Rocking the Cradle Catholics

ABC - the Spirit of Things
June 16, 2013

http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/spiritofthings/rocking-the-cradle-catholics/4746316


Patricia Feenan was a 'cradle Catholic' with a strong loyalty to the Church.

Learning of her son's sexual abuse by the parish priest, a family friend, shattered her world and rocked her faith in the Church.

The launch of her book Holy Hell in late 2012, prompted ABC's Lateline interview with (then) Detective Sergeant Peter Fox, whose allegations into the handling of child sex abuse cases triggered the Royal Inquiry into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.

Michelle Mulvihill's family Sunday lunches were regularly attended by a half dozen young priests, so it was no surprise when, as a psychologist, she worked with the Catholic Church's Toward's Healing program as a mediator/facilitator.

Deeply dissatisfied with the process, Dr. Mulvihill withdrew her services and has worked as an independent consultant to dioceses, religious orders and victims of child sexual abuse. She is a contributor to Sexual Abuse, Society and the Future of the Church, Interface, Vol. 16, 2013.