The following comes from a December 7 Raw Story article by Tom Boggiani:
A group representing victims of sexual abuse at the hands of Catholic priests has blasted the San Diego Catholic Diocese for appointing a priest who admitted to destroying documents detailing sexual assaults to oversee their sex abuse hotline.
Likening him to “an admitted embezzler [who] shouldn’t oversee bank accounts,” Melanie Sakoda of SNAP (Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests) said Father Steven Callahan shouldn’t be allowed to “oversee abuse reports.”
Callahan is listed as the Victims’ Assistance Coordinator on the Roman Catholic Diocese of San Diego website — with a phone number to call the priest as well as an email address.
In a court deposition in 2007, after approximately 150 men and women filed suit against the San Diego diocese over sexual abuse claims, Callahan admitted to destroying documents in the early 90’s implicating a fellow priest.
“He claims he was following Canon Law, but no one in the diocese destroyed these records till he came along,” claimed attorney Irwin Zalkin, who was representing about third of the victims. “They came in and destroyed priests’ confidential files, they destroyed important seminary records and engaged in a cover-up that precluded people trying to prove up their claims.”
While I am not familiar with the details of the prior case cited in the article, the appearances certainly seem ,at best, poor. Surely the good Bishop can find someone to fill this most important position who does not have a cloud in their background. Personally, if I was a parent of an abuse victim the first call would be to the police, the second to a good attorney, and then to the Diocese.
Will the Bishops ever learn?
And they say our Bishops are sensitive to the clergy abuse scandal. Really? A second grade kid could have figured out that this was a terrible appointment. Its stuff like this that chases people from the fold.
SNAP has a right to be furious. In order to clearly understand why Fr. Callahan destroyed documents and evidence, you also have to understand the Diocese of San Diego’s legacy of corruption. Similar to the Diocese of Orange, the more corruption you hide, the higher or more important position you will be rewarded with. This also explains why even after the initial Jon Jay Report why Timothy Radcliffe was joyfully invited/embraced by the Diocese of San Diego to be an influence. “As a dog that returneth to his vomit, so is the fool that repeateth his folly.” – Proverbs 26:11 Douay-Rheims Scroll down to read pages12-20
https://www.rcf.org/pdfs/AMDGSpring2003.pdf
san diego has a long history of serious problems, they go back years the pope should send chaput to clean up the mess
Many people will never again trust the Catholic Church, because of the irresponsibility of so many of her clergy. It is so very sad! And millions have also left the Church, since the clergy sex abuse crisis began! People desperately need the Catholic Faith! It is a holy Faith given to us as a great gift, by Christ! The world waited for centuries, since the Fall of Man, in the Garden of Eden, for the birth of our great Redeemer, Christ! By the grace of God, I surely hope the Church will totally clean up all her sins, and get on the right track!
I met some SNAP members when they were protesting the elevation to Pastor in Pleasanton of a transfer from Ireland – who had been arrested locally for committing a “lewd act” in front of a young male undercover police officer – inside a boys bathroom of a youth sports park.
They certainly had their points – particularly about setting examples. SSADLY – Many were also angry at God and the Church – often about different subjects and for different experiences.
The Homosex Ephebophile Attach on the Church & its Adolescent Boys (which was the overwhelming focus of the coverup) has reaped great rewards for Evil, which those who pandered to it need to own up to and correct their past acts, so the Church can go Forward.
It seems after so many years to drive on from what happened in so many cases so many years ago. Main motivation seems to be money to keep the controversy going. Many persons accused have been dead up to 40 years. Time to go on.
The Church is filled with sinners, we need to put our faith in God, not people. Looking to The Church and Christ’s teachings is more important than what others do. There is always more to the story. I’ll wait and see. In the meantime Fr. Callahan helped me with a problem in my parish a few years ago. I found him to be a very faithful serious believer, a kind person who took action on my behalf to straighten out something at my parish that was very troubling.
