A reader writes:
Like you, Andrew, I was raised in the Catholic Church, and I still revere and hold dear its core teachings of Christ. I had 12 years of good Catholic schooling - tough and disciplined. In my junior year of high school I went to the priest at my high school for 'counseling' as I was feeling depressed with some life events. After the 3rd or 4th visit, he molested me.
I went into absolute shock and denial and couldn't move. But once I realized what he was doing, I snapped to reality and ran from his office. His attempts at groping at my breasts ended there. I shudder to think how far he would have gone if I hadn't done that. I was one of the lucky ones.
No, I didn't tell anyone. Not my parents, not my friends, other family members nor the school authorities. I instinctively knew that he must have done or tried to do the same thing with other girls. True, I was 16 y/o. But I was an impressionable, naive, innocent virginal child of those times and that age. I trusted this priest with my whole heart. Him abusing that trust is abominable.
No one is asking the question... what about the girls??? I am somewhat offended at this disregard by the media and other commentators, but glad to see you mention it on your blog. I suspect if and when that door is pried open, a veritable abyss will open up as well. Not every priest was attracted to young boys, many were attracted to young girls.