone who try to protect the children from sexual predators and bring justice to them.
Prima facie,
I do not want to know who you are or I do not like to say you are a good or bad person. But I liked your opinions and views.
I know there are many priests who are hurt and saddened by clergy sexual abuse, though they don’t speak out or write. The negative reaction from some of the people from this site made me to make the decision that I will not write again on this site. I am a victim of sexual abuse by priests. So I understand the pains of the victims and I will keep them in my prayers and daily masses especially in this season of Lent.
I do not want anyone to feel sorry of me nor want any apology. I want Brenda to know that when I wrote that I really want someday to meet with you , it was truthful I say it deep down from my heart. But I take that back because I am afraid that you too might use me as a scapegoat. This is just my thought.
I hope this website will focus on what people write rather than who write.
Anonymous,
I am not sure who you are or even where you are. I can assure you that if you are who you present yourself to be, Thank You.
If you are not who you claim to be, then we too will pray for you.
I can’t imagine anyone visiting this site, providing comments to people that have already fell victim to their predator, and then be tricked into some other perverted trap, that only further exploits innocent people.
There is no doubt in my mind that the people involved in my case are watching this site carefully, hanging on every word I type all in an attempt to use them against me this summer. At least these individuals are not masquerading to be someone they are not all in an attempt to trip me.
Larry once said the truth will set you free.
On November 25, 2010 I made the decision to take my story public. I wanted the general public to see just how little progress has been made with the church dealing with their victims. The day Fr. Chris Quinlan, who was a personal friend and well respected by not only myself but my entire family; made the strong false statement about myself opened my eyes to the reality that the church will stop at nothing to protect their own, regardless of who they are hurting in the process.
I was born and raised in Windsor ON. I have remained in Windsor and raised my family in Windsor. The day I went public with my story, I knew that I was opening myself up for both positive and negative feedback.
My husband and I were very active in our community and very active in our church.
I thought about the consequences if my story went public and the only two I came up with were the grief this may bring to my family, and of course exposing publicly this shameful deed I was part of as a young girl.
Other than that I openly and willingly left myself wide open for anyone that knew/knows me to come forward and respond on the comment Fr. Quinlan made about me. NOT ONE agreed with what he said, NOT even any of my employers.
I received many letters in the mail, many emails and my attorney received many letters/emails that speak in favour of me.
My mother has been supported by many of the people within our church by hearing over and over again, “I can’t believe Fr. Quinlan would say that about Brenda” “why would he make something like that up, that doesn’t sound like something he would do” what did I read earlier a wolf in sheep’s clothing?
My point here is this, I have nothing to hide, I speak only how I truly feel. I had read in an earlier comment that Michael had doubt in my story, or something like that. Just his comment alone spoke volumes to me, as I am sure it did to others.
I had hoped that after all these years the church itself would have cleaned house and taken corrective measures to protect future problems. They have not.
The courts need to step in and manage this institution in the name of safety for our vulnerable, young and old alike.
The church has proven it cannot do it on their own.
The govt should step in and protect our citizens of this criminal behaviour. Until an outsider does… we will still be blogging for next 40 years about the same story with new victims.
There must be something we can do to enforce something to happen. This must STOP.
It never should have started, perpetuated and never should have been tolerated.
Shame on society.
Brenda
The site is busy prima facia. There are people around the world who follow it regularly. And yes, that includes the good, the bad and the ugly. I will leave it at that 🙂
What has me fascinated by this little round of lies and deception is in part the message – the forgive and forget model. Never mind justice. Just ….forgive. Move on. Leave the perps foot-loose and fancy-free. Forgive.
Guess it’s awfully important to try convince victims that forgiveness equals justice?
I have been meditating on this all day. There is much to think about. Lessons learned. My greatest concern was for Brenda.
Well said and perfectly understood Prima.
The lesson learned here for me is that I am still too quick to trust and believe simply because he said he was a priest.
You hear everyday how dangerous the internet is and how the scum of the barrel find their prey often via the internet. I often said thank God my children are no longer teenagers and that I don’t need to worry for the safety of my children.
I just learned a valuable lesson, perhaps I should be more cautious of my personal being.
I like your line I before E…. Intellect before Emotions. I think I had lived my life backwards on that line.
