Perhaps that is it?

June 2, 2013, 4:43 pm

Just in case I don’t have opportunity to blog later this evening, a reminder that there are two court dates tomorrow (Monday, 03 June 2013). I encourage those who are within driving distance of either and free to do so to attend:

(1) Father Daniel Miller

03 June 2013: 3 pm, guilty pleas and statement, Pembroke, Ontario courthouse (297 Pembroke Street East)

There was confusion surrounding the start time. Please note that it is 3 pm.

I think too that I just sorted out where the confusion came from.

Thanks to eyes and ear in the court on 19 April we learned that there was a guilty plea in the offing for Father Miller. We also learned that Father Miller’s lawyer was not present in the courtroom, and that, despite Mr. Carew’s absence 03 June 2013 (10 am) was set for a sentencing hearing. Mr. Carew apparently would not be available for that date either!. Justice Belch then advised the court that 03 June it is and that Mr. Carew could send a representative.

I think perhaps Mr. Carew can make it out to Pembroke to represent his client at 3 pm? Might that be why the change? Perhaps there are other reasons, but, as I look back now, I think that perhaps that is it?

We shall see….

As always, keep the complainants and their families in your prayers. I hope to attend – will post a short update from Pembroke.

(2) Ex-priest Gary Hoskins

03 June 2013: 09:30 am, “for plea,” Stephenville, Newfoundland courthouse (35 Alabama Drive)

And, yes, as always, keep the complainants in your prayers. If anyone is in attendance please give us news of the outcome. And please send links to nay and all medai coverage.

Enough for now,

Sylvia

↧

Pictures coming

June 3, 2013, 8:06 pm

≫ Next: Photos from Father Dan Miller’s guilty plea, 04 June 2013

≪ Previous: Perhaps that is it?

I’m getting some pictures of convicted molester Father Dan Miller ready to post. The picture gallery wants to crop the top off some so will revert to posting them onto the page one by one rather than as a gallery. I should have them posted fairly soon. Once those are up I will get to work giving some details about the five guilty pleas and, as I see it, the diocesan cover-up and long-term protection of a known clerical sexual predator.

And, yes, thanks to all you courageous victims we can now definitively say that Father Daniel Miller is indeed a child molester – a wolf in sheep’s clothing.

Good for all of you. Every single one of you. Good for you for putting the shame right where it belongs: smack dab on this wolf in sheep’s clothing’s shoulders!

My heart goes out to the “complainant” whose charges have, at this time, gone nowhere. Father Miller was going to push on to trial on those charges and, as I understand it, the “complainant” was not ready at this time to move on. I pray that he will find the courage to do so.

I want to also pass on the word that there is another victims who is dead. And there is yet another victim who has not been found. Strange as it may sound, Miller has admitted that he sexually abused the latter but police were unable to find the man.

One final note here before I get back to the pictures, there were initially 7 gross indecency charges and 5 indecent assault male charges. Father Miller entered guilty pleas to 5 indecent assault male charges. That means all the gross indecency charges disappeared in the plea bargaining. Perhaps in some cases it was felt that the charge would be difficult to prove in court? I don’t know – I do find it disturbing that they’ve all disappeared.

And, a final final note for now. I do believe that Miller’s lawyer, Robert Carew, is going to be hankering for house arrest for his priestly client. He got it for Monsignor Robert Borne – let’s hope and pray that the Miller victims are not dealt the same slap in the face which so often masquerades as justice for victims of sexual abuse.

Enough for now,

Sylvia

↧

Photos from Father Dan Miller’s guilty plea, 04 June 2013

June 3, 2013, 10:42 pm

≫ Next: ‘Just tickling’

≪ Previous: Pictures coming

I will post some of these pictures individually later today. I had to compress them to put them together on one page – in compression clarity is lost. For now, a few images from Father Daniel Miller’s day in court. He went into court an “alleged” or “accused” child molester. Thanks to the courage of a number of his victims, we can now refer to Father Miller as what he is: a child molester. A real honest to goodness wold in sheep’s clothing. He fooled and deceived so many for long. Not any more.

More later today on what happened in court.

By the way – can you believe it? – not one reporter in the courtroom. Not one! I don’t know if they didn’t know it was on for today, but, no – not one single reporter to catch and report the guilty pleas!

A strange day. Troubling as always, but for very different reasons.

Pembroke Ontario courthouse

Father Daniel Miller, accompanied by Msgr. D. Bridge, Chancellor of the Diocese of Pembroke, walking to the courthouse Monday afternoon, 03 June 2013

Father Daniel Miller (R), accompanied by Msgr. D. Bridge, Chancellor of the Diocese of Pembroke, arrive at the Pembroke courthouse Monday afternoon, 03 June 2013

Father Daniel Miller head to the Pembroke courthouse to plead guilty to sex abuse charges, Monday afternoon, 03 June 2013

Camera shy defence lawyer Robert Carew arrives at Pembroke courthouse Monday 03 June 2013 for his client’s guilty ple

Lawyer Robert Carew shields his face arriving at Pembroke courthouse 03 June 2013. Carew’s client, Father Daniel Miller, was about to enter guilty pleas to charges of child sex abuse

Convicted child molester Father Daniel Miller, accompanied by Msgr. D. Bridge, Chancellor of the Diocese of Pembroke, leave the courthouse, Monday afternoon, 03 June 2013

Convicted child molester Father Daniel Miller, accompanied by Msgr. D. Bridge, Chancellor of the Diocese of Pembroke, walk up the road after Father Miller’s guilty pleas, Monday afternoon, 03 June 2013

↧

‘Just tickling’

June 4, 2013, 12:59 pm

≫ Next: Email exchange regarding absence of reporters for Father Dan Miller “Guilty” pleas

≪ Previous: Photos from Father Dan Miller’s guilty plea, 04 June 2013

After Father Daniel Miller entered a guilty plea to the five remaining charges against him (all indecent assault male) yesterday in courtroom #5 at the Pembroke courthouse, the following facts were read into the record. There is a publication ban on the names of the victims. I have opted to use alphabetical monikers. The initials used are not those of either the surname or given name of the victim.

The facts below are my summation of what I heard in court. (A beautiful court-room by the way. I wanted to take a picture to show you but – not allowed ) A large crest hung over the bench bears the Latin motto “Dieu et mon droit” - God is my law. I like that!

I mentioned yesterday that I thought there were about 16 in court. I looked at my notes and have 17. Believe it or not, and sad to say, that is actually a huge turn out for court.

Father Miller was accompanied by the Chancellor of the Pembroke Diocese, Msgr. Bridge. Usually it would have been Father Proulx at his side, but Father Proulx has had some medical problems so is unable to attend.

And, as I said before, there was only one victim in the court room to watch as his accuser entered a guilty plea.

I was puzzled by Father Miller’s apparent lack of shame. It was strange. Not once did I see his head go down in the courtroom in a show of shame or embarrassment. In fact, in a bit of a bizarre reversal I had no trouble at all getting pictures of Father Miller entering or exiting the courthouse, - it was his lawyer Robert Carew who was trying hide from the camera! A few of you have made comment on that. Strange indeed, is it not?

Now back to the statement. I must let you know that Mr. Carew did not accept the Crown’s statement verbatim . This is strange – usually there is an agreed upon statement of facts: for whatever reason, not here. Anyway, I will put a note where I am aware that Mr. Carew disputes. There was no argument on this from Mr. Nichol so I’m not sure which takes precedence – Mr. Nichols statement, or Mr. Carew’s ‘protest’?

So, here goes:

(1) Victim “A”

Victim “A” was an altar boy at St. James Roman Catholic Church in Eganville, Ontario. Father Dan Miller was a priest at the church.

Father Miller picked “A” up on a Saturday evening and took him to the rectory at the church in Golden Lake Reserve. Father Miller was going to say Mass the following morning.

The two slept in the same bed, both dressed in their underwear.

Father Miller asked “A”: “Do you want to try something that will feel good?”

Miller asked the boy to pull down his underwear. Miller did likewise.

The priest began to touch and rub the boy in his groin. He brushed his hand against the child’s penis – he touched the child’s testicles.

“This is going to feel good,” the priest told the child.

Miller asked the boy to do the same to him. The child complied – “A” momentarily touched the priest: he did not touch the priest’s penis.

The touching lasted about 15 minutes. “A “was nervous and uncomfortable. Miller stopped.

There was no discussion on the drive home the next day.

“A” stopped going to Mass.

“A”’s wife read in the paper that Father Miller had been charged. She told “A.” At that time A disclosed. A contacted police.

(2) Victim “B”

Victim “B” was an altar boy at Our Lady of Good Counsel Roman Catholic Church in Deep River, Ontario. Father Miller arrived at the Church when “B” was in Grade 7 or 8. Miller knew the boy as an altar server, through youth group and visits to the child’s home.

“B”s family was not well to do. Father Miller took the boy to movies and restaurants.

On one occasion Father Miller took “B” to Ottawa to see a movie. On the return trip the pair stopped in Renfrew to visit and stay overnight in the home of Mrs. Miller, the priest’s mother.

After watching TV the priest and boy went upstairs to bed. There was a double bed in the bedroom. Both man and boy were in their underwear.

“B” was lying on his back. Father Miller began to run his fingers across the boy’s stomach. He asked the boy to touch his, Miller’s, stomach as well. Then Miller moved the boy’s underwear down and began to touch the boy’s penis. The boy turned onto his side. Miller continued.

The next day priest and boy drove back to Deep River. There was no discussion of what had transpired.

Similar incidents occurred between three and seven times, and always at the home of Father Miller’s mother in Renfrew. “B” was age 11-13 at the time. Father Miller would try to get “B” to touch his, Miller’s, penis – “B” resisted.

“B” heard through his mother that Father Miller had been charged. At that time “B” disclosed to his mother that he too had been abused by Miller. He had always thought that he was the only one. He had never told anyone. The first person he told was his mother.

“B” contacted police.

[Mr. Carew seemed to want the lower end of the frequency scale to be two, ie two to seven times, vs three to seven times.]

(3) Victim “C”

“C” and his family attended St. John Chrysostom Roman Catholic Church in Arnprior, Ontario. His family was not well-to-do. His mother turned to Father Miller for counselling. Miller would visit the boy’s home on occasion.

Father Miller took “C” skiing in Calabogie. He took “B” and some other boys to the Renfrew fair.

When “C” was around 10-years-of age Father Miller asked him to go along on a trip to Renfrew while Father Miller visited his mother. It was around Christmas time. B recalls seeing the tree and lights.

The pair had supper, watched some TV, and went to bed. There were two single beds in the bedroom.

They said their prayers and went to bed.

“C” recalls Father Miller talking about “C” becoming an altar boy. ( B did so when he was around 11 or 12.)

When “C” awoke in the morning Father Miller’s hand was cupped over the top of his penis. The priest was sitting on the edge of the boy’s bed.

“C” recalls Father Miller saying: “Oh, you have a little tent thing going on there. I was just trying to push it down.” “C” asked the priest to move his hand. Miller tried several times to get the boy to put his hand down to his, “C”‘’s, genitals. The child refused. Around this time Mrs. Miller called the two for breakfast.

The pair had breakfast with Father Miller’s mother . They went shopping (new wiunter mitts for the boy). Then the drove back to Arnprior.

There was no discussion of what had happened, but Father Miller did tell “C”: “Just remember that some people do bad things and people that do bad things tend to go to Hell.”

When they reached Arnprior and the boy was leaving without saying good-bye Miller asked him: “What, no goodbye?” the boy said good-bye.

There were no further trips to Mrs. Miller’s home in Renfrew for “C,” but there was some contact in future years with Father Miller.

“C” had serious drug problems. He was living in shelters. He attempted to commit suicide.

At some point when “C” went back to detox he told a counsellor about the abuse. Then he saw an article in the paper about the charges against Father Miller. “C” told other counsellors. He contacted police.

[Mr. Carew wanted to get on the record that "C" had never blamed his drug problems on his sexual abuse. He also said that Father Miller did not tell "C" that people who do bad things go to Hell.]

(4) Victim DN

DN and his brothers were altar boys at Our Lady of Good Counsel Roman Catholic Church in Deep River, Ontario.

DN’s parents were active in the Church and had a lot of youth activities at their home. Father Miller visited the home frequently. He counselled DN’s mother who was a victim of incest.

Father Miller often treated the boy to fast foods –a rare treat for the child.

Four times DN accompanied Father Miller to Renfrew when the priest was visiting his mother overnight. On one of three of those trips DN was alone with Father. On the other three trips it was DN and DN’s two brothers who made the trip.

When all three boys went to Renfrew, one of three boys would always sleep with Father. DN slept with Father Miller when his brothers were too. Nothing happened.

DN was about 9-years-old when he made the trip to Renfrew alone.

DN and Father Miller slept in the same bed. They were both in T-shirts and underwear.

Father Miller put his arm around DN’s waist and they went to sleep.

In the morning, Father asked DN if he was ticklish. DN said he was not.

The priest began to tickle the boy’s chest. “Are sure you’re not ticklish?” he asked. The child repeatedly told the priest that no, he was not ticklish.

It continued. Father Miller pulled the child’s underwear down: he began to tickle the boy’s scrotum and penis. He was also touching the boy’s buttocks.

DN became catatonic.

The priest did not ask the boy to reciprocate.

This went on for more than a few minutes.

The priest and boy got up, had breakfast and drove back to Deep River. There was no discussion about what had happened, however on the drive home Father Miller told the boy that he, Miller, would get into a lot of trouble if D said anything

D was the first victim to come forward and contact the police.

(5) Victim EN

EN is a former altar boy at Our Lady of Good Counsel Roman Catholic church in Deep River and brother of DN. He was about nine years of age when he accompanied Father Miller on a trip to Renfrew to visit Miller’s mother.

The priest and boy went upstairs to bed. There was one bed in the bedroom.

Father Miller suggested they play a game – each would draw on the other’s back and they would have to guess what was being drawn.

The drawing game moved onto the stomachs.

Father Miller put his hand down EN’s shorts, grabbed the boy’s testicles and asked: “What are these called?”

“Those are my balls,” said the boy.

Miller stopped. The boy started drawing on the priest’s stomach again. The priest kept asking him to go lower. The boy didn’t want to. Finally they went to sleep.

