PHILADELPHIA (PA)
Philadelphia Inquirer
By Joseph A. Slobodzian
Inquirer Staff Writer
Breaking with anonymity – but not loosening the tenacious hold of childhood sexual abuse – two men announced Tuesday that they had sued the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, church officials, and three priests.
The emotional statements by Andrew Druding and Michael W. McDonnell highlighted a Center City news conference where their lawyers also announced six other lawsuits on behalf of seven victims purportedly abused as children by archdiocesan priests.
“What you did didn’t define me,” said Druding. “I may be damaged goods, but I’m not going to allow you to beat me.”
Druding, 51, of Holmesburg, struggled to control his voice as he said he had been sexually abused in the early 1970s by the Rev. Francis S. Feret, then choir director at St. Timothy parish in Mayfair.
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