I was hoping this site would bring more victims forward that know Fr. Michael Fallona. At the very least, invite people that knew him as well as myself to comment on how they know us and perhaps shed some light.
My wish of course is that someone will come forward and speak out.
More importantly I realized today, that I still view the status of some titles with more importance than others.
Thank goodness I am young enough to possible get it right one day.
Brenda
Lessons all the way around on this one Brenda. I shudder at the thought that the wheels may have been set in motion for you to meet a man masquerading as a caring priest.
It’s just a little scary.
Larry, I deleted your last comment.
On 08 February Anonymous (Fr.) blogged:
“I am very happy to be a priest and a very successful pastor in this small country parish .”
Yesterday he blogged: “I work in a big parish.”
That contradiction aside, the following are the ISPs for several comments posted by both Anonymous (Fr) and Michael. I will refer to Anonymous (Fr) as Anonymous.
The ISP is like a computer’s fingerprint. Every computer has it’s own unique ISP. My laptop ISP is different than my desktop ISP –
Here then are a few dates and times with the respective ISPs accompanying the comments of that day. I have bracketed who blogged under that ISP on that particular day or time.. I will let people draw their own conclusions:
11 March, 9:39: 24.215.54.63 (Anonymous)
10 March, 9:37 pm: 24.215.54.63 (Anonymous)
10 March, 11:06 am: 24.215.37.3 (Anonymous)
10 March, 10:33: 24.215.37.3 (Michael)
09 March, 2:22 pm: 24.215.37.3 (Anonymous)
09 March, 10:40 pm: 24.215.54.63 (Anonymous)
09 March, 10:49 pm: 24.215.54.63 (Anonymous)
08 March 2011, 8:08 pm: 24.215.37.3 (Anonymous )
13 February 12:30 pm: 24.215.37.3 ( Michael )
Several of Michael’s ISP’s pre 13 February were 24.215.37.3 I haven’t checked all the way back
Syliva,
You are very disgusting. You want to become popular with your lies. You thought you can fool people with your ip address information. But you are wrong. Who knows the address you are written is correct. This is your website. You may not know if anyone turns off his or her mortem for five minutes he can have a new IP address.
What is the purpose of your website? You are an evil woman. You should stay home .Do not go to church. Who knows you and larry is the same person>???? Why did you delete the coments of Larry? Because you want to show Brenda and others that what a nice person he is. But i read it before you deleted it. What dirty words he wrote against that anonymous priest! stinking. Let me state again I am not in support of the victims because many stories are made up. But i want Brenda to know that Sylvia is using Larry to be a good advisor to you that is why she immediately deleted his comments so that you will not know who he really is. If you go back how dirty a person he is. Brenda as i wrote I do not know how credible your story is. But i can say one thing do not belive what sylvia or larry writes. They want to make use of you. They want to have publicity for this website. So write to you as if they are very compassionate. Even the priest who wrote, do not believe him .Get support from people who are dear to you and close to you, and whom you have seen in person, your family and friends,
Not from the freaks who write on this web page. They will make your life miserable. You were an innocent young girl when you were abused. Now you are grown up. Act like a grown up. Why do you need this stupid website which makes up stories, for comfort. Seek comfort and support from your husband , children and family members and your friends whom you know personally.
I gave up on this web page before. Why I wrote again is because Sylvia and Larry (both the same person: the IP address is the same). associated me with an anoymois priest whom I do not know. I did not want his name spoiled. When I read his sayings there is nothing wrong he wrote he showed kindness and compassion which sylvia or larry did not want to happen. Because they think all the priests are bad.
Given the fact i am not a compassionate persons to any victims. I doubt the credibility of many cases. But I am a strong beliver in catholic church and it’s priests. I am not a good person for Larry /Sylvia. But it is disgusting that Larry or Sylvia to say that Michael is anonymous priest!
After all who reads writes on this website crazy people like me.good bye and good luck,
Sad Michael. So sad. You know very well that you didn’t see a blog written by Larry to Anonymous. How could you? He didn’t write one.
Another lie Michael.
I will keep you in my prayers Michael. Good by and good luck.
Michael, Anonymous.