The incident is never discussed.

When time came for EN to marry he refused to get married in the Catholic Church. It was at this time that he told his mother about the abuse.

Reported

In 1997 Mrs. N was told by her son DN that he had been sexually abused by Father Dan Miller.

Mrs. N headed right for Pembroke. She confronted Father Miller with the allegations. Miller admitted to the abuse. He told Mrs. N he was glad the allegations were out in the open. He tried to tell Mrs. N that the abuse was not invasive – that it was only touching.

An upset Mrs. N slapped the priest in the face.

Mrs. N then headed off to talk to the Bishop. The Bishop of the day was Brendan O’Brien.

The distraught mother asked Bishop O’Brien to ensure that Father Miller would not be permitted to say conduct services (say Mass) or be alone with children. The Bishop agreed. (As recently as 2011 Father Miller was in active ministry assisting at St. Edwards in Bristol.)

Counselling was offered for the mother and her sons.

During counselling it was suggested that Mrs. N ask for a letter of apology from Father Miller. She did so. In 1999 she received a letter of apology from Father Miller. He apologizes “for the trust that was broken.” He told her that provisions were being made for him to get professional help.

The Charges

On 20 December 2012 EN contacted police.

Father Miller was arrested 29 February 2012. His statement to police was described as “semi-inculpatory.” He admitted ‘touching’ the two brothers, and B and another boy who has since died. He also admitted abuse of an Arnprior boy whose whereabouts are unknown.

Father Miller admitted all of the incidents which transpired at his mother’s home. He claimed he was only tickling the boys.

Mr. Carew has asked for an assessment of Father Miller for the bracelet program. The judge is unfamiliar with the assessment. It will proceed. I am sure that Mr. Carew will try to get Father Miller on house arrest sporting an ankle bracelet. He did it for Monsignor Robert Borne.

A Sexual Behaviour Assessment dated 13 May 2013 and conducted by Dr. Federhoff from the Royal Ottawa Hospital was entered into evidence by Mr. Carew. There were no quotes.

There was also an exhibit of letters of commendation or support for Father Miller. Not one of those letters was read into the record. Usually a lawyer takes great pride in reading at least three of such letters or notes into the record. Not a one such letter was read to the court by Mr. Carew.

A sentencing report will be prepared for the sentencing hearing: 10 am, 17 September 2012.

A long wait. I’m not sure if sentencing will be pronounced the same day.

A reminder that the seven charges of gross indecency laid by police disappeared. Those charges would include such things as masturbation and oral sex. I don’t know if some or all of those went because Father Miller would agree to enter a guilty plea on the indecent assault male charges, but not on the gross indecency?

On a lighter note, I’ll close off by saying that yesterday was another opportunity to meet and get together with friends old and new – silver linings

Enough for now.

Sylvia

↧

Email exchange regarding absence of reporters for Father Dan Miller “Guilty” pleas

June 6, 2013, 7:57 am

≫ Next: “Father Miller pleads guilty”& related article

≪ Previous: ‘Just tickling’

The following is an email exchange regarding absence of reporters at the Father Daniel Miller 03 June 2013 court date. Suzanne sent a cover note to Metroland East (1) and included a Letter to the Editor for publication (2). On 05 June Suzanne was advised that her letter would not be published (3). (Metroland East publishes papers in several communities, including Renfrew (Renfrew Mercury) and Arnprior (Arnprior Chronicle-Guide)

(1) The Note (o4 June 2013)

We attended the court session; there were no other reporters; so I have composed a letter to the Editor that I would appreciate if it could be posted as is. I was very careful to state what only was said in the court room.

(2) The Letter to the Editor

Dear Editor:

Guilty! Guilty on five charges of indecent assault on a male.

On June 3^rd, 2013, at the Pembroke Courthouse, Father Daniel Miller, a Diocesan Catholic priest with the Pembroke Diocese entered his guilty pleas.

Father Miller is a native of Renfrew, where he was raised and ordained at Our Lady of Fatima Parish in 1969. His first years as an ordained priest were spent at Saint James the Lesser Roman Catholic Church in Eganville, before he was transferred to Our Lady of Good Counsel Roman Catholic Church in Deep River. He subsequently was assigned to Saint John Chrysostom Catholic Church in Arnprior in 1976 as assistant. He was parish priest at Saint John’s from 1985 to 1995.

Having attended the court session on June 3^rd, I listened closely to the statement of facts as entered into the court by Crown Attorney Jason Nichol. Unfortunately, no press/media were present in the court room; thus my letter to inform the people of the Ottawa Valley what transpired.

It became apparent to me from the court statement of facts that Father Miller preyed on young altar boys, aged 10 to 13 years of age. The five individual assaults described by the Crown took place between 1969 and 1978.

Father Miller frequently spent time at the homes of the victims; visiting, providing counselling , sharing meals and/or attending family celebrations. All five boys were altar servers at their respective Catholic Church at the time of the individual assaults. One boy was from Eganville, one from Arnprior, and three victims were from Deep River. Father Miller often treated the boys to social outings; the Renfrew fair, trips to see movies in Ottawa, a visit to a local farm, treats at restaurants and fast food outlets. He also purchased clothing gifts. All part of what today we know as “grooming the victim”. With the exception of the Eganville victim, who was assaulted at the Golden Lake Catholic Church Rectory/Cottage?, the other four assaults that Father Miller plead guilty to, took place at his mother’s house in Renfrew in an upstairs bedroom, after an evening of watching tv. His mother served breakfast in the morning, according of the statement of facts after two of the individual assaults. Yes you read it right, his mother’s house!!!

There are many details that could be divulged that were stated in the court room. Suffice it to say, in my opinion, that there are other victims. Namely it was stated by the Crown the name of another victim who is now deceased and also another Arnprior boy’s, name who could not be located. Father Miller admitted involvement.

Why have I “put myself out there” and written this letter? Many of us initially had great misgivings about these horrible accusations against our “Father Dan”, that he would never do such things. We were in disbelief! Well he did!! Unfortunately he was not the priestly person we thought he was. He betrayed young boys. He abused them. He betrayed all of us.

It was said to me recently “his life is ruined” Really? Really!! And what about the lives of those he abused; those young innocent boys?

For the other victims who are out there and in my humble opinion there are other victims, for all the victims, I write this letter for you. You are not alone it was not your fault. He was the adult; he was the Catholic priest; he abused your trust. You were but a child; an altar boy!!

Please everyone, pray for all the victims. They deserve our thoughts and prayers.

Father Daniel Miller’s sentencing hearing is in Pembroke Court on September 7^th 2013. Victim impact statements will be presented at that time. It is open to the public. For those, who can, I urge you to attend as a support to these men, who as boys had their innocence stolen from them by a Catholic Priest. For further information you might want to Google Sylvia’s Site.

Sincerely,

Suzanne M. Lee, Fitzroy Harbour

(3) The Reply

From: Theresa.Fritz@metroland.com
To: [xxxx]
CC: Lucy.Hass@metroland.com; ddunn1@metroland.com; JCarter@runge.net
Date: Wed, 5 Jun 2013 12:49:45 -0400
Subject: RE: Court coverage

Hi Suzanne,

Thank you very much for your letter. No, no one from Metroland was able to attend the session in court this week but we are following it up. One of our reporters did get court documents relating to the case and we will be putting a story together.

I am sorry but we cannot run your letter for a variety of reasons. For starters, we cannot accept your version of events as truth. We need the documents or to speak with lawyers for those facts. Also, just become something was said in court does not mean it is publishable in the media so we need to get our information from the lawyers. Also, we cannot allow for comments on an ongoing case. In this case, the case is not yet closed because sentencing will be in September.

I trust you will understand.

Theresa

Theresa Fritz

Interim Managing Editor

Metroland East

Ottawa, Arnprior and Renfrew

80 Colonnade Rd. Unit 4, Ottawa, ON K2E 7L2

613-221-6261, 613-978-7238 (c)

theresa.fritz@metroland.com

↧

“Father Miller pleads guilty”& related article

June 6, 2013, 8:46 am

≫ Next: 200 recall Melissa at emotional funeral

≪ Previous: Email exchange regarding absence of reporters for Father Dan Miller “Guilty” pleas

The Pembroke Observer

Thursday, June 6, 2013 9:28:14 EDT AM

By Sean Chase, Daily Observer

A Pembroke priest has pleaded guilty to indecently assaulting boys going back 44 years.

Father Daniel Miller had initially been charged with six counts of gross indecency and indecent assault against a male in connection with incidents alleged to have occurred between 1969 and 1980. The sixth charge was dropped by the crown.

The pleas were entered into a Pembroke court Monday. Sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 17.

Miller was ordained in Renfrew on May 10, 1969. The earliest charge stemmed from an incident alleged to have occurred five days after his ordination. He served briefly in Eganville, with other positions in Arnprior, Deep River and Petawawa prior to 1999. The 68-year-old priest from the Diocese of Pembroke was arrested Feb. 29, 2012. He remains out on conditions until his sentencing.

Sean Chase is a Daily Observer multimedia journalist

sean.chase@sunmedia.ca

______________________________

FORMER VALLEY PRIEST PLEADS GUILTY TO INDECENT ASSAULT

My FM 104.9

6/5/2013 8:55:23 AM

Father Dan Miller has pleaded guilty to five counts of indecent assault in Pembroke Court this week. He was originally charged with 12 counts involving young boys while he was a priest at several locations in the Ottawa Valley. A pre-sentence report has been ordered and the sentencing phase is set to begin September 17th. Miller remains out of custody pending the sentencing hearings.

↧

200 recall Melissa at emotional funeral

June 13, 2013, 12:00 pm

≫ Next: Lima- Esteves: Father Luis Lima-Esteves

≪ Previous: “Father Miller pleads guilty”& related article

The Toronto Star

19 October 1989

No more needles, no more pain, no more false hopes.

“Missy is at home, is at rest, is at peace,” Father Gary Hoskins told more than 200 people gathered at Brampton’s St. Anne’s Church yesterday for Melissa Duval’s funeral.

After a lengthy battle with cancer, the 5-year-old died quietly at her Brampton home Sunday night.

“Missy won the hearts of many of us,” Hoskins said. “This little girl was a gift from God. We have all been lifted by her courage, strength and her endurance during the many months and years of her illness.”

Clutching pink carnations, eight children, led by Missy’s older brother Josh, 7, followed the little pink coffin into the church.

Later, at Meadowvale Cemetery in Brampton, each of the children laid a flower on top of the coffin.

“She touched our hearts,” one bystander said.

When she was 2, Melissa was first diagnosed with neuroblastoma, a rare form of cancer spread in the nervous system. Since then, it’s been an emotional and expensive roller coaster ride for the family.

At first the disease was misdiagnosed by a family doctor. Then, desperate for a cure, Melissa and her parents made two trips to Greece for controversial treatment. Twice, they believed the cancer was gone. Two more times, it came back.

“It’s been very rough. It’s been so long,” said Annette Duval, one of Missy’s aunts. “She never complained. She wouldn’t cry in front of her parents because she didn’t want to upset them.”

Missy’s mother, Kathy, was led into the church by her mother and father. She turned her back when the coffin was brought in. During the emotional church service, she sat with her head bowed.

Missy’s father, Moe, sat beside his distraught wife. She was unable to go to the cemetery.

↧

Lima- Esteves: Father Luis Lima-Esteves

June 18, 2013, 9:27 am

≫ Next: Papi: Father Robert Papi

≪ Previous: 200 recall Melissa at emotional funeral

Luis Fernanda Lima-Esteves

“Father Lima”

Priest, Diocese of Hamilton, Ontario. Ordained 1963. 1989 charged with fraud and assault. Fall 1990 ACQUITTED of all charges. November 1992 killed while crossing highway in Oakville, ON

___________________

10 November 1992: Killed while crossing highway in Oakville, Ontario (M)

1995: Not listed in directory (CCCD)

1991: St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church, Oakville, Ontario (CCCD)

November 1990: Acquitted of assault charge (M)

October 1990: Acquitted on theft charge (M)

1985-86: Pastor, St. Joseph Portuguese Roman Catholic Church, Oakville, Ontario (CCCD)

1980: St. James (the Greater) Roman Catholic Church, Oakville, Ontario (with Fathers A.M. Pucci crsp, J. Cavaglia crsp (CCCD)

1973-74: St. Andrew Roman Catholic Church, Oakville, Ontario (Pastor Father B.W. Harrigan cb) (CCCD)

1971-72: St. Andrew Roman Catholic Church, Oakville, Ontario (Pastor Father J.W. Flaherty (CCCD)

1968-69,1967: Not listed in directory (CCCD)

1963: ORDAINED (CCCD)

___________________

Portuguese priest killed crossing Oakville roadway

The Toronto Star

11 November 1993

Father Luis Lima-Esteves, one of the most colorful and controversial Roman Catholic priests in Ontario’s Portuguese community, was killed after he was hit by two vehicles while crossing Highway 25 in Oakville yesterday.

Lima-Esteves, 53, known to his parishioners as Padre Lima, was trying to cross the road, south of Highway 5, when he was struck by southbound van, police said. Lima-Esteves was then thrown into the northbound lane where he was hit by another vehicle, according to police. No charges were laid.

Lima-Esteves was a priest with St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church near the scene of the accident.

________________________

Making a difference A gallery of influential and lesser-known lights in the Toronto-Portugese community

The Toronto Star

10 September 1992

Father Luis Lima-Esteves is one of the most colorful and controversial Cathoilc priests in the Portuguese community. Known as Padre Lima, he is adored by many of his parishioners at St. Joseph’s Church on Bronte Road in Oakville.

But he has also been before the courts twice and been chastised for blessing a bullfight in Listowell, Ont. Lima, 53, was acquitted on assault charges stemming from a 13-year-old boy giggling in church and on fraud charges for collecting money and goods for a church raffle that was never held.

______________________

Priest acquitted of assaulting boy

The Toronto Star

22 November 1990

Farrell Cook

Oakville’s controversial priest, Rev. Luis Lima-Esteves, has been acquitted of assaulting a 13-year-old boy who had been giggling during a Sunday church service two years ago.

Judge J. E. C. Robinson said defence testimony created a reasonable doubt that Father Lima, as he is known at St. Joseph’s Church on Bronte Rd. in Oakville, assaulted the youngster.

