Rome Diary Part 3
We went leafleting last night about Fr. Juan Baptiste Ormechea. He and five other admitted or credibly accused US predator priests are living and we fear working here in Rome (or have done so recently). With a little help from a kind volunteer, we had an outreach flyer translated into Italian. It explains who we are and why we were passing out leaflets. People were very polite and accepted our flyers. As all of you know so well, leaflets are an amazing tool and almost always help us to find survivors and warn communities about dangerous predators living nearby.
At our event today was at 10:30, we had about 30 reporters and camera crews from several countries (including the US). Our topic today was “the Dirty Dozen,” the twelve worst of the cardinals whose names are being mentioned as papal contenders. (It is posted on our website.) It was not easy to narrow down the list, but we ended up with names from nine countries, all men whose dioceses have been caught up in the scandal (and some from places where the scandal is just beginning to make headlines). We tried to judge them on their actions but often their words were so egregious that we included them.
You can guess the first question—who would you pick for pope? (Personally I think Pope Barb has a nice ring. Just kidding!) While some candidates are better than others, it is very hard to seriously back any contender that has an actual chance of being elected.
We are off to meet with reporters. Many of you have been traveling with us wherever we go. We have a few dozen photos of survivors at the age they were abused and we hold them proudly. So do not be surprised to see your face on TV. We miss many of you and appreciate your support!
Winter Appeal 2023
To our friends,
2023 has been a long year with many ups and downs for us all. As we close out the year, we at SNAP hope that you are feeling like you are on your way to being healthy, fulfilled, and happy. This past year has brought both successes and challenges. Thanks to the support you have shown in the past, we’ve been able to celebrate the good days and weather the stormy ones. Now, we are once again asking for your support as we work to support survivors new and old as we ‘Move SNAP Forward.’
At SNAP we are proud to have hosted a very well-attended conference in August 2023. This event allowed us to gather friends, survivors, advocates, and allies for a weekend of camaraderie and connection. We were so happy to be able to welcome many first-time attendees to gather in person and are already looking forward to the next conference.
To strengthen our movement for justice, healing, and prevention, SNAP will be expanding our peer support and providing more volunteer opportunities in the coming year. Through this great work, we are ensuring survivor voices are represented as we work for significant change that will benefit children and survivors.
Right now, survivors worldwide are getting the help they need from SNAP, and more and more reach out to us daily, but we need your help to keep those programs going and get our volunteers the training they need to thrive.
Your tax-deductible gift to SNAP can help offset the cost of our important mission. If you are not in a position to contribute, you can still support us by sharing this letter with those who can. As we continue to fight for survivors across the globe, your donation or sharing the great work SNAP does will help us continue our work to protect the vulnerable, heal the wounded, and prevent abuse.
Your donation ensures SNAP will be there for those who need us more than ever!
Warmly,
Michael W. McDonnell, C.P.S.
Interim Executive Director