National Group Cites Advocates
Observer-Tribune
August 1, 2007
http://www.recordernewspapers.com/articles/2007/08/02/observer-tribune/news/
doc46b0c82756c71820041557.txt
Mendham – The Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAP), a national self-help organization for victims of clergy child sexual abuse, has presented its first-ever national "Red Badge of Courage Award" to five recipients, including borough residents, Lou and Patricia Serrano.
The awards, the first ever issued in SNAP's nearly 20 year history, are to those who demonstrate extraordinary courage in advocating on behalf of survivors of clerical child sexual abuse and in support of legal measures that will make children safer, a statement said.
The Serranos, who have been married for 53 years, are the family outreach directors for SNAP New Jersey. Mrs. Serrano is also the founder of Healing Our Survivors Together (HOST) in Mendham, a local support organization.
The Serranos were presented the award by their son Mark Serrano, a national SNAP leader and childhood victim of the former priest, James Hanley, the former pastor of St. Joseph's Church in Mendham.
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Hanley has admitted under oath to sexually abusing more than a dozen boys.
Inspiring Work
Mark Serrano noted that his parents' exemplary work should be an inspiration for others to follow in their support of the many victims of sexual abuse throughout our society.
"Year in and year out, my parents have been there. Whether it involves being face to face with an angry perpetrator, organizing and facilitating regular support meetings, or taking calls late at night from wounded child sexual abuse survivors and their family members, they do not waiver in their dedication," said Mark Serrano.
David Clohessy, national director for SNAP said Lou and Pat Serrano have been longtime defenders of people abused by priests.
"Long before it was well known that the Catholic hierarchy was systemically covering up the crimes of serial child abusers, transferring them to new parishes, and fighting victims tooth and nail, Lou and Pat Serrano were standing up for what was right and speaking the truth, often to skeptical listeners," Clohessy said.
Clohessy said the Serranos recognize that survivors often face lifelong struggles and may despair without the support and love of those closest to them.
"Their work in New Jersey has been a national model, and has helped SNAP to better serve survivors and their families throughout the United States," Clohessy said. "Lou and Pat have helped to heal the wounded and protect the vulnerable. They have also not yielded to fear or despair – which Webster's Dictionary defines as courage."
Lou Serrano said he and his wife were honored by the award.
"Pat and I deeply appreciate the meaning of this award. There is still much work to do however, and we feel fortunate to be part of this important cause," Lou Serrano said.
Pat Serrano said she encouraged survivors of abuse, and parents who know or suspect that their children were sexually abused, to contact their local prosecutor and visit SNAP's website at www.snapnetwork.org.
Other recipients of the 2007 "Red Badge of Courage Award," which was presented at SNAP's 2007 annual conference in Washington, D.C. are:
• Bishop Thomas Gumbleton of Detroit, a clergy sexual abuse survivor who has testified in state legislatures in favor of revised laws to protect children and promote healing, despite strong opposition from the Catholic Church hierarchy;
• Father Thomas Doyle, a noted victims advocate who wrote a 1986 report for Catholic Bishops warning that clergy sexual abuse was widespread in the church and what should be done to stop it.
• Barbara Westrick, a Chicago Catholic elementary school principal who has identified and protected abused children and was recently fired for speaking out against her archdiocese for its handling of sexual abuse claims against a priest.
SNAP is an independent 7,000-plus member self-help group of men and women who were sexually abused by priests, bishops, nuns, brothers and other church employees and officials. Based in Chicago, its website is www.snapnetwork.org.
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