The judge admonished parishioners who started clapping in the courtroom when the decision was announced. “Please, order in the court,” Robinson said. The clapping stopped abruptly. Lima shook his lawyer’s hand.

Daniel Machado, who had been sitting with other youngsters at the front of the church, testified Lima grabbed him by the sweater and pushed him, yelling for him to get out of the church for giggling.

“I’ll kick you out the window,” he quoted the priest as shouting.

His testimony was supported by his sister, their mother, and another girl. Daniel said he and his family have never returned to the church.

Lima, 51, said Daniel had been laughing and talking during the service and was distracting children he was addressing at the front of the church. He denied touching the boy.

Lima’s testimony was backed by three adults.

The charge was laid by Halton Region police during an investigation of a lottery raffle at St. Joseph’s that was never held. Lima was acquitted last month on theft and fraud charges in connection with proceeds from the 1987 lottery.

In the summer of 1989, Lima attracted attention when he attended a Portuguese-style bullfight in Listowel to bless the bull ring, bullfighters and public.

_____________________

Oakville priest acquitted of theft

The Toronto Star

12 October 1990

Parishioners applauded and an Oakville priest wept as he was acquitted of theft and fraud charges involving collections for a church raffle that was never held.

Judge Doug Latimer said yesterday he had a reasonable doubt that Rev. Luis Lima-Esteves had intended to defraud ticket buyers or prize donors, or that he had intended to take one of the prizes.

But the accused, known as Father Lima to his parishioners at St. Joseph’s Church on Bronte Rd., showed “a serious error in judgment in cancelling the lottery without returning the money and prizes,” the judge said in Ontario Court, provincial division.

One of the donated prizes, an oak table and set of chairs, was found two years later by police in Lima-Esteves‘ rectory.

A parishioner testified he gave Lima-Esteves a box of sold raffle ticket stubs and $750 cash for the church’s building fund the day before the draw in June, 1987. Two others said they gave Lima- Esteves $171 for tickets sold.

Ticket buyers never got their money back.

Lima-Esteves, 51, was charged with theft under $1,000 and with theft by conversion in connection with the table and chairs.

Lima-Esteves testified he couldn’t recall getting the money. He denied being in charge of the raffle, although he admitted signing the licence application.

The church council, at the urging of another priest who has since returned to Portugal, wanted the lottery and was in charge of it, he said.

Lima-Esteves said he was prepared to give ticket buyers back their money, but no one asked for it.

The dinette set remained in the church hall for about a year after the lottery was to have been held, then was moved across the street to his rectory to provide room for a dinner he was giving for a group of Portuguese musicians, Lima-Esteves testified.

When police questioned him about the set, Lima-Esteves said he had bought it from a parishioner. But that man said he sold the priest only an easy chair.

____________________

Oakville priest charged with fraud, assault

Toronto Star

07 November 1989

Dale Brazao

A Roman Catholic priest in Oakville has been charged with fraud, theft and assault involving a 12-year-old boy.

A church held a lottery raffle in which parishioners donated prizes and sold thousands of tickets but no draw was ever held, Halton Region police said.

In a separate and unrelated incident, a priest physically assaulted a boy during a Sunday Mass, police said.

Witnesses told police that a priest grabbed the youngster, who was giggling during Mass, and shook him violently before the stunned congregation.

The theft and fraud charges come after police raided a home and church. They recovered some of the prizes which were to have been raffled on June 15, 1987, during a festival at the church.

Items returned

Chairs and a solid oak table were recovered at the home. An accordion was found at the church, police said.

Those items were returned to the original donors after they were photographed for evidence, said Sergeant Bill Coda, the officer in charge of the investigation.

But a color televison set donated by a furniture company has not been recovered, Coda said.

Neither has the money from the tickets, which sold for $1 each. The proceeds were to go toward the building of a new church.

Halton police began the investigation after getting a number of complaints. Three other parishioners took their complaints to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Church members have also complained to the Archdiocese of Hamilton. They went to police when the bishop failed to address their concerns, one complainant told The Star.

Parishioners were apparently outraged when a priest took to the podium recently and proclaimed that the entire congregation was under investigation by police.

Rev. Luis Lima-Esteves, 50, pastor of St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church on Bronte Rd., was charged last night after a lengthy investigation by Halton police.

Radio show

The colorful and controversial Portuguese-born priest is known as Father Lima to parishioners.

He hosts a popular nightly radio program, which he boasts has 100,000 listeners and brings in more than $375,000 in advertising revenue.

This summer he attended a Portuguese-style bullfight held in in Listowel, Ont., to bless the bull ring, the bullfighters and the public, he said.

“I’m here to bless the bullfighters, not the bulls,” Lima told reporters who kept pressing him on whether it was appropriate for a priest to be attending a bullfight. “I go where my people go.”

In 1982, when parishioner Delia Adiano was murdered, Lima shocked his congregation by shouting from the pulpit that he suspected the killer was in attendance at the funeral Mass. He urged the killer to give himself up.

No one came forward and the murder is still unsolved.

Lima is to appear in Oakville Provincial Court on Dec. 5.

___________________________

Oakville priest’s fraud trial starts

The Toronto Star

11 November 1990

An Oakville priest, surrounded by 100 supporters, began his trial yesterday on charges of fraud, theft and assault.

Father Luis Lima-Esteves, 50, of Oakville’s St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church, appeared in Oakville Provincial Court facing charges of fraud and theft in connection with a 1987 raffle to raise money for the church.

He is also charged with assault in connection with a separate incident in which a 12-year-old boy was reportedly shaken in front of parishioners after giggling during Mass.

At least $700 in tickets were sold by parishioners for the raffle, which was supposed to be held June 7, 1987, witnesses told the court.

But they said the raffle was never held and the prizes – a color television, an oak table with four chairs and an accordian – were never awarded.

Close to 100 parishioners and friends of Father Lima, as he is known within Oakville’s Portuguese community, filled the courtroom. The trial is to continue Oct. 11.

↧

Papi: Father Robert Papi

June 18, 2013, 9:59 am

≫ Next: Tonna: Father Charles Emmanuel Tonna

≪ Previous: Lima- Esteves: Father Luis Lima-Esteves

Father Robert Papi, 1985

Priest, Diocese of Peterborough, Ontario. Ordained 1985. 1991 CONVICTED charges of sex abuse of two 13-year-old boys – 12 month conditional sentence

_________________

Bishops of Peterborough Diocese from time of Father Robert Papi`s ordination: James Leonard Doyle (24 May 1976 – 28 December 2002 ); Nicola de Angelis, C.F.I.C. (28 December 2002 – )

__________________

The following information is drawn from Canadian Catholic Church Directories (CCCD) which I have available, and media (M)

13 June 2013: Father Robert Papi on Big C Catholic blog 18 June 2013

2012: Not listed in directory (CCCD)

2011, 2010: address for an apartment in Edmonton, Alberta (CCCD)

Father Pappi essays featured on Peterborough Diocese website c 2010 (Most of the writings by `Fr. Bob Papi` listed in the Peterborough Diocese website seem to be homilies, dating from 1997 to 2002

24 March 2011: Letter to Editor, National Post

I am not sure if Michael Ignatieff understands that his intent to defeat the budget will cost him much support. Until Stéphane Dion, I supported the Liberals. I was looking forward to 2012, when I was planning to return to the Liberal fold. However, Mr. Ignatieff’s decision to force an unnecessary election at this time means I will vote for stability, i.e., Conservative.
I think it will likely take at least another decade to repair the damage that Mr. Ignatieff has done.
Robert Papi, Edmonton.

29 June 2009: Rev. Robert Papi from Canada quoted in Justice for Priests and Deacons June `09 letter

2002: Pastor, Our Lady of Lourdes Roman Catholic Church, Cardiff, Ontario (CCCD)

1999: address for Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church, Peterborough, Ontario (Pastor Father Gerard McMahon) (CCCD)

1998, 1996: 200 St. Luke`s Ave., Peterborough, Ontario (CCCD) (this is now a senior citizens home -is that what it was in 2006? If yes to the latter, was Father Papi serving as a chaplain?

1998, 1995, 1994, 1993, 1991: address c/o Peterborough diocesan centre (CCCD)

22 July 1992: 12 month conditional sentence (M)

08 July 1991: CONVICTED (M)

March 1990: charged with two counts of sexual assault (M)

late 80`s: Pastor at St. Mary of the Assumption Roman Catholic Church, Huntsville, Ontario (Father Robert Papi Psator st St Mary of the Assumption Huntsville in late 80s)

1985: ORDAINED

__________________________

Priest guilty of sex offence

The Montreal Gazette

24 July 1991

HUNTSVILLE, Ont. – A Roman Catholic priest convicted of two counts of sexual interference involving 13-year-old boys has been given a 12-month suspended sentence.

Father Robert Pappi, 46, of Huntsville, was also placed on 12 months probation during a brief appearance in Bracebridge provincial court.

An investigation was carried out by the Muskoka Children’s Aid Society after it received complaints. Pappi was charged in April, 1990.

Pappi was associated with St. Mary’s of Assumption Church in Huntsville, about 125 kilometres north of Barrie in the Muskoka cottage area.

____________________________

Priest convicted in sex case

The Toronto Star

09 July 1991

BRACEBRIDGE (CP) – A Roman Catholic priest was convicted yesterday of two charges of sexual interference involving 13-year- old boys.

Rev. Robert Pappi, 46, will be sentenced July 22.

He was charged in April, 1990, after the Muskoka Children’s Aid Society received complaints.

Pappi was associated with St. Mary’s of Assumption Church in Huntsville, about 125 kilometres (77 miles) north of Barrie.

He originally faced two charges of sexual assault.

________________________

Priest faces sex assault charges

Toronto Star

12 March 1990

HUNTSVILLE (CP) – A Roman Catholic priest has been charged with two counts of sexual assault following a complaint from the Children’s Aid Society, police said today.

Robert Papi, 46, of St. Mary’s of Assumption Church, was charged Friday and is to appear in provincial court in Huntsville on April 18, said provincial police Sergeant Dan St. Michael.

The charges stem from complaints received Jan. 24 from the Muskoka Children’s Aid Society, St. Michael said.

Police released no further information.

Parish members were told yesterday their priest was facing Criminal Code charges and they would soon receive a letter providing more information.

↧

Tonna: Father Charles Emmanuel Tonna

June 18, 2013, 4:57 pm

≫ Next: Lots of fun

≪ Previous: Papi: Father Robert Papi

Charles Emmanuel Tonna

Maltese priest, served in the Archdiocese of Toronto. Date of ordination unknown. 1998 convicted of sexually abusing a comatose 71-year-old woman in a hospital bed – sentenced to house arrest.

Father Tonna`s name does not appear in any of the Canadian Catholic Church Directories of the 90`s, nor in the mid 80`s. When he came to Canada is unknown. He was supposed to return to his native Malta after completing his conditional sentence.

__________________________

Archbishops of Archdiocese of Toronto during the 90`s: Aloysius Matthew Ambrozic (17 March 1990 – - 16 December 2006 )

Auxiliary bishops of Archdiocese of Toronto during the 90s: Michael Pearse Lacey (03 May 1979 – 31 May 1993); Robert Bell Clune (03 May 1979 to 27 December 1995); Leonard James Wall (03 May 1979 — 25 February 1992); John Stephen Knight (27 Apr 1992 - 9 Apr 2000); Anthony Giroux Meagher † (30 April 1997 - 27 Apr il2002) Nicola de Angelis, C.F.I.C. (Auxiliary Bishop: 27 April 1992 to 28 December 2002)

_______________________

1996: assisting at St. Paul the Apostle Roman Catholic Church, Toronto, Ontario (M)

_________________________

Priest sentenced for assault

The Toronto Globe and Mail

02 May 1998

Jill Mahoney

A Roman Catholic priest who sexually assaulted an elderly woman while she lay in a catatonic state on a hospital bed was given a nine-month conditional sentence Thursday. Charles Tonna, 62, had “done nothing but good work” over his 36 years as a priest, his lawyer, Fred Shanahan, told Mr. Justice Eugene Ewaschuk of the Ontario Court’s General Division. Mr. Tonna has been stripped of his priestly duties at Toronto’s St. Paul the Apostle church and lives a lonely and solitary life within its walls. On Sept. 8, 1996, he entered the room of a “completely vulnerable” 72-year-old woman at St. Joseph’s Hospital and sexually assaulted her. The woman was not aware of the attack, which lasted only a few seconds, Judge Ewaschuk said.

______________________

Priest, 62, spared jail for molesting patient

The Toronto Star

01 May 1998

Gary Oakes

STAFF REPORTER

A 62-year-old Toronto priest has been spared a jail term for the “outrageous and scandalous” crime of molesting a comatose woman in a hospital bed.

Mr. Justice Eugene Ewaschuk yesterday placed Father Charles Emanuel Tonna under virtual house arrest and ordered him to keep the peace and be of good behaviour for the next nine months.

Otherwise, the Ontario Court, general division judge warned, Tonna will be brought back to court and sent to jail.

Judges are permitted to impose so-called conditional or non- custodial sentences if the offender is not considered a danger to the community.

In Tonna‘s case, Ewaschuk said, he is in poor health, he has been “stripped of his priestly duties,” he’s shamed and disgraced himself and his church and his life is virtually ruined.

Tonna was found guilty of sexual assault for molesting a 72-year- old woman in the chronic-care ward of St. Joseph’s Health Centre on The Queensway on Sept. 8, 1996.

Prosecutor Angela Jeffrey said the victim suffers from an advanced state of dementia and “may not have been aware of what was done to her.”

A nurse testified she saw Tonna touching the woman’s vagina and demanded to know what he was doing.

He replied that he was simply visiting patients in the hospital.

“That’s not visiting,” the nurse said she told him.

Defence counsel Fred Shanahan said after a lifetime of service, Tonna had committed “a most ruinous act.”

He said after Tonna completes his conditional sentence his church will return him to his native Malta.

_________________________

Maltese priest faces charges after woman sexually assaulted

The Saskatoon Star Phoenix

10 September 1996

TORONTO (CP) — A Roman Catholic priest charged with sexually assaulting an elderly woman in her hospital bed is in Canada on a visitor’s permit from Malta, police said Monday.