Whoever you are, or claim to be; please understand this. I am Roman Catholic. I have lived my life proud to be part of this incredible faith community. I have dedicated a large amount of my personal free time volunteering within my parish on various different committees that helped to keep our parish life vital and engaged.
There is no fault in the doctrine of our faith, if it is lived out as it is written by all who follow, there could be little failure. So make no mistake about where I stand with respect to the teachings of my faith.
My stand at this point is that I refuse to continue to support this institution as long as it continues to stray from its teachings; financially or in person. Clearly this loss is mine and not the church.
However, if more people felt this way it would force the ‘powers at be’ to do something about how they are handling their business.
Everyone knows that pastors of local churches have no power in changing the decisions makers above, at least not as long as they stand alone. Collectively, if the good could separate themselves from the evil and stand up and make a stand, if for only protecting their own personal reputation – I can only imagine the impact that would have. Globally of course this would need to occur.
Another fantasy of mine is that we could organize globally for one month that all parishoners take their weekly donation and give it to a local charity of their choice. We as Catholics that truly want to save our church need to do something drastic to effect change. I truly believe starving our the church even if for only one month…. would send a message that even though not all catholics have been abused, all catholics are suffering because of this abuse and needs to stop.
They have Solidarity Sunday – lets stand in solidarity and send a loud message.
Michael/Anonymous please I am strongly requesting that if you are in fact not sincere, please stop commenting on my site. I am desperately trying to maintain my hope for change within my church that I will be able to return someday.
Until I see serious and permanent changes put in place to protect all people, I refuse to support it. My personal opinion is you are either part of the solution or part of the problem. Continuing to support this chaos is only supporting the problem and not aiding the solution.
I would hope you respect my request and leave this site alone, as it is not helpful in anyway.
Brenda
Well said Brenda. I think – and hope and pray – this particular chapter of turmoil is over for you.
My apologies that it ever reached the point it did Brenda. I will learn from it and keep a keener eye on blogs, But, it surely is a reminder to us all that a wolf in sheep’s clothing is precisely that, a wolf in sheep’s clothing – looks for all the world like a sheep!
Michael in this pathetic state you are in , you really are one sorry specimen …. not two.
You’re condition has deteriorated substantialy in the relatively short period of time since I first saw you on this site . You need to reach out for help imediately -now-this day-this minute.You have no time to waste. You are in very dangerous territory. The writing is on the wall and you have to move but you have to move quickly Michael.
Brenda: If you’re interested in a way to practice you faith and still make your point, attend mass but put one penny in your collection envelope. If you put in nothing the priests might just ignore your statement, but it’s hard to ignore a ‘penny campaign’ because you are making a CLEAR statement about what you believe.
Just a thought.
Fr. Tim
Question Sylvia
You have the dates and locations of Fr. Fallona’s whereabouts at the beginning of this blog.
I noticed a void between 1980 and 1985. Any idea where he was? I still think he was long gone from St. Vincent de Paul before 1980. However, I can’t help but wonder where he was for the 5 years in between known addresses.
Thank you
Brenda
I am just curious what happened to him when he left hour parish and returned with a known address
Thanks
Brenda
I have no idea where he was Brenda. The void in my information exists because at this point I have access only to those directories indicated. The void could be filled by anyone with access to directories from 1981. ’82, ’83. and ’84.
Most seminaries and Catholic iniversities have the Canadian Catholic Church Directories. Do you know anyone with easy access to a seminary or Catholic university library who could check? Or, is there anyone out there in cyberspace who could do it?
hmmn, I wonder why the void for five years… I will have to check into this and see if I can locate this information.
Perhaps, Fr. Tim could assist me with this search?
Brenda
Brenda: Sorry. I only have access to the same directories that Sylvia uses. I’ve never heard of this man except on this site. I will however be happy to post the information if I can stumble across it somewhere.
Fr. Tim
It has been quite some time since I wrote on this blog.
Just wanted to update you that there is a motion before the courts regarding my case in June.
I have received so much support from my family, friends and strangers alike. I am so happy that I finally released my secret and no longer have to keep it inside.
I anxiously await closure on this case; as I am sure all survivors of abuse are anxious for closure.
There is no price for peace of mind, but then again I could not even begin to evaluate the cost for friends, family and loved ones.
Blessings to all
BB