BUFFALO (NY)
WGRZ Channel 2
February 6, 2019
By Steve Brown and Dave Harrington
‘Am I the only one?’
For years, Christopher Szuflita wondered.
He didn’t think so. But now, he knows.
He is not the only child in the late 60’s who says they were sexually abused at the hands of Father Joseph Friel.
Szuflita’s encounters with Friel happened after the then-teenager had completed his elementary education at the parish school at Fourteen Holy Helpers in West Seneca.
He returned to attend religious instruction classes. That’s where Friel made his move, pulling Szuflita from class and leading him to the parish rectory.
“We were taught to respect priests and nuns,” says Christopher Szuflita.
“It was in his own room, up the stairs,” recalled Szuflita, “I guess he played some music. I don’t remember if there was alcohol served but I remember smelling alcohol on him… and he tried to kiss me. Sat me on the bed and… and from there things progressed.”
After pausing, Szuflita continued, “And then it happened again.”
…and again.
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