The 72-year-old woman, who cannot walk or talk and suffers from senile dementia, was in her room at St. Joseph’s Health Centre on Sunday night when a man went in, police said.

A nurse walked into the room and found the man removing the woman’s clothes.

Charles Emanuel Tonna, 60, of Toronto, has been charged with sexual assault.

Tonna, a priest with St. Paul the Apostle Church, was released on $5,000 bail after pleading not guilty Monday.

He was also ordered to stay away from hospitals, old age residences and chronic care facilities and not to leave his residence at St. Paul’s without supervision.

“Anyone who is dressed as a priest in a hospital is in a position of trust and this is of great concern to the hospital staff and to us,” said Sgt. Rob Cooper of Toronto police.

_____________________________

Toronto: Woman attacked, priest charged

The Kingston Whig – Standard (Kingston, Ontario)

10 September 1996

Police have charged a Roman Catholic priest with sexually assaulting an elderly woman in her hospital bed. The 72-year-old woman, who cannot walk or talk, was in her room at St. Joseph’s Health Centre on Sunday night when a man went in, police said. A nurse walked into the room and found the man removing the woman’s clothes. Charles Emanuel Tonna, 60, of Toronto, has been charged with sexual assault. Tonna is a priest with St. Paul the Apostle Church.

↧

Lots of fun

July 2, 2013, 9:08 pm

≫ Next: Celebrated U of T prof arrested on child porn charges

≪ Previous: Tonna: Father Charles Emmanuel Tonna

Holy Cross Father Rheal Leblanc had a court date on his child porn charges in Welland, Ontario yesterday (02 July 2013). Does anyone know the outcome? I won’t be able to check for the next court date until I get back home so any news welcome.

*****

Busy days – helping get the backyard squared away, so we’ve all been hauling and laying those big decorator bricks, – tons of them I swear:) The weather has been beautiful – days are hot but a lovely cool down in the evening – so pleasant to sit out in the back yard for supper. And lots of time to play games with the wee ones. All of them sported red and white fingernails and toenails for Canada Day, …and Canada flag decals on their faces, and arms, and necks and hands for Canada Day. Lots of fun!

The days are flying – before we know it we’ll be facing that dreaded teary farewell and launching on the journey home.

Thinking of you all every day

Enough for now,

Sylvia

↧

Celebrated U of T prof arrested on child porn charges

July 8, 2013, 10:46 pm

≫ Next: Postponed

≪ Previous: Lots of fun

Benjamin Levin, well respected in educational and government circles, is charged with making and distributing child pornography.

The Toronto Star

Published on Mon Jul 08 2013

By:Jennifer Pagliaro News reporter,

Benjamin Levin, former deputy minister of education for Ontario and current University of Toronto professor, also research chair in education leadership and policy, has been charged with child exploitation offences, including making child pornography.

It was a child exploitation investigation that spanned from New Zealand to Canada that included an undercover agent conducting an online chat with a suspect believed to be from Toronto.

On Monday, Toronto police say, that multi-jurisdictional investigation culminated in the arrest of Benjamin Levin, a celebrated U of T education professor and highly regarded civil servant. The child pornography charges stunned colleagues in academic and political circles.

The father of three, who was named to Premier Kathleen Wynne’s transition team in January, will “vigorously defend” against the charges, lawyer Gerald Chan told reporters outside a North York courthouse Monday afternoon, following Levin’s arrest.

Investigators in New Zealand made contact with a suspect on an open online forum in January, said Jon Peacock, a senior inspector with a New Zealand internal affairs unit that specializes in online child-abuse investigations.

After several months of sporadic contact, the suspect sent “child abuse materials” to the investigator, Peacock said.

“As soon as that happened, we sent it to our colleagues at Toronto sex crimes,” he said.

Toronto police charged Levin, 61, with two counts of distributing child pornography and one count each of making child pornography, counselling to commit an indictable offence and agreeing to or arranging for a sexual offence against a child under 16.

Toronto police sources say the continued probe “overlaps” with investigations in New Zealand and England.

News of the arrest shocked associates in the academic and political communities between which Levin has split his professional life. He has been an educator, travelling the globe speaking on policy and research, and a public servant, appointed deputy minister for education in Manitoba and in Ontario, under former premier Dalton McGuinty.

Levin was named to Wynne’s transition team after she became leader of the Ontario Liberal Party in January.

He is currently a tenured professor at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education at the University of Toronto and is the Canada research chair in education leadership and policy.

Education Minister Liz Sandals attempted to distance the provincial government from Levin on Monday.

“Dr. Levin’s only recent involvement with the Ministry has been on contract research projects and guest speaking roles through his capacity as a professor at OISE, work that has been suspended pending the outcome of the investigation,” she said in a statement. “The Government of Ontario takes allegations of this nature extremely seriously.”

After police raided the Glengarry Ave. home Levin owns with his wife, the father of three appeared in a North York courtroom wearing black dress pants and a crisp blue short-sleeved dress shirt. He sat in the prisoner’s box with his hands folded over his lap, rubbing his thumbs and looking out to where two of his three brothers sat in the back row.

Levin, who is being represented by Gerald Chan, from the law offices of prominent criminal defence lawyer Clayton Ruby, will remain in custody until Wednesday, when a bail hearing is scheduled.

Chan told reporters outside the courthouse that the Crown asked the court for more time to investigate, and could not say whether more charges are expected.

He spoke of his client’s status in the education community and his family — including his wife and three daughters, who tie him to the city.

“This is not someone whose bail should be denied,” Chan said. “In the circumstances, he’s holding up reasonably well . . . He’s anxious to defend the charges.”

An elder statesman of Canadian education, Levin — a soft-spoken man with a wry wit — is widely admired not only for his expertise in classroom innovation and teacher training, but his ease in putting it into plain English — a skill that has made him a popular media commentator.

According to Levin’s curriculum vitae posted online, he has made many trips in recent years for conferences and seminars, including to New Zealand, the most recent of which was in 2011 to speak to post-primary teachers at a conference.

Those who know him in both education and political circles were so stunned by the charges, few were willing to comment at all.

“It’s unbelievable that it would be him,” said one close colleague at the University of Toronto, who added that some students were brought to tears by the news. “It sounds crazy — You always hear people say, ‘He is such a nice man’ when someone is arrested like this . . . But it’s true. You would never expect it.”

The University of Toronto and the University of Manitoba both declined to comment, citing the ongoing police investigation.

“The University takes these charges seriously and is cooperating fully with the police investigation in this matter,” said a statement from the University of Toronto.

According to his CV, the Winnipeg native graduated from the University of Manitoba and then Harvard University before earning his doctorate in educational administration at the U of T.

Levin became the dean of continuing education at the University of Manitoba before rising to high-ranking positions in the Manitoba government, including deputy minister of both the department of advanced education and department of education, training and youth, between 1999 and 2002.

He was recruited by the McGuinty government in 2004 to become deputy education minister, where he served until 2009. Several McGuinty staff members told the Star Monday they were devastated, as they thought highly of Levin, who was involved in major education reforms.

At Queen’s Park, Wynne’s office said it could not comment on a matter under investigation and referred all questions to the police.

With files from Julian Sher, Robert Benzie and Louise Brown

↧

Postponed

July 15, 2013, 9:03 pm

≫ Next: O’Flaherty: Father Thomas O’Flaherty

≪ Previous: Celebrated U of T prof arrested on child porn charges

Day I of Father Leo Bastien‘s Preliminary Hearing was cancelled yesterday (Monday 15 July 2013). There has been a death in the judge’s family.

From emails I received and comment posted on the site it seems that the hearing was postponed and will start this morning (Tuesday, 16 July 2013)- same time and place: 10:00 am, courtroom #11, Windsor Ontario court house.

Yet again I encourage those who are free to do so and are within driving distance to attend. I also ask those who know “Wilson” to please help him through a difficult time. I suppose it is easy enough for me to to encourage him to hang in there and not pull out now, but he has hung in up until now, and I do fear he will regret making a hasty decision in one of those moments of frustration.

My thoughts and prayers are with all of the complainants. Stay strong. Be strong for yourselves. Be strong for each other. All of you.

Enough for now,

Sylvia

↧

O’Flaherty: Father Thomas O’Flaherty

July 26, 2013, 9:56 am

≫ Next: Yes, I will be adding his name

≪ Previous: Postponed

Thomas C. O’Flaherty

Priest with the Diocese of London, Ontario. Ordained 1948 as a priest for the American Province of the Society of African Missions. At some point and for reasons at this time unknown moved to London Ontario and became incardinated in the Diocese of London, Ontario. “Retired” in London, but within a few years was assisting at St. Anne Roman Catholic Church in Belleview, Pensacola, Florida. He died in Pensacola in 2005.

According his obituary, was a member of Mensa.

____________________________

28 August 2012: Statement of Claim re sex abuse allegations against Father Thomas C. O’Flaherty

2005: Obituary in London Free Press

__________________________

Bishops of the Diocese of London, Ontario from time Father O’Flaherty arrived in the Diocese: John Thomas Kidd (03 July 1931 – 02 June 1950) ; John Christopher Cody (02 Jun 1950 - 05 Dec 1963); Gerald Emmett Carter (17 February 1964 – 29 April 1978 -Appointed, Archbishop of Toronto, Ontario) John Michael Sherlock (7 July 1978 – 27 April 2002 ); Ronald Peter Fabbro, C.S.B. (27 Apr 2002 – - )

Auxiliary Bishop of London Diocese from time Father O’Flaherty arrived in the diocese: John Michael Sherlock (25 June 1974 — Bishop: 7 Jul 1978); Marcel André J. Gervais (19 Apr 1980 – 3 May 1985); Frederick Bernard Henry (18 April 1986 — 24 Mar 1995); Richard John Grecco (5 December 1997 – 27 April 2002); Robert Anthony Daniels ( 21 September 2004 to 1 March 2011)

___________________________

The following information is drawn from Canadian Catholic Church Directories (CCCD) which I have on hand, his obituary in the London Free Press (Obit), and the Statement of Claim/lawsuit (L)

16 May 2005: Memorial service held at St. Michael’s Roman Catholic Church in London, Ontario with Bishop Ronald P. Fabbro officiating (Obit)

19 March 2005: Died in Pensacola, Florida (Obit)

I believe the following text is from the prayer cards handed out at his funeral?

Rev. Thomas C. O’Flaherty, Ph.D.

Assoc. Pastor St. Anne – Bellview

January 21. 1923

CORK, IRELAND

March 19. 2005

PENSACOLA, FLORIDA

Eternal rest grant unto him, 0 Lord

And let perpetual light shine upon him.

May he rest in peace Amen.

May his soul and the souls of all

the faithful deported, through

the mercy of God, rest in peace

Amen.

approximately 2004 or early 2004: Doctorate in Medieval Latin (Obit)

2002: not listed in CCCD index

2001: officiated at graveside service and interment in Pensacola, Florida (Father Thomas OFlaherty officiating 2001)

2000: Officiated at a funeral Mass (Father Thomas OFlaherty funeral Mass 2000)

2000, 1999, 1998: 5200 Saufley Field Rd., Pensacola, Florida 32526-1626 (CCCD) Address for St. Ann Parish, Belleview

1997, 1996: 389 Dundas St., Apt. 1405, London, Ontario (CCCD)

1994: 389 Dundas St., Apt. 14-5, London, Ontario (CCCD)

1993, 1992, 1991: 800 Commissioner’s Rd. East ( CCCD) (This is the address for The London Health Sciences Centre, London, Ontario – from 1978 until his “retirement” he was apparently Chaplain to the Dep’t of Veteran’s Affairs, therefore chaplain for the veterans in the hospital?))

1985-86: address 777 Base Line Road East, London (shown as incardinated in Diocese of London, Ontario) CCCD (This is an address for the Victoria Hospital, London, Ontario – from 1978 until his “retirement” he was apparently Chaplain to the Dep’t of Veteran’s Affairs, therefore chaplain for the veterans in the hospital?)

1980: Box 5701, London, Ontario (OCD80) Shown in index as “O’Flaherty, T.C., SMA. “ The initials SMA indicate that he is a member of Society of African Missions, however, according to his obituary he was incardinated in the Diocese of London in 1978 and therefore was no longer a member of the order at that time. (From 1978 until his “retirement” he was apparently Chaplain to the Dep’t of Veteran’s Affairs, therefore serving as chaplain for the veterans in the hospital?)

19 January 1978: INCARDINATED into the Diocese of London, Ontario (Obit). Appointed Chaplain to the Department of Veteran’s Affairs, a position he held until his retirement. (Obit) (When did he retire? it looks as though it may have been around late 1993 or 1994 – the ’94 CCCD shows him living in an apartment on Dundas St. He would have been about 71-years-of-age at the time. )

?-1978: assisting at St. Michael’s Roman Catholic Church, London, Ontario from the time of his arrival in the diocese until 1978 (Obit)

according to Statement of Claim, sex abuse of boy started in approximately 1976 and continued for approximately five years (L)

Date ?: after serving on the Society of African Missions council served in the Bahamas (Obit)

Date ?: Tenafly, New Jersey (after elected to serve on council for the order (Obit)

Dates ?: served in Augusta, Georgia and Los Angeles, California until elected to the council for the Society of African Missions (Obit)

1946: first assignment to Society Queen of Apostles Seminary, Dedham, Massachusetts (Obit)

08 June 1946: ORDAINED as a priest with the Society of African Missions (“Society of Missionaries to Africa”) at the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, DC.

Post graduate studies at Boston College (Obit)

Masters degree from Catholic University of America, Washington, DC (Obit)

1944: Degree in Philosophy, University College Cork, Ireland (Obit)

21 January 1923: Born in Cork, Ireland (Obit)

↧

Yes, I will be adding his name

July 26, 2013, 11:05 pm

≫ Next: Statement of Claim re sex abuse allegations against Father Thomas C. O’Flaherty

≪ Previous: O’Flaherty: Father Thomas O’Flaherty

I will be posting a page on Father Thomas O’Flaherty, an Irish priest with the American Province of the Society of African Missions who eventually became incarnated in the Diocese of London, Ontario. I had hoped to get things wrapped up on it last evening but for a number of reasons it just didn’t happen.

