Fr. Ronald E. Brassard

The issue of abuse within the Catholic Church, accompanied by a cascade of cover-ups, has cast long shadows over faith communities worldwide. While numerous factors are frequently discussed as potential contributors to this crisis, one vital aspect remains largely in the shadows: the palpable fear among church members and staffers of facing retaliation if they dare to report child sexual abuse, whether suspected or actually seen and regardless of whether the perpetrator is a cleric or a lay person. We hope to shed light on this critical yet often-ignored cause, exploring its implications and the urgent need for a more transparent, safe environment within the Church.
The Root of Silence
When considering the depth and breadth of the abuse and cover-up within the Catholic Church, several reasons are often cited: the celibacy requirement, an all-male priesthood and hierarchy, and a monarchical power structure, among others. However, one underlying cause is…
BELLEVILLE (IL)
News Democrat
April 10, 2019
By Lexi Cortes
As recently as February, accusations of sexual abuse have come to light about five priests who have ties to Southern Illinois, according to a victims group.
Members of the group, called the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, and other advocates wrote those priests’ names in chalk on the sidewalk outside the Belleville Diocese at the end of March.
They want Belleville Bishop Edward K. Braxton to add those five names to the Belleville Diocese’s public list of priests, which now includes 17 men who were “removed from ministry after credibly substantiated allegations” of sexual abuse or sexual misconduct.
The group, known as S.N.A.P., said the five priests’ names should be included because they have been accused of abuse, too, and have lived or worked in the Belleville Diocese.
The names include Paul Joseph Bruening, Gavin O’Connor, Donald…
MASSACHUSETTS
Boston.com
By Charlotte Wilder @thewilderthings
Boston.com Staff
Judge Raymond Brassard of Norfolk Superior Court granted parishioners of St. Frances X Cabrini Church in Scituate a chance to file their case with the U.S. Supreme Court on Monday. The filing with the highest court in America will be the last battle in an 11-year fight to stop the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Boston from closing their church.
The church hasn’t been empty in over a decade. For 11 years, members of the approximately 100 people who make up the group known as the “Friends of St. Frances X. Cabrini” have kept a constant vigil inside their beloved building to keep it from closing.
The hearing Monday was to consider the parishioners’ emergency motion to suspend any of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Boston’s future orders to close the church while they work on an appeal to the U.S….