PENNSYLVANIA
We Are Central PA
[with video]
Altoona, Blair County
New allegations of priest abuse in the Altoona/ Johnstown Catholic diocese surfaced Monday when a letter sent to Bishop Mark Bartchak was released to the media. In it “Whistleblower” George Foster calls for 5 priests and 1 sister to be removed from their posts and investigated.
For one victim – we call him “John” – it’s the action that he wants to see now.
“How many victims are out there, afraid to talk, because they know there ain’t going to be any help,” explains “John”.
“John” was repeatedly raped when he was a teen by a priest who he says bribed him with alcohol, money, cars and made him dress as a women. He’s still battling the trauma today.
“I feel so much better talking about it. I kept the shit inside me so damn long, when I finally exploded, I ended up in 3G,” explains “John”.
That was the mental ward of the UPMC Altoona.
“Maybe that was God’s blessing for me, you know making me snap,” adds “John.
Today, John is sober and in treatment for PTSD.
As “John” tells it, “Life’s getting better for me. I still believe in church. I do get upset with the diocese – not doing enough for the victims.”
Note: This is an Abuse Tracker excerpt. Click the title to view the full text of the original article. If the original article is no longer available, see our News Archive.