I’m not sure that I will get it posted today either. We have a birthday in the family this week and therefore a BBQ here today. I may get to the computer later this evening to finish up, but, if not, I will definitely complete and post on Sunday, and, there are a few things I want to say when I do get it posted

And, yes, of course, I will be adding Father Thomas O’Flaherty’s name to the Accused page.

Enough for now,

Sylvia

↧

Statement of Claim re sex abuse allegations against Father Thomas C. O’Flaherty

July 29, 2013, 8:09 am

≫ Next: Chabot: Father Howard Chabot

≪ Previous: Yes, I will be adding his name

[Note from Sylvia: The following is the text of the redacted Statement of Claim filed against the Diocese of London Ontario and the American Province of the Society of African Missions regarding sex abuse allegations against Father Thomas C. O'Flaherty. ]

____________________________________

Court File No. [Redacted]

ONTARIO

SUPERIOR COURT OF JUSTICE

BETWEEN:

[Redacted]

Plaintiff

-and-

THE ROMAN CATHOLIC EPISCOPAL CORPORATION

OF THE DIOCESE OF LONDON

and THE AMERICAN PROVINCE OF THE SOCIETY OF

AFRICAN MISSIONS

Defendants

STATEMENT OF CLAIM

TO THE DEFENDANTS:

A LEGAL PROCEEDING HAS BEEN COMMENCED AGAINST YOU by the Plaintiff. The claim made against you is set out in the following pages.

IF YOU WISH TO DEFEND THIS PROCEEDING,you or an Ontario lawyer acting for you must prepare a Statement of Defence in Form 18A prescribed by the Rules of Civil Procedure, serve it on the Plaintiff’s lawyer or, where the Plaintiff does not have a lawyer, serve it on the Plaintiff, and file it,with proof of service, in this court office, WITHIN TWENTY DAYS after this Statement of Claim is served on you, if you are served in Ontario.

If you are served in another province or territory of Canada or in the United States of America, the period for service and filing your Statement of Defence is forty days. If you are served outside Canada and the United States of America, the period is sixty days.

Instead of serving and filing a Statement of Defence, you may serve and file a Notice of Intent to Defend in Form 18B prescribed by the Rules of Civil Procedure. This will entitle you to ten more days within which to serve and file your Statement of Defence.

IF YOU FAIL TO DEFEND THIS PROCEEDING,JUDGMENT MAY BE GIVEN AGAINST YOU IN YOUR ABSENCE AND WITHOUT FURTHER NOTICE TO YOU.IF YOU WISH TO DEFEND THIS PROCEEDING BUT ARE UNABLE TO PAY LEGAL FEES, LEGAL AID MAY BE AVAILABLE TO YOU BY CONTACTING A LOCAL LEGAL AID OFFICE.

Date: [Redacted]

Issued by [Redacted]

Registrar,

Ontario Superior Court of Justice

Ground Floor, Unit“A”

Court House

80 Dundas Street,

LONDON, ON N6A 6A3

TO: The Roman Catholic Episcopal Corporation of the Diocese of London in Ontario

1070 Waterloo Street

LONDON,ON N6A 3Y2

AND TO: The Society of African Missions, American Province

23 Bliss Avenue

TENAFLY, New Jersey, 07670

CLAIM

The Plaintiff Claims:

1. The plaintiff, [Redacted] claims damages as follows:

a) non-pecuniary damages for pain and suffering in the amount of $300,000.00;

b) past and future pecuniary damages estimated in the amount of $1,000,000.00;

c) special damages in the amount of$100,000.00;

d) damages for emotional and mental distress in the amount of$50,000.00;

e) aggravated damages in the amount of$50,000.00;

f) punitive and exemplary damages in the amount of$500,000.00;

g) pre-judgment and post-judgment interest on the above-noted amounts pursuant to the terms and provisions of the Courts of Justice Act, R.S.O. 1990, c.C.43, as amended;

h) his costs of this action on asubstantial indemnity basis;

i) an Order validating service exjuris pursuant to Rule17.02(g) and 17.02 (h) of the Ontario Rules of Civil Procedure, in that the tort was committed in Ontario and damages sustained in Ontario, and in the alternative, if deemed necessary, leave for validation of service ex juris; and

j) such further and other relief as to this Honourable Court may seem to be just.

Parties:

2. The plaintiff, [Redacted] (the “Plaintiff”), was born on [Redacted]

[Redacted] and presently resides in the City of [Redacted] in the Province of [Redacted]

3. The Plaintiff was at all material times a member of the Roman Catholic Church through the Roman Catholic Episcopal Corporation of The Diocese of London (the ”Diocese”). Specifically, the Plaintiff was a member of Andrew The Apostle Parish.

4. The perpetrator, Father Thomas C. O’Flaherty (O’Flaherty”), is deceased and was during all material times a priest of the Roman Catholic Church and was employed by the Diocese. He was also for part of the material time a priest of the American Province of the Society of African Missions (the “Order”). O’Flaherty was also for the majority of the material time a parish priest at St. Michael’s parish (the “Church”). As a parish priest O’Flaherty had a duty of care to the Plaintiff.

5. The Diocese is a diocese of the Roman Catholic Church charged with the administration of parishes of the Roman Catholic Church within their geographical jurisdiction. The Diocese’ head office is located in the City of London, in the Province of Ontario.

6. The Diocese, during all material times, had the following purpose and responsibility:

(a) the establishment and maintenance of a uniform set of rules and principles which collectively define the ideology of the Roman Catholic religion;

(b) the establishment of churches and schools to teach and inculcate these rules and principles in their members; and

7. The Diocese had a duty of care to its parishioners, like the Plaintiff, owing to the close proximity of its priests to the lives of the parishioners as well as the level of trust and faith which the parishioners and others extended to the Diocese, its priests and employees. O’Flaherty also owed a duty of care to the Plaintiff.

8. The Order is a subcomponent known as a province of a Roman Catholic Religious Order which is a men’s religious community of priests and lay missionaries who minister primarily in African nations and to people of African descent in the United States .. The Order’s operations are based out of the City of Tenafly, New Jersey in the United States.

9. The Order had a duty of care to parishioners its priest would come into contact with it the pursuant of their ministry or pastoral duties, including the Plaintiff.

The Actions of O’Flaherty:

10. O’Flaherty was originally ordained to the priesthood in 1948 by the Order and later was incardinated to the Diocese in the late 1970′s in following their recruitment, selection and training of him. He was immediately posted to parish work within the Diocese and was during all material times a priest of the Roman Catholic Church and was employed by the Diocese.

11. In or about 1976, the Plaintiff met O’Flaherty who was a local priest known to him and his family.

12. O’Flaherty engaged in activities with the Plaintiff in his capacity as a priest, counselling him in religion, Catholic education and other matters. His activities included providing spiritual guidance, hearing confessions and conducting Mass.

13. Through his position as a priest and representative of the Diocese and/or the Order, O’Flaherty was to the Plaintiff the ultimate ecclesiastical authority.

14. O’Flaherty used his position as a priest of the Diocese and/or the Order, which was a position of authority and trust, to develop a close personal relationship with the Plaintiff when he was young. The relationships that O’Flaherty developed with the Plaintiff, under the guise of a priest-parishioner relationship, allowed O’Flaherty an opportunity to be alone with the Plaintiff and to exert total control over him, prey upon him and sexually abuse him.

15. Commencing in or about 1976, when the Plaintiff, was approximately [Redacted] years of age, and on many occasions over the following 5 years, O’Flaherty repeatedly sexually abused, assaulted and molested the Plaintiff, exposed him to prurient sexual behaviour. The particulars of same include, but are not limited to the following:

(a) hugged and kissed the Plaintiff;

(b) fondled the clothed body of the Plaintiff, including but not limited to his penis, scrotum and buttocks;

(d) exposed his naked body to the Plaintiff;

(e) bathed with the Plaintiff;

(f) masturbated the Plaintiff;

(g) directed the Plaintiff to fondle the naked body of O’Flaherty including but not limited to his penis, scrotum and buttocks;

(h) directed the Plaintiff to masturbate O’Flaherty;

(i) engaged in oral sex with the Plaintiff;

(j) directed the Plaintiff to provide oral sex to O’Flaherty;

(k) sodomized the Plaintiff anally with his penis;

(L) took pictures of the Plaintiff naked;

(m) engaged in other sexual activities with the Plaintiff;

(n) in order to facilitate the abuses O’Flaherty engaged in a pattern of behaviour which was intended to make the Plaintiff feel that he was special in the eyes of O’Flaherty, the Church and God; and

(0) in order to facilitate the abuses O’Flaherty also engaged in a pattern of behaviour which was intended to make the Plaintiff feel that his soul was in jeopardy;

16. The aforementioned behaviours occurred on premises, which were owned or controlled by the Diocese, primarily the rectory at the Church and later at a chapel on the grounds of what is present day London Health Sciences Centre Victoria Campus. Some assaults also took place in hotel rooms.

17. The aforementioned behaviour occurred on a regular and repeated basis, increasing in frequency, nature and intensity as it progressed.

18. All of the aforementioned behaviours were related to priest/parishioner activities.

19. Throughout the period of time that the aforementioned behaviour was occurring, O’Flaherty used his position of authority and trust, as well as the dependency relationship that he had fostered with the Plaintiff, to ensure that the Plaintiff did not tell anyone about the behaviours in which they had engaged in. O’Flaherty continued to minister to the Plaintiff during this time, which included acting as a mentor/counsellor while the Plaintiff was in temporary foster care.

20. O’Flaherty’s behaviour constituted sexual abuse and assault. It was also a breach of the duty of care that he owed to the Plaintiff in that, inter alia, he did wilfully and/or negligently inflict pain and suffering, mental suffering, humiliation and degradation upon the Plaintiff, assaulted the Plaintiff and interfered with his normal upbringing and childhood solely for the purpose of his own gratification. O’Flaherty also breached the fiduciary duty which he owed to the Plaintiff.

The Actions of the Diocese:

21. The Diocese taught the Plaintiff as well as other members of the Catholic Church the following:

(a) that the Roman Catholic Church is the one true religion and is the representation of God’s true teachings on earth;

(b) that the authority of the Roman Catholic Church is supreme;

(c) that by following the rules, principles and ideologies of the Roman Catholic Church one will gain the right to go to Heaven and that by failing to follow same one will not go to heaven and will go to Hell;

(d) that parents must bring their children up in the ways of the Roman Catholic Church and that children must attend at Catholic schools so that they can be educated with respect to the ways of the Church;

(e) that you must go to church at least once a week and attend Catholic schools where the rules, principles and ideologies of the Roman Catholic Church and religion are taught;

(f) that the rule of God is supreme and that to disobey the rule of God is a mortal sin which will cause one to go to Hell;

(g) that God’s representation on earth and the teaching of God are done through priests;

(h) that priests are the chosen representatives on earth of God and have special powers; and

(i) that priests are to be viewed with special reverence, power, respect, honour and authority.

22. The Diocese employed O’Flaherty to carry out the purposes and teachings referred to above in dealing with the Plaintiff. They provided a/Flaherty with the opportunity and means to come into contact with the Plaintiff. They fostered a relationship between O’Flaherty and the Plaintiff. They provided O’Flaherty with a position of respect and trust which the Plaintiff was bound by the rules set out above to follow and honour. They provided a/Flaherty with control of the Church and related rectory which further added to his position of power and respect.

23. The Plaintiff pleads that, at all material times, O’Flaherty was acting in the course of his duties as a priest of the Roman Catholic Church and the Diocese and was using the aforementioned rules, principles and ideologies to further his attempts to manipulate the Plaintiff and engage in deviant activities.

24. The Plaintiff pleads that the aforementioned rules, principals and ideologies of the Diocese created an opportunity for O’Flaherty to exert power and authority over the Plaintiff. This power and authority allowed O’Flaherty to engage in the aforementioned behaviour and to continue to engage in same without resistance or question of the Plaintiff for many years without risk of getting caught, and thereby put the Plaintiff at risk of being abused by O’Flaherty.

25. The Plaintiff pleads that O’Flaherty was, as a result of his position with the Diocese which allowed him to use the premises owned by the Diocese where the aforementioned behaviours and activities occurred, and to gain access to the Plaintiff, affording him an opportunity to foster a trusting relationship with the Plaintiff and engage in the aforementioned behaviours for a considerable period oftime without the risk of getting caught and thereby put the Plaintiff at risk of being abused by O’Flaherty.

26. As a result, the Diocese is vicariously responsible and liable for the actions of O’Flaherty.

27. The Plaintiff pleads that the Diocese was negligent and failed in its duty to the Plaintiff, the particulars of which are set out below:

(a) it failed to recognize that a certain percentage of the priests would become sexually deviant and would make sexual advances to children and young people;

(b) it failed to instruct priests in training and ordained priests about the possibilities of becoming sexually deviant and/or making advances to children and young people;

(c) it failed to properly investigate O’Flaherty’s background, character and psychological state prior to accepting him into the Diocese;

(d) it failed to follow it’s own internal policies in allowing O’Flaherty to practice in the Diocese and/or incardinating him to the Diocese;

(e) it failed to warn O’Flaherty’s immediate supervisors, parishioners, students and others who may come into contact with O’Flaherty of his difficulties previously within the Order;

(f) it failed to educate members of the Roman Catholic Church about the possibilities of such deviant behaviours;

(g) it failed to have any, or a proper, system of self-reporting, other reporting or counselling in place for priests who engage in such behaviour;

(h) it fostered a system, based on the rules, principles and ideologies of the church, in which deviant sexual practices were bound to develop among a percentage of the priests;

(i) it fostered a system, based on the rules, principles and ideologies of the church, in particular, the rule that priests have absolute authority, whereby the reporting of such deviant sexual behaviour of a priest by its members would be considered to be ”wrong”;

(j) it denied the existence, or alternatively was wilfully blind to the existence of the behaviours described herein;

(k) it implemented and maintained a system which was designed to cover-up the existence of such behaviour if such behaviour was ever reported;

(l) it failed to protect the Plaintiff from O’Flaherty when it knew or ought to have known that he was vulnerable to the attentions and influence of O’Flaherty:

(m) it failed to properly supervise, control and give guidance to their employee O’Flaherty:

(n) it failed to screen and/or monitor the character, sexual orientation and sexual activity of O’Flaherty;

(0) it failed to warn the Plaintiff and others of the propensities of O’Flaherty;

(p) it failed to remove O’Flaherty from his duties upon learning of the allegations of sexual and other inappropriate conduct thereby leaving the Plaintiff exposed to O’Flaherty and his actions without protection;

(q) it failed to protect the Plaintiff;

(r) it failed to take steps to investigate the activities of O’Flaherty once it was fully aware of his shortcomings in an effort to locate and assist any victims; and

(s) it failed to identify, counsel and assist the Plaintiff once it knew of O’Flaherty’s prior behaviour.

