Archdiocese of New York again named in lawsuit over alleged abuse at Mt. Loretto; SNAP calls for secular investigations of such facilities throughout the US
A resident of the Mission of the Immaculate Virgin at Mount Loretto in Staten Island three decades ago has accused three adults, including a priest, of sexually abusing him in a recently filed lawsuit. In the wake of the tragedies that have been uncovered in the past months in Canadian residential schools, we call for secular investigations in each state that had Catholic Church or government oversight at such institutions. Sadly, many children who were placed in such situations were orphaned, wards of the court, or from troubled families. They deserve justice!
We commend the brave survivor who has come forward to hold the Archdiocese of New York accountable. Now residing in Georgia, John Doe was placed at Mt. Loