PENNSYLVANIA
WNEP
[with video]
BY KRISTINA PAPA
CLINTON COUNTY — One day after the announcement that dozens of Roman Catholic priests in the Altoona-Johnstown diocese molested children for decades. Two of those alleged victims reached out to Newswatch 16 to share their stories. The diocese includes Catholic churches in both Centre and Clinton counties.
The alleged victims we spoke with on Wednesday tell us they were 6 or 7 years old when they were molested by Father Joseph Bender in Renovo. Now, in their mid to late 50s, they contacted Newswatch 16 because they want people to know the truth. They want people to hear their stories.
At 55 years old, Robert Holtzapple remembers a lot about his childhood and his time as an altar boy at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Renovo.
“Benderites, I don’t know where that came from. They called us bender boys,” said Holtapple.
Holtzapple kept some memories about Father Joseph Bender tucked away for decades.
“He led you to believe that he cared about you and he loved you. You know what I mean? That’s what he did. He manipulated you mentally as well as physically,” said Holtzapple.
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