28. In addition to, and in the alternative to, the above the Plaintiff pleads that the Diocese knew that O’Flaherty had the propensity to engage in such deviant behaviours and that he was, in fact, engaging in such deviant behaviour because of the following:

(a) O’Flaherty’s difficulties as a seminarian;

(b) O’Flaherty’s difficulties with alcohol;

(d) O’Flaherty’s difficulties with his physical, mental or psychological health which effected his abilities as a priest;

(e) O’Flaherty’s difficulties prior to coming to the Diocese;

(f) The concerns of other clergy, parishioners, students and others;

(g) the frequency with which the Plaintiff and other children and young people were involved with O’Flaherty;

(h) the unusual interest that O’Flaherty took in young people and children, particularly the Plaintiff;

(i) the duration of time in which the Plaintiff, other children and young people spent regular time alone with O’Flaherty:

(j) the fact that parents and others from previous parish postings had complained about his actions with young people;

(k) the fact that he had been reported to Diocesan officials or officials of other dioceses for sexual misconduct in previous postings;

(I) the fact that he had been sent for a retreat as a result of allegations of misconduct while at a parish;

(m) the fact that he had been previously had difficulties with sexual misconduct while in the Order; and

(n) the fact that O’Flaherty would have, in accordance with the rules of the Roman Catholic Church, confessed about these deviant sexual behaviours (i.e. sins) from time to time to one or more of the other priests.

29. Despite their knowledge of same, the Diocese took no steps to stop the behaviour or to protect the Plaintiff and, instead, took steps to attempt to cover up the behaviour.

30. In the alternative, if the Diocese did not have direct knowledge of the aforementioned behaviours, the Plaintiff pleads that the Diocese ought to have known about same because of the circumstances, as detailed above.

31. If the Diocese did not know of the aforementioned behaviour, it was because of the existence of its own rules, principles and ideologies which allowed O’Flaherty to conceal his activities and cover up his deviant behaviour.

32. The Plaintiff pleads that the Diocese owed a special duty to the Plaintiff by virtue of its relationship with him to identify the Plaintiff and counsel and render assistance to the Plaintiff once they became aware of the behaviour of O’Flaherty. Furthermore, they should have sought out O’Flaherty victims upon later learning of his misconduct.

33. The Diocese knew or ought to have known that O’Flaherty had engaged in deviant behaviour while ministering and failed to investigate such. In failing to investigate and identify any past failings of O’Flaherty they also failed to identify any victims who may have been in need of counselling, assistance and support because of the actions of O’Flaherty. Such assistance would be necessary in order to minimize the consequences of O’Flaherty’s actions and the affect of same on the Plaintiff. They have failed, to this day, to investigate the extent of O’Flaherty’s past behaviour and have failed to render any assistance to the Plaintiff, contrary to their own internal policies and the policies of the Canadian Catholic Conference of Bishops.

34. The Plaintiff states that the relationship between him, the Diocese and O’Flaherty commenced when the Plaintiff was a child, as such, the defendants owed to the Plaintiff a high duty/standard of care and, in particular, a duty to protect him from harm by its employees (Le. priests) and specifically sexual abuse.

35. The Plaintiff says that the Diocese, for the aforementioned reasons, failed in its duty of care to him and was thereby negligent. The Diocese has also breached its fiduciary duty to the Plaintiff.
The Actions of the Order

36. The Order, in partnership with the Diocese, engaged in the teachings referred to in paragraph 21, above.

37. The Order employed O’Flaherty and other members of the Order to carry out the purposes and teachings referred to above in dealing with the Plaintiff. It provided O’Flaherty with the opportunity and means to come into contact with the Plaintiff. It fostered a relationship between O’Flaherty and the Plaintiff. It provided O’Flaherty with a position of respect and trust which the Plaintiff was bound by the rules set out above to follow and honour. It provided O’Flaherty with a residence at the Church which further added to his position of power and respect.

38. The Plaintiff pleads that/ at all material times, O’Flaherty was acting in the course of his duties as a priest of the Roman Catholic Church, the Diocese and the Order, and was using the aforementioned rules, principles and ideologies to further his attempts to manipulate the Plaintiff and engage in deviant activities.

39. The Plaintiff pleads that the aforementioned rules, principals and ideologies of the Order, created an opportunity for O’Flaherty to exert power and authority over the Plaintiff. This power and authority allowed O’Flaherty to engage in the aforementioned behaviour and to continue to engage in same without resistance or question of the Plaintiff without risk of getting caught and thereby put the Plaintiff at risk of being abused by O’Flaherty.

40. The Plaintiff pleads that O’Flaherty was, as a result of his position with the Order, allowed to use the premises owned and/or controlled by that defendant Diocese where the aforementioned behaviours and activities occurred and to gain access to the Plaintiff affording him an opportunity to foster a trusting relationship with the Plaintiff and engage in the aforementioned behaviours without the risk of getting caught and thereby put the Plaintiff at risk of being abused by O’Flaherty.

41. As a result, the Order is vicariously responsible and liable for the actions of O/Flaherty.

42. The Plaintiff pleads that the Order was negligent and failed in its duty to the Plaintiff, the particulars of which are set out below:

(a) it failed to recognize that a certain percentage of priests would become sexually deviant and would make sexual advances to young persons;

(b) it failed to instruct priests in training and ordained priests about the possibilities of becoming sexually deviant and/or making advances to young persons;

(c) it failed to properly investigate O’Flaherty’s background, character and psychological state prior to allowing him to be a priest of the Order;

(d) it failed to document, discipline, or expel O’Flaherty for his shortcomings as a seminarian;

(e) it failed to follow its own internal policies in ordaining O’Flaherty to the priesthood and/or allowing him to work within the Order;

(f) it failed to warn O’Flaherty ‘s immediate supervisors, parishioners and others who may come into contact with O’Flaherty of his prior difficulties as both a seminarian and a priest;

(g) it failed to educate members of the Roman Catholic Church about the possibilities of such deviant behaviours;

(h) it failed to have any, or a proper, system of self-reporting, other reporting or counselling in place for priests who engage in such behaviour;

(i) it fostered a system, based on the rules, principles and ideologies of the church, in which deviant sexual practices were bound to develop among a percentage of the priests;

(j) it fostered a system, based on the rules, principles and ideologies of the church, in particular, the rule that priests have absolute authority, whereby the reporting of such deviant sexual behaviour of a priest by its members would be considered to be “wrong”;

(k) it denied the existence, or alternatively were wilfully blind to the existence of the behaviours described herein;

(I) it implemented and maintained a system which was designed to cover-up the existence of such behaviour if such behaviour was ever reported;

(m) it failed to protect the Plaintiff from O’Flaherty when it knew or ought to have known that they were vulnerable to the attentions and influence of O’Flaherty:

(n) it failed to properly supervise, control and give guidance to its employee, O’Flaherty:

(0) it failed to screen and/or monitor the character, sexual orientation and sexual activity of the defendant, O’Flaherty:

(p) it failed to warn the Plaintiff, the Diocese and others of the propensities of O’Flaherty:

(q) it failed to remove O’Flaherty from his duties upon learning of the allegations of sexual and inappropriate conduct thereby leaving the Plaintiff exposed to O’Flaherty and his actions without protection;

(r) it failed to protect the Plaintiff;

(s) it failed to take steps to investigate the activities of O’Flaherty once it was fully aware of his shortcomings in an effort to locate and assist any victims; and

(t) it failed to identify/counsel and assist the Plaintiff once it knew of these behaviours.

43. In addition to and in the alternative to the above, the Plaintiff pleads that the Order knew that O’Flaherty had the propensity to engage in such deviant behaviours and that he was, in fact, engaging in such deviant behaviour because of the following:

(a) O’Flaherty’s difficulties as a seminarian;

(b) O’Flaherty’s difficulties with his sexuality;

(d) The concerns of other clergy, parishioners and others;

(e) The concerns and reports of misconduct by O’Flaherty from parishes and assignments prior to the material time, including those outside Canada;

(f) The frequency with which the Plaintiff and other young persons were involved with O’Flaherty:

(g) The unusual interest that O’Flaherty took in adolescent males, particularly the Plaintiff;

(h) the frequency with which the Plaintiff and other adolescent males were at the churches and rectories where O’Flaherty worked and resided;

(i) the frequency of activities and outings in which O’Flaherty would be alone with adolescent males;

(j) the duration of time and the number of years in which the Plaintiff and other adolescent males spent regular time alone with O’Flaherty; and

(k) the fact that O’Flaherty would have, in accordance with the rules of the Roman Catholic Church, confessed about these deviant sexual behaviours (i.e. sins) from time to time to one or more of the other priests.

44. Despite its knowledge of same, the Order took no steps to stop the behaviour or to protect the Plaintiff.

45. In the alternative, if the Order did not have direct knowledge of the aforementioned behaviours, the Plaintiff pleads that the Order ought to have known about same because of the circumstances, as detailed above, surrounding the acts.

46. If the Order did not know of the aforementioned behaviour, it was because of the existence of its own rules, principles and ideologies which allowed O’Flaherty to conceal his activities and cover up his deviant behaviour.

47. The Plaintiff pleads that the Order owed a special duty to the Plaintiff by virtue of its relationship with them to identify, counsel and render assistance tothe Plaintiff once it became aware of the behaviour of O’Flaherty.

48. The Order knew or ought to have known that the Plaintiff was in need of counselling, assistance and support because of the actions of O’Flaherty, and that such assistance would be necessary in order to minimize the consequences of O’Flaherty’s actions and the effect of the same on the Plaintiff. It has failed to this day to investigate the extent and severity of the abuse and has failed to render any assistance to the Plaintiff.

49. The Plaintiff state that the relationship between them and the Order and O’Flaherty, commenced when the Plaintiff was a young person, as such, the defendant owed to the Plaintiff a high duty/standard of care and, in particular, a duty to protect them from harm by its employees (i.e. priests) and specifically sexual abuse.

50. The Plaintiff says that the Order for the aforementioned reasons failed in their duty of care to them and were, thereby, negligent.

Damages:

51. The Plaintiff states, and the fact is, that as a direct result of the behaviour of the defendants he has suffered damages and losses the particulars of which are as follows:

(a) physical pain;

(b) mental anguish;

(d) shame/ guilt/ low self-esteem and feelings of worthlessness; (e) depression;

(f) loss of enjoyment of faith;

(g) loss of religious life/beliefs;

(h) impairment of his opportunity to experience a normal childhood/adolescence and adulthood;

(i) impairment of his ability and opportunity to obtain and complete an education appropriate to his abilities/aptitude;

(j) impairment of his ability to earn an income and support himself and time off work due to emotional trauma;

(k) impairment of his physical health/ mental health and emotional well being; and

(I) a loss of enjoyment of life.

52. The Plaintiff has suffered and will continue to suffer physical/ emotional and mental pain and suffering and a loss of enjoyment of life. The Plaintiff was deprived of a normal healthy childhood and adolescence as a result of the actions or in-actions of the defendants. The life of the Plaintiff was fundamentally and forever changed by the above-noted behaviour.

53. The Plaintiff was so profoundly negatively affected by these behaviours and activities that he spent many of the formative years of his life struggling to deal with the physical, mental, psychological and emotional sequelae of these events. The Plaintiff has suffered the following:

(a) impaired performance in education and employment;

(b) inability to develop and engage in normal human relations, including trust issues and severe difficulty in establishing relationships of intimacy;

(d) suicidal ideation and suicidal thoughts;

(e) drug and alcohol abuse and addiction; (f) anger problems;

(g) symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder; (h) mistrust of authority figures;

(i) hyper-vigilance;

(j) feelings of self worthlessness, inadequacy and hopelessness; (k) anxiety, and panic;

(I) sleep disturbance, including nightmares and “flashbacks”; (m) depression; and

(n) a propensity to engage in reckless and careless behaviour.

54. The Plaintiff has suffered a tremendous loss of enjoyment of life and ongoing pain and suffering. His ability to carry in a normal life has been extinguished or impaired.

55. The Plaintiff has suffered physical, mental, psychological and emotional stress, shock and suffering which will continue forever.

56. The Plaintiff has been required to undergo medical treatment and psychological counselling and will continue to require same indefinitely throughout his lifetime.

57. The Plaintiff has sustained out-of-pocket expenses, the particulars of which will be provided prior to the trial of the within action.

58. The Plaintiff has suffered and will continue to suffer economic losses, including, past income loss, future and ongoing income loss, and various other out-of-pocket expenses, the particulars of which will be provided.

59. The Plaintiff pleads that the conduct of O’Flaherty described herein was harsh, high-handed, and malicious and, as such, should be punished with aggravated and/or punitive damages, for which the Diocese is vicariously liable.

60. The Plaintiff further pleads that the conduct of the Diocese and/or the Order described herein was harsh, high-handed, and malicious and, as such, should be punished with aggravated and/or punitive damages, including but not limited to:

(a) failing to appropriately react to reports of O’Flaherty’s sexual misconduct and instead transferring him to new postings where further unsuspecting victims awaited;

(b) consciously and deliberately suppressing information concerning his sexual misconduct in an effort to protect the reputation of the Diocese and the Order over the safety of children; and

(c) promoting a culture of secrecy with respect to the sexual misconduct of clergy which was intended to benefit the Diocese and the Order rather then stop the misconduct or assist the victims.

61. The Plaintiff has only recently been able to face these effects and still to this day has not fully realized the extent of his victimization. The Plaintiff became sufficiently capable of appreciating the impact of O’Flaherty’s actions in early 2011. The Plaintiff relies upon the discoverability rule and the doctrine of fraudulent concealment. The parties were in a special relationship with each other, and given that relationship the defendant’s abovementioned actions amount to an unconscionable thing and the effect of the defendant’s conduct has given rise to a concealment of the cause of action.