Janet. We must care about all souls, especially the souls of Fr. Callahan and for Bishop McElroy who has the authority to solidly uphold “all” Church teaching. Even at USD. Saints were sinners who repeatedly picked themselves up with the grace of a good confession. They did not remain blinded to the terrible traps that were ensnaring them. There are surely many people who would also come forward to testify to kind acts that Cardinal Mahony showed at certain times. Mercy is commendable but it is not merciful when it does not encompass the full truth. Many bishops repeatedly invited in their own ensnarements. You say, “You’ll wait and see?” Please see what just happened in Las Vegas during Mass. continued…..
mnewz.com/pope-is-a-satan-men-storm-into-catholic-churches-shouting-religious-messages-and-its-all-on-video/
MEN STORM INTO CATHOLIC CHURCHES SHOUTING RELIGIOUS MESSAGES — AND IT’S ALL ON VIDEO
We must remember that all people have both good and bad traits. A teacher, priest, doctor, or other person of authority over others, may have much good to give to others– and then, have a weakness so terrible, it is even criminal! In the case of priests who are pedophiles, we have seen priests with talent, intelligence and ability, in many areas, who yet are highly deficient in moral character! This confuses many people, as we all expect a priest to naturally be holy, have excellent character, and be fully trustworthy! It is like the wolf in sheep’s clothing! A horrible BETRAYAL!! UNTHINKABLE!!
Over the centuries, sex crimes have often not been taken seriously. Yet, such crimes irreparably harm children and adults! The Catholic Church has long been a bastion of clerical authority misused– and then, cover-ups of serious crimes (such as sex abuse) to maintain her public image. There are many prelates, worldwide, who are still in high positions, who covered up or lied about serious crimes, such as sex abuse, among the clergy under their supervision. Some were simply transferred to different positions. Some are also now retired. But the Church really does not supervise her clergy– prelates or priests– no matter what the rank! Sin has not been taken seriously. Public image is the thing that is taken most seriously. There…
look at what recently hit the news in new York city as exposed by the new York post, dolan hit the ceiling
I will continue, with my above post. There is a great need for seriousness, to properly carry out Christ’s holy mission on earth, to save souls, and guide them to Heaven— in the leadership of the Catholic Church!
I don’t think sex crimes have anything to do with celibacy or being a married man– or being either gay or normal. I think it has to do with the fact that some people are weak, and have criminal tendencies. Such men have no business in the priesthood, ministry, education, medicine, or other helping professions. When I was young, good moral character, and a good moral conscience, were high expectations! And candidates for the priesthood were always supposed to be the boys in Catholic school, who were talented intellectually, and had high moral character– an exemplary boy, someone with spiritual and moral gifts above the norm! “The cream of the crop,” as my mother used to say.
Rev. Callahan is actually a Monsignor. Very smart guy, has a Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering, worked for General Atomic before entering the seminary. He was one of the few monsignors made by Bishop Brom. Bishop Maher-who preceeded him-made TONS of priests monsignors. I heard that Rome had directed that only 10-20% of all priests in a diocese around that time should be monsignors, but San Diego had something like 60% by the time.
Janet, Devotions to the Mother of God are often mocked or called archaic by those who are in leadership positions. Many students heard a previous vocation director of the Diocese of Orange publicly call the Mother of God dark skinned and unattractive. Yes, he actually told the students that when he heard the rosary being prayed it sounded sickening and syrupy sweet. How many Catholics have been improperly influenced to avoid this powerful aid? Please don’t coddle a mediocrity of the meaning of mercy. Our bishops and shepherds need to publicly enlist this powerful aid from the Mother of God in order to sometimes even free them from themselves in order to properly lead Christ’s sheep.
I get why SNAP opposes him, but a lot has changed since the ’90s.
It does not mean that he can do the job responsibly now.
