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  Clergy Abuse Victims Honored
Support Group Urges Education

By Robert Iafolla
San Gabriel Valley Tribune [Azusa CA]
July 17, 2005

AZUSA -- Members of a support group for people molested by priests handed out leaflets Sunday outside St. Frances of Rome Catholic Church in an effort to educate parishioners about clergy abuse.

The group distributed about 450 leaflets, which included an invitation to a July 31 memorial service at Our Lady of the Angels Cathedral in Los Angeles to honor victims of clergy abuse who have committed suicide.

"We believe if Catholics understand the effects of abuse on victims, they'd take more steps to reach out to victims and stop the cycle of abuse,' said Mary Grant, regional director of the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests.

In addition to St. Frances in Azusa, SNAP members handed out fliers at five other Catholic churches in Los Angeles and Orange counties on Sunday, according to SNAP.

"We selected these particular parishes because the Catholics (who worship there) have done very hurtful things to clergy molestation victims,' Grant said, citing parishioner support for convicted child molesters.

For instance, parishioners clashed with SNAP members at a 2002 protest outside St. Frances where the Rev. David Granadino was removed based on allegations he molested parish children.

No charges were filed against Granadino, who has not returned as pastor.

During a 2002 protest, churchgoers hurled insults at SNAP members and an Azusa woman was arrested for allegedly striking a protester.

Sunday's leafleting produced no such confrontations.

SNAP members stayed on the sidewalk and gave leaflets to parishioners as they entered or exited the church, or as they drove from the parking lot.

Church officials could not be reached for comment Sunday.

"People have been real receptive, and they're accepting the leaflets without any problem,' SNAP member Pat Olivas said.

Some churchgoers read their leaflet as they walked away, while others folded it and tucked it away in a pocket or bag.

Parishioner Ernest Roman of Duarte said he supported SNAP's efforts to raise awareness of clergy abuse.

"You can't blame all the priests, but the ones that did abuse should be brought to justice,' Roman said.

 
 

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