62. The Plaintiff claims, in the alternative to damages, compensation for the above losses.

63. The Plaintiff relies on the Criminal Code of Canada, R.S.C. 1985, c. C-46, the Negligence Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. N.1, as amended, the Victims Bill of Rights, 1995, S.O. 1995, c.6, and the Limitations Act 2002, S.O. 2002, c.24 Schedule B, the Occupiers’ Liability Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. 0.2, and any predecessor legislation.

64. The Plaintiff also relies upon the 1917 Code of Canon law and the 1983 Code of Canon Law and related canonical and papal pronouncements as the internal policies and procedures of the Diocese.

65. The Plaintiff proposes that this action be tried in the City of London in the Province of Ontario.

Date of Issue: [Redacted]

R.P.M. TALACH (LSUC# 45130J)

Ledroit Beckett Litigation Lawyers

630 Richmond Street

LONDON, ON N6A 3G6

Tel: (519) 673-4994

Fax: (519) 432-1660

Solicitors for the Plaintiff

↧

Chabot: Father Howard Chabot

July 29, 2013, 4:10 pm

≫ Next: “Pembroke priest charged in alleged 1985 sex assault”& related articles

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Chabot picture Eganville Leader 31 July 2013

Father Howard Chabot (Picture from the Eganville Leader, 31 July 2013)

Howard Leo Chabot

Priest, Diocese of Pembroke, Ontario. Ordained 1968. July 2013 charged with gross indecency and sexual assault – allegations date to 1985 when Father Chabot was Pastor at Holy Name of Jesus in Pembroke. Worked for over 20 years as chaplain with the Pembroke Police Service for nearly 20 years. Father Chabot also worked as a youth probation officer and Chaplain at the Pembroke jail.

According to media reports, he was educated in Toronto, Montreal, New Mexico and England.

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Next court date: 03 September 2013: Pembroke, Ontario courthouse

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Bishops of Pembroke Diocese from time of Father Howard Chabot’s ordination: Bishops of Pembroke Diocese: William Joseph Smith (19 May 1945 - 08 February 1971 ); Joseph Raymond Windle † (08 February 1971 - 05 May 1993); Brendan Michael O’Brien 0(5 May 1993 – 04 December 2000); Richard William Smith (27 Apr il2002 – 22 March 2007 ); Michael Mulhall (30 June 2007 –

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31 July 2013: Priest faces sexual assault charge (Eganville Leader – pdf file)

31 July 2013: “Pembroke priest charged in alleged 1985 sex assault” & related articles

31 July 2013: BLOG Of interest

30 July 2013: “Pembroke priest charged in alleged 1985 sex assault” & related articles

29 July 2013: BLOG Breaking news from Pembroke…

July 2005: Howard Chabot enters another stage of priesthood: Lourdes parish priest looks forward to retirement (Pembroke Observer, July 2005)

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Unless otherwise indicated the following info is drawn from the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCD), the 1980 Ontario Catholic Directory (OCD80) and media (M)

July 2013: At age 71, charged with sexual assault and gross indecency (M)

was saying Mass in Deep River for a few Sundays while the parish priest was away (Blog)

22 June 2013: Father Howard Chabot says Mass for Dr. Wilbert Keon School grads at St Alphonsus Roman Catholic Church Chapeau Quebec

2013: Father Chabot: First Communion at St. Andrew’s School, Killaloe

June 2013: BC police turned investigation over to OPP (Ontario Provincial Police)

March 2013: investigation commenced in British Columbia after complaint to BC police (M)

2013: Westmeath, Ontario (M & P)

2012, 2011, 2010: address in Westmeath, Ontario (CCCD)

14 October 2010: Presenter at Adult Faith series, in St. Columbkille Cathedral Parish Hall, Pembroke. Topic: “The Gospel of Matthew” (listed as “retired priest”) Chabot October 2010 Presenter at Adult Faith Formation for the Diocese of Pembroke, Ontario

21 September 2010: Presenter at Adult Faith series, at St/ Lawrence O’Toole Parish in Barry’s Bay, Ontario. Topic: “The Gospel of Matthew” (listed as “retired priest”)

08-10 March 2010: Preaching a mission at Our Lady of Lourdes Roman Catholic Church in Pembroke, Ontario (Pastor: Father Bill Kenney). From the parish bulletin:

OUR LADY OF LOURDES

LENTEN MISSION RETREAT

An invitation is extended to all parishioners to attend our parish mission on March 8, 9, and 10, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. and Daily Eucharist and Instruction on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday mornings at 10:30 a.m. with your mission team, Father Howard Chabot and Deacon Adrien Chaput.

08 March – 10 March 2009: Preaching a mission at Our Lady of Lourdes Roman Catholic Church in Pembroke, Ontario (Pastor: Father Bill Kenney). From the parish bulletin:

OUR LADY OF LOURDES

LENTEN MISSION RETREAT

2009: Father Chabot honoured by Pembroke Police Service for more than 20 years of service as Chaplain to the force. At this time he was also resigning as Chaplain. ( 2009 Annual Report: Pembroke Police Service)

Excerpt from report:

“Pauline Edmonds, police service board member, said the Pembroke Police chaplain volunteers his time and talents to assist police and the community.

“‘Our chaplain may be called upon to assist officers in conducting death notifications, provide counselling to victims and offer support and counselling to the police service members and their families,’ she said, and may also be called upon to offer religious ceremonies and prayers for special occasions and memorial services.

“‘People may not be aware of this, but our chaplains are on call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, providing outstanding service tot eh Pembroke Police Service and the community. They are an integral part of this police service,’ Ms. Edmonds said.”

2009 Annual Report Pembroke Police Service (Complete report)

07 June 2006: Father Chabot leads a one-day retreat session with the theme “Naming God” Adult (This was part of the Pembroke diocese Adult Faith Formation Course)

2002-2005: Pastor, Our Lady of Lourdes Roman Catholic Church, Pembroke, Ontario. RETIRED in August 2005 because of heart problems (M)

- retired and living in Westmeath – info from message on St. Mary’s College site (Chabot 2005 St Marys College) I now believe that this is St. Mary’s Redemptorist College in Brockiville, Ontario, and that Father Chabot graduated with the Class of ’59.

2002: Pastor, Our Lady of Lourdes Roman Catholic Church, Pembroke, Ontario (Father Daniel Miller at same address) (CCCD) (he was probably at OLL in 2001 as well? I don’t have a copy of the 2001 CCCD to check)

2000, 1999: Pastor at Our Lady of Lourdes Roman Catholic Church, Pembroke, Ontario (CCCD)

1998, 1997, 1996, 1995: Pastor at Our Lady of Mount Carmel in La Passe and Our Lady of Grace Mission. Address in Westmeath, Ontario (CCCD)

1980-1994: Pastor at Holy Name Roman Catholic Church, Pembroke, Ontario (www_holynameparishpembroke_com_history_html)

- around 1989 became Chaplain for the Pembroke Police Service, a position which he held for the next 20 years (stepped down in 2009)

1980: address listed as c/o 295 Albert St., Arnprior. That is the address of St. John Chrysostom Roman Catholic Church, Arnprior, Ontario (with Fathers R.M.Tardiff, J.O. Affleck and Dan Miller. Father Tardiff was Pastor) (OCD80)

(I think it’s possible that this is around the time Father Chabot was working full-time as a probation officer? Can anyone confirm?)

The Church on the Hill: A History of St. John Chrysostom Parish 1857-1982 names all priests who served as assistants at St. John Chrysostom from 1905-1982. Father Chabot’s name is not on the list. Why was Father Chabot living in the rectory at this time? Does anyone know? Was he committed with some other diocesan duty which occupied him full-time? Whatever he was doing, did he assist with Masses and hearing confessions at St. John Chrysostom, at least on occasion?

1973-74, 1971-72: Our Lady of Lourdes Roman Catholic Church, Petawawa, Ontario (Pastor Father F. M. Kennedy) (CCCD)

- contact for Catholic Social Services (with Father Tardiff) (CCCD)

-in charge of diocesan communication (CCCD)

- in charge of Adult Education for the Pembroke Diocese (CCCD)

07 May 1973: Father Howard Chabot guest speaker for World Day of Prayer service at St. Michael’s, Douglas The theme of his talk was “Alert in Our Time”

04 May 1968: ORDAINED by Bishop William Joseph Smith at St. John Chrysostom Roman Catholic Church in Arnprior, Ontario (M)

Date ?: Attended seminary at St. Augustine’s (Toronto) and at the Grand Seminary in Montreal (P)

Date ?: After his first year of university took time off and went to work for the Arnprior Chronicle-Guide (M)

___________________________

FATHER CHABOT CHARGED WITH GROSS INDECENCY AND SEXUAL ASSAULT

renfrewtoday.ca (also in Arnprior Today and My FM)

7/29/2013 4:46:37 PM

Yet another priest of the Pembroke Diocese has been charged with sexual misconduct. Today (Monday) the OPP have charged Father Howard Chabot with gross indecency and sexual assault for an alleged incident in 1985. At that time Father Chabot was serving at the Holy Name Parish in Pembroke. The Bishop of Pembroke, Michael Mulhall has said the diocese will offer its full co-operation to police and will offer support to everyone involved. This is only the latest in a series of charges levelled at priests who have served at the Pembroke Diocese.

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Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish celebrates 25 years

Arnprior EMC

Posted Sep 13, 2012 By EMC News

Kate Glynn

Our lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church congregation welcomed their chief Shepherd, the Most Rev. Michael Mulhall, to celebrate mass Sunday to mark the 25th Anniversary of the dedication of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Braeside. During mass he dedicated the new altar. In looking back on 25 years, the church’s minister, Father Robert Ryan, congratulated the original planners for their foresight in building an accessible parish. Among some of the recent renovations carried out at the church this spring include a shrine at the entrance, painting, upgraded washroom facilities and the new altar. A reception including lunch was held following the service.

EMC news – Parishioners and friends of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Braeside gathered Sunday to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the dedication of the parish church that just recently witnessed a refurbishing of the interior.

The actual date of the dedication was June 7, 1987 but renovations this past spring led to holding the observance on Sept. 9.

During the course of the Mass of Thanksgiving, celebrated by Bishop Michael Mulhall, a new altarm crafted and constructed by John Smit of Dunrobin, was dedicated.

Bishop Mulhall suggested the dedication of an altar should instill in all present a greater dedication to living the teachings of the Gospel and commended the parishioners on their contribution to the wider community through the different activities within the parish.

At the conclusion of the Mass, the present Pastor, Father Robert Ryan, recognized some of the clergy and lay faithful who had been instrumental in the construction of the new Church, noting over the years one of the key points in the design was its accessibility.

The ease of access has allowed the church to be used by many different municipal and community organizations.

Fr. Ryan acknowledged the presence of a number of the priests assisting, including Fr. Howard Chabot, the first resident parish priest after a long period when priests from St. John Chrysostom Parish came to Braeside and Sand Point to celebrate Mass and provide Pastoral Care.

He also made special note of Fr. Joe O’Malley, who was Parish Priest at the time when the decision was made to purchase land on Dochart Street, and together with the building committee of the day, the parish council and the parishioners set about designing and seeing to completion the new parish church, hall and Rectory.

Fr. Ryan thanked all who had been instrumental in the most recent renovations, and also those who participate and are active in the life and worship of the parish community.

He also acknowledged that while dedicated to worship, the altar and the new ambo (lectern) had been given in loving memory of the late Michael Tremblay by his widow Jane Tremblay.

On behalf of the McNab-Braeside Council, Mayor Mary Campbell made a presentation extending congratulations to the Parish and appreciation for its presence within the Township.

A catered luncheon was held following in the parish hall, allowing parishioners and friends to reminisce on past events while looking forward to the future. A pictorial directory is also being prepared.

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“Pembroke priest charged in alleged 1985 sex assault”& related articles

July 30, 2013, 1:16 pm

≫ Next: Sex assault victim sues teacher, board for $3M

≪ Previous: Chabot: Father Howard Chabot

The Ottawa Citizen

July 30, 2013 3:15 PM

By Meghan Hurley, OTTAWA CITIZEN

OTTAWA — A 72-year-old Pembroke priest and former police chaplain faces charges in an historical sexual assault of a boy.

The investigation began in British Columbia in March 2013 before it was turned over to the Ontario Provincial Police in June.

The charges were laid after the victim made a complaint to police about an alleged sexual assault in 1985.

Police arrested Father Howard Chabot on Monday and charged him with sexual assault and gross indecency. Chabot was released from custody on a promise to appear in court on Sept. 3.

Chabot was a priest at Holy Name Parish in Pembroke when the alleged incident occurred, but he had also worked as a chaplain with the police force for 20 years.

David Hawkins, the Pembroke police chief before the force disbanded earlier this month, said Wednesday he hadn’t heard about the charges.

Hawkins described Chabot as an “honourable man” who retired as the force’s chaplain several years ago because of health problems.

Hawkins said Chabot’s main responsibility was to help police notify families in Pembroke when a relative died.

“He was certainly always a gentleman and very supportive of the police,” Hawkins said. “I speak very highly of him.”

Bruce Pappin, a spokesman for the Pembroke diocese, said Chabot was ordained as a priest in 1968. Chabot retired in 2005 from Our Lady of Lourdes parish in Pembroke because of heart problems.

The diocese said they will continue to co-operate with police and will help the victim through the healing process.

“The Diocese of Pembroke prays that the truth concerning this matter may be brought to light and extends support to any parties concerned in this case,” Bishop Michael Mulhall said in a statement.

Chabot’s arrest marked the fourth time in recent history a priest in the Pembroke diocese faces historical sexual assault charges.

Monsignor Robert Borne was handed a nine-month conditional sentence last year for indecently assaulting a local teen more than 30 years ago.

Daniel Miller, a retired Ottawa Valley priest, was charged with three counts each of gross indecency and indecent assault for offences that occurred between 1970 and 1980.

The alleged victims in that case were preteen boys and one man.

In January 2008, Msgr. Bernard Prince was found guilty of molesting 13 young boys between 1964 and 1984. The prominent priest had previously been given a Vatican post.

Even before the latest sexual assault charges, the Pembroke diocese had implemented a protocol for sexual abuse cases involving minors.