“but a lot has changed since the ’90s.” = That is as repugnant a lie as Hilary Clinton’s lying claim that Benghazi was caused by a video. Nothing has changed but the names. The invitation of Timothy Radcliffe speaks volumes about the homosexual network that is still powerfully in place. The FAILURE to truly uphold “all” Church teaching is compromised because of the fear of being blackmailed for past transgressions. IOW “I know your cover ups and transgressions and you know mine”. It may not be the 90’s but history is still repeating itself today. Bishop Brom gave Fr. Callahan the title of Msgr. and this pattern of reward is a current legacy of consistently being compromised because of the past. A housecleaning is still in order…
Taken from RCF
“This summer, in moves considered unusual for the numbers involved, the [new] Bishop [Robert Brom] named fourteen local priests to receive the honorary title of “Msgr.”
RCF’s [Editor’s note: When Bishop George Lucas took over the diocese of Springfield from the predatory homosexual Bishop Daniel Ryan – who resigned in disgrace – Lucas named 15 local clergy to receive the honorary title of Monsignor. Some of the clergy named were parties to the cover-up and protection of Ryan. The similarities are rather glaring. ] ”
continued…
Take the past example of the compromised reason why Bishop Brom had to flip flop when he initially tried to uphold Church teaching regarding the Catholic funeral of a man. The homosexual network came out of the woodwork and Bishop Brom was then forced to cave in because of being compromised. This is also why USD still thumbs their nose to the Diocese of San Diego. Lots of cover ups and compromise…. And SSADLY speaking their are shepherds who agree with apostate speakers who dissent from solid Church teaching. Since, Timothy Radcliffe was recently invited it’s still business as usual.
continued……
Our Lady of Akita warned us about those who have compromised!
https://www.rcf.org/pdfs/AMDGSpring2003.pdf
scroll down to page 14 to read about those who are compromised and rewarding those who cover up with the title of Msgr. This applies to Msgr. Callahan so it is disgraceful that a perceived fox is still guarding the henhouse.
https://legacy.utsandiego.com/news/metro/20050318-9999-1n18funeral.html
SignOnSanDiego.com > News > Metro — Bishop won’t allow funeral for club owner
https://www.dignitysd.org/archives/News Articles/GLT » Brom Apologizes.htm
continued…”
“but a lot has changed since the 90’s” = No, it has not. You will know when things have changed when anti-Catholic or apostate speakers are not allowed to speak at USD or when the Catholic identity name is removed. You will know this when dissenters such as Timothy Radcliffe are not invited in to undermine Church teaching.
taken from (scroll down, page 14)
https://www.rcf.org/pdfs/AMDGSpring2003.pdf
continued…
May God bring you to repentance, Catherine.
You have no evidence against any of the men that you have vilified.
You think making monsignors is evidence of wrongdoing?
You smell a rat where there are angels.
God desires mercy from you, not mortal sin.
How interesting: so-very-concerned Anonymous (Dec. 12, 2015 1:28am–having trouble sleeping?) ignores Catherine’s documented and well-founded points, and in the Year of Mercy appoints himself as her Judge at the Judgment. No, there is no hypocrisy there.
Admonishing the sinner is an act of mercy.
“Admonishing a sinner is an act of Mercy” = Here is your mercy! First, Repent! And please apologize for the glaring insensitivity and please remove Monsignor Callahan from this position. History is repeating itself in the Diocese of San Diego. Inviting Timothy Radcliffe to homosexualize fellow clergy and asking someone who admitted to destroying (covering up) evidence of criminal activity as the new overseer of the sexual abuse hotline is evil and abusive. This is a grave scandal perpetrated by those who have now embarrassingly and sinfully reminded/shown us how little they truly care about those who were victimized.
continued…..
Former Governor Frank Keating showed TRUE MERCY!
Refusing to Recant, Keating Resigns as Church Panel Chief
“The church, he said in the letter, is a ”home to Christ’s people.”
