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The Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests

SNAP Press Statements


Statement Regarding Guilty Plea
of Stigmatine Priest

Statement by David Clohessy (314 566 9790), national director of SNAP

August 4, 2004

"We're grateful that at least some of Landry's victims now have some measure
of justice and closure.

No court ruling can restore the self-esteem, innocence or happiness that Landry stole from his innocent victims. By their courage, however, they have recovered at least some of what was cruelly taken from them. They are heroes. Their bravery has no doubt already inspired other victims to come forward, and will continue to inspire others.

We hope that anyone who witnessed, suspected or experienced abuse by Landry
or other clerics - Catholic and non-Catholic - finds the strength and courage to come forward.

Church officials desperately try to convince us that abuse by clergy happened long ago. But children are at risk even now. Abusers will always gravitate toward the priesthood. Clergy sex abuse is not just a crime of the distant past.

It is of course very hard for adults who were molested as kids to come forward. We applaud these victims, and other victims, for having the strength to disclose Landry's crimes. We also applaud their bravery for using the justice system to expose a criminal and protect youngsters. All Catholics owe them a debt of gratitude for their courage and for helping to remove dangerous man from children.

These men face a long, rocky road to recovery, and no matter how hard they try, their lives will never be the same. We hope that this action today provides them at least some comfort and closure. Like anyone who was victimized by a priest or minister, SNAP stands ready to help them in any way we can."


Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests
www.snapnetwork.org