Listed under popular items on the Pembroke diocese website, the protocol calls the sexual assault of a child a “terrible crime” and “scandalous.”

A priest appointed by the diocese was put in charge of taking complaints of sexual assault involving children. The priest is obligated to report allegations that a child was sexually assaulted to the police. When an adult brings forward allegations of sexual assault, the priest will tell the victim to contact the police. If the adult doesn’t want a criminal investigation, the diocese will undertake their own by interviewing the victim and taking a formal statement.

The diocese will also provide counselling or spiritual guidance to the victims.

“The Diocesan Committee will attempt to immediately assess the situation and implement measures to minimize the trauma that inevitably flows from such a regrettable and scandalous incident,” the protocol states.

mhurley@ottawacitizen.com

twitter.com/meghan_hurley

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Retired priest in Pembroke, Ontario faces sex assault charges

Sun News

1:27 pm, July 30th, 2013

KELLY ROCHE | QMI AGENCY

OTTAWA – A 72-year-old priest has been charged in connection to a historical sex assault.

The alleged assault happened in 1985 while Howard Chabot was serving at Holy Name Parish in Pembroke, ON.

Chabot is charged with one count each of sexual assault and gross indecency.

“The Diocese of Pembroke prays that the truth concerning this matter may be brought to light and extends support to any parties concerned in this case,” the Bishop of Pembroke, the Most Reverend Michael Mulhall, said in a statement.

The diocese said it is co-operating with police “and will encourage and support the healing process for all parties concerned following the resolution of the case.”

Chabot, of Arnprior, ON, was ordained in 1968 and retired from Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Pembroke in 2005 due to coronary artery disease.

“There is some sadness, but it is different than quitting,” Chabot told QMI Agency in 2005. “There is contentment that I am leaving a parish happy. Departure is difficult, but I have a sense that I’m not checking out just yet.”

Over his 37-year career, Chabot served parishioners in Westmeath, La Passe, Braeside, and Sheenboro.

Chabot also worked as a youth probation officer, and chaplain for the Pembroke Jail and the Pembroke Police Service.

Chabot was released on a promise to appear and will be in Pembroke court Sept. 3.

Anyone with any information can call OPP Det.-Const. Marc Gauvin at 613-735-0188 or 1-888-310-1122, or contact Crime Stoppers.

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Retired Pembroke priest charged with sexual assault

The Pembroke Observer

Tuesday, July 30, 2013 2:12:29 EDT PM

By Tina Peplinskie, OBSERVER MULTIMEDIA JOURNALIST

A retired Catholic priest from the Diocese of Pembroke has been charged in relation to incident alleged to have occurred in 1985.

Father Howard Chabot was arrested July 29, 2013 and charged with one count of sexual assault and one count of gross indecency. The charges are the result of an investigation by the Upper Ottawa Valley Crime Unit, which began after a complainant came forward.

Chabot was serving at Holy Name Parish in Pembroke at the time of the alleged incident. He was ordained in 1968 and is now retired because of poor health, according to a release issued by the diocese on Monday.

“The Diocese of Pembroke prays that the truth concerning this matter may be brought to light and extends support to any parties concerned in this case,” the Most Reverend Michael Mulhall, the Bishop of Pembroke said in the release.

The Diocese of Pembroke has indicated it will continue to offer its complete co-operation with civil officials as the process unfolds and will encourage and support the healing process for all parties concerned following the resolution of the case.

Chabot was released on a promise to appear and office-in-charge undertaking. His next court appearance is Sept. 3, 2013 at the Ontario Court of Justice in Pembroke.

Police are requesting anyone with any information about this investigation to call Detective Constable Marc Gauvin at 613-735-0188 or 1-888-310-1122, or to contact Crime Stoppers.

Tina Peplinskie is a Daily Observer multimedia journalist

tina.peplinskie@sunmedia.ca

Twitter: @TPeplinskieOBS

______________________

Retired priest in Pembroke faces sex assault charges

The Ottawa Sun

First posted: Tuesday, July 30, 2013 12:18 PM EDT | Updated: Tuesday, July 30, 2013 02:47 PM EDT

By Kelly Roche , Ottawa Sun

A 72-year-old Whitewater Region priest is facing charges in connection with a historical sex assault.

The incident allegedly took place in 1985 when Father Howard Chabot was serving at Holy Name Parish in Pembroke. Chabot is charged with one count each of sexual assault and gross indecency.

“The Diocese of Pembroke prays that the truth concerning this matter may be brought to light and extends support to any parties concerned in this case,” The Bishop of Pembroke, the Most Reverend Michael Mulhall said in a statement. The Diocese is cooperating with police “and will encourage and support the healing process for all parties concerned following the resolution of the case.”

Chabot, of Arnprior, was ordained in 1968 and retired from Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Pembroke in 2005 due to coronary artery disease.

Over his 37-year career, Chabot served parishioners in Westmeath, La Passe, Braeside, and Sheenboro.

Chabot also worked as a youth probation officer, and chaplain for the Pembroke Jail and the Pembroke Police Service.

Chabot was released on a promise to appear and will be in Pembroke court Sept. 3.

Anyone with any information can call OPP Det.-Const. Marc Gauvin at 613-735-0188 or 1-888-310-1122, or contact Crime Stoppers.

kelly.roche@sunmedia.ca

@ottawasunkroche

_____________________________

Eastern Ontario priest faces sex charges in 1985 incident

Rev. Howard Chabot is a retired priest in the Roman Catholic diocese of Pembroke

CBC News

Posted: Jul 30, 2013 10:34 AM ET

Last Updated: Jul 30, 2013 12:57 PM ET

A Pembroke, Ont., priest faces two charges including sexual assault in connection with an incident in 1985.

Ontario Provincial Police said a complainant came forward in regard to the incident in Pembroke 28 years ago.

Rev. Howard Chabot, a retired Catholic church priest, was charged with one count of sexual assault and one count of gross indecency.

He was released with a promise to appear in Pembroke court on Sept. 3.

Police want anyone with information about this investigation to call Det.-Const. Marc Gauvin at 613-735-0188 or 1-888-310-1122.

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Sex assault victim sues teacher, board for $3M

July 30, 2013, 2:48 pm

≫ Next: Of interest

≪ Previous: “Pembroke priest charged in alleged 1985 sex assault”& related articles

Retired teacher and priest, Kenneth O’Keefe, pleaded guilty to 2 incidents

CBC News

Posted: Jul 30, 2013 3:30 PM ET

Last Updated: Jul 30, 2013 4:53 PM ET

Kenneth O’Keefe notice of hearing for OCT

Kenneth O’Keefe, 82, pleaded guilty twice in the past year to charges related to incidents in 1969 to 1974. (CBC)

A 55-year-old sexual assault victim is suing a retired teacher, guidance counsellor and priest, Ottawa’s Catholic school board and two other organizations for more than $3 million, claiming the organizations should have responded to an incident almost 30 years ago.

The man has filed a lawsuit in Ontario Superior Court claiming damages in relation to an incident when he was 16 years old involving former school teacher and priest Kenneth O’Keefe.

O’Keefe pleaded guilty to the 1974 incident in which the boy woke up to being sexually abused.

According to the statement of claim, O’Keefe offered his residence for the night after the boy had complained of an argument with his parents.

Now 55, the man is suing O’Keefe, the Ottawa-Carleton Catholic District School Board, the Roman Catholic Episcopal Corporation of Ottawa and the Basilian Fathers of Toronto for $3.1 million.

He claims the school board and Catholic diocese did not respond to parents’ complaints about the incident soon after it happened, which caused him emotional damage over several years.

2 guilty pleas in past year

The plaintiff’s name is protected by a publication ban because the incident happened when he was a minor.

O’Keefe and the Basilian Fathers of Toronto have filed statements of defence but the other parties have not, according to Rob Talach, the plaintiff’s London, Ont., lawyer.

In his statement of defence, O’Keefe disputed the extent of the damages while the Basilian Fathers disputed several allegations of cover-up, as well as their knowledge of the situation, in their statement.

In an email statement sent to CBC News, the law firm representing the Catholic school board also said prior to the 1980s it was not responsible for educating Grade 11, 12 or 13 students in its schools. The plaintiff in this case was in Grade 11.

David Sherriff-Scott said the teacher’s employer was the Catholic archdiocese, which has yet to file its statement of defence, and the archdiocese is responsible for his actions.

Last September, O’Keefe, 82, pleaded guilty to an indecent assault charge related to the 1974 incident. In January, he pleaded guilty to two charges in relation to an assault on a 17-year-old boy in Hull, Que., which happened in 1969.

In both cases, he was given a nine-month conditional sentence in the community. He has eight months left on his second sentence, which is being spent under house arrest in Toronto.

O’Keefe still holds teaching licence

O’Keefe, a former Basilian priest, taught at Catholic high schools in Ottawa from 1959 to 1980, including St. Pius X and St. Joseph.

He retired from teaching in 2003 and he retired from active ministry in 2006.

O’Keefe continues to hold his teaching licence. But he will be in front of the Ontario College of Teachers next month for a disciplinary hearing where he could officially lose that licence. The hearing is based on the same incident as the lawsuit.

According to his online profile with the college of teachers, O’Keefe completed his professional education program in Toronto in 1955, later graduating with a Masters of Education from the University of Ottawa in 1974. He also obtained his guidance counsellor training in 1973.

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Of interest

July 30, 2013, 10:32 pm

≫ Next: “Pembroke priest charged in alleged 1985 sex assault”& related articles

≪ Previous: Sex assault victim sues teacher, board for $3M

I have added a number of bits and pieces of information to the Father Howard Chabot page. There are still a number of gaps to fill in. Anyone who has information which fills in any gaps please post a comment or send me an email at: cornwall@theinquiry.ca

First, I want to commend the complainant who went to police. Good for you! Good for you!! Stay strong now, and prepare yourself for a fairly long wait before this goes to trial. It will probably be around two years. If it’s sooner, well, that’s fantastic Meanwhile, my thoughts and prayers are with you.

And to anyone else who has allegations against Father Chabot (or any other priest for that matter), always remind yourself that you have nothing to be ashamed of – you were a child, just a child. And remind yourself to put the shame where it belongs – right on the shoulders of your molester, and right on the shoulders of all those who may have covered up on his behalf. Talk to your family. Talk to trusted friends. When you are ready, get rid of the shame which you have carried for so long. Put it smack dab where it belongs. You can do it.

Now back to Father Howard Chabot.

I am surprised to learn that Father Chabot worked as a probation officer full-time – after he was a priest. I truly have never heard of a priest working as a probation officer. That doesn’t mean it hasn’t happened elsewhere, but I’ve never heard of it and, to be quite frank, I find it bizarre. How did that ever come to be? Was their a glut of priests in the Pembroke Diocese at the time? is that it?

Also, while on that subject, does anyone know if Father Chabot was working as a probation officer around 1980? The 1980 Ontario Catholic Directory gives his address as c/o St. John Chrysostom Roman Catholic Church in Arnprior, but it looks as though he was not there officially as an assistant. Is that because he was living in the rectory, and perhaps helping out from time to time in the parish, but was actually working as probation officer? And, if that’s the case, how did that ever come to be?

And, speaking of Father Howard Chabot and St. John Chrysostom in the 1980 directory, Father Tardiff is listed as Pastor, and Father Dan Miller as assistant.

In the 2002 Canadian Catholic Church Directory Father Chabot is listed as Our Lady of Lourdes Roman Catholic Church, Pembroke, Ontario. Also at that address is, … Father Dan Miller.

I don’t by any stretch have all the directories so am unable to check every single one to see who was where when, but, it looks as though Fathers Chabot and Miller were at OLL together at least for one year (In the 2000 directory Father Miller ‘s address is listed a c/o the diocesan centre)

I realize fully that there are many priests who wind up serving in the same parish over a lifetime in the priesthood, but it is known that Fathers Miller and Chabot were good friends, and that Fathers Tardiff and Miller were frequent dinner guests at Father Chabot’s Westmeath home. I also realize that Father Tardif may well have accompanied Father Miller out of a sense of duty to monitor him (after it was presumably revealed that Father Miller had molested ). I don’t know how far that monitoring went, but do know that for ages wherever Father Miller was, there was Father Tardiff. Monitoring or friendship? Who knows?

It’s true, there are other clergy who were frequent dinner guests at the Westmeath home of Father Chabot, however, Father Daniel Miller, as a convicted child molester, is of interest.

I see too that Father Howard Chabot was Chaplain to the Pembroke Police Service for nearly 20 years. I think it was Father Michael Mullins who was Chaplain to the Ottawa Police Service and Father ~~Kenneth Keeler~~ Dale Crampton who was Chaplain to the RCMP? Do I have them right? or, is it vice-versa? No matter, those two clerical molesters served as Chaplain to the RCMP and Ottawa police. I don’t for a moment believe that all chaplains to police are molesters – I am however concerned at the influence a Chaplain who happens to be a molester could have on police officers and/or on any police investigations of clerical molesters.

Now, another question. Does anyone know what studies Father Chabot undertook in New Mexico? also in England.

According to the media he studied in Toronto, Montreal, New Mexico and England. I know that he was in Toronto at St. Augustine’s Seminary for a spell. And I know that he spent time at the Grand Seminary in Montreal. I have no idea what he was studying in New Mexico. Ditto England. Can anyone help?

As an item of minor interest, it is known that Father Chabot was a great advocate of Leaves of Absence of three to four months.

And finally, I have been told Father is a gifted speaker, and that he was involved at some point in Marriage Preparation classes.

Please look through the information on the page and see if there is anything you can add to fill in the gaps. In truth all of this information should be supplied by the diocese as part of a CV, but, that just generally does not happen in Canada. Not yet.

*****

Please also look through the information on the Father Thomas C. O’Flaherty page. It’s now late and I want to call it a day so will not get into my questions and comments here, but do take time to read through. There are many questions here.

*****

If anyone was trying to reach me yesterday our phone line has gone kaput. At one point in the day the phone rang once, and then there was nothing but buzzes and crackles on the line, and the window showing the phone “In Use” and “Charging.” I finally contacted Ma Bell – someone will be out to fix things up between 8 am and noon.

Oh joy!

Enough for now,

Sylvia

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