PHILADELPHIA (PA)
Philadelphia Inquirer
By Dara McBride
Inquirer Staff Writer
“Abominable,” “shameful” and “sad” were a few of the words the parishioners of St. Joseph Church in Downingtown used Sunday to describe the conviction of their former pastor, Msgr. William J. Lynn, of child endangerment in the landmark clergy sex-abuse trial in Philadelphia.
On Friday, Lynn, 61, became the nation’s first Catholic church supervisor convicted for covering up abuse by a priest. He faces up to seven years in prison.
On the first Sunday after that dramatic outcome, cars packed St. Joseph’s two parking lots as usual. But inside, Masses were different. Some parishioners cried. Others expressed confusion over the verdict as they spoke with clergy afterward.
“He was the lovingest and most supportive man I’ve ever known. He was there in my hour of need, not just for me, but for my family,” Bernadette Louden said after the 10:30 a.m. Mass. Without providing details, she said Lynn had helped her when she became seriously ill.
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