”It is not a criminal enterprise,” Mr. Keating said. ”It does not condone and cover up criminal activity. It does not follow a code of silence. My remarks, which some bishops found offensive, were deadly accurate. I make no apology. ”
continued….
Former Governor Frank Keating shows TRUE MERCY!
”To resist grand jury subpoenas, to suppress the names of offending clerics, to deny, to obfuscate, to explain away; that is the model of a criminal organization, not my church.” –
https://www.nytimes.com/2003/06/17/us/refusing-to-recant-keating-resigns-as-church-panel-chief.html
continued……
Former Governor Frank Keating showed TRUE MERCY!
Refusing to back down from his blunt words about Roman Catholic bishops, Frank Keating, former governor of Oklahoma, resigned yesterday as chairman of the church-appointed panel that is seeking to resolve the sexual abuse scandal involving priests and minors.
”I make no apology,” said Mr. Keating, who compared some bishops to ”La Cosa Nostra” last week, suggesting that they were continuing to cover up the extent of molestation by members of the clergy.”
Sin is sin.
Repent of what?
I committed no sin.
The Year of Mercy is all about seeking the Mercy of God in confession and doing works of mercy, including the spiritual act of mercy of admonishing the sinner.
If you do not know what sins you have committed please read the Catechism of the Catholic Church or the Roman Catechism under the section of the 8th Commandment.
‘Spotlight’ on Sodom by the Sea
Frisco Film Critics just awarded top prize, and No – it wasn’t the ‘Larry Brinkin Non-Story’
SEE San Francisco’s Gay Icon Larry Brinkin Guilty of Felony Child Porn Possession https://cnsnews.com/news/article/michael-w-chapman/san-francisco-s-gay-icon-larry-brinkin-guilty-felony-child-porn
Rather’Spotlight’ won their bow wows – although my kudos to Church Militant for:
HIDING GAY PRIESTS
https://www.churchmilitant.com/video/episode/hiding-gay-priests
The news is now out – alleged homosexual priest, Fr. Peter Miqueli, whom parishioners at not one but two parishes in the New York archdiocese say has been stealing money from the parishes for years and using it in part to finance a…
Compare the Spotlight on:
San Francisco’s Gay Icon Larry Brinkin Guilty of Felony Child Porn Possession https://cnsnews.com/news/article/michael-w-chapman/san-francisco-s-gay-icon-larry-brinkin-guilty-felony-child-porn
Vs.
HIDING GAY PRIESTS
https://www.churchmilitant.com/video/episode/hiding-gay-priests
The news is now out – alleged homosexual priest, Fr. Peter Miqueli, stealing money from the parishes for years and using it in part to finance a sadomasochistic homosexual fantasy life has finally broken into the secular press.
ChurchMilitant.com was the first to report on the rumblings of all this last month —parishioners went public and filed a lawsuit, forcing Cdl. Dolan’s hand and the story into the open.
We have linked…
I dont understand why these men leadership dont think. I can sympathize with SNAP. Dont they have plenty of well experienced individuals to choose from? This news surely will trigger more wounds from the victims. God have mercy.
I also want to add, our holy faithful priests also suffer. Im sure this may nake them upset. It may work against their holy orders. They feel the shame and hurt too because they really want to bring Christ to its people, and scandals like these dont help. One must use prudence! We pray that bishops use prudence! They need to encourage the faithful to read the CCC and holy scriptures!
“IT IS BETTER FOR SCANDALS TO ARISE THAN FOR THE TRUTH TO BE SUPPRESSED” – POPE GREGORY THE GREAT
Abeca, You are making some of those holy priests suffer EVEN MORE. This error of selecting someone who hid and destroyed criminal evidence is not simply about prudence. I see that you did not read how a bad bishop will threaten to punish certain priests if they speak up. Unmerciful words like, “I’ll destroy him”. This maintains the status quo that hamstrings the hard teachings regarding purity. You prefer to discuss the predictable symptomatic result AKA (girlfriend drama) instead of the root problem. You are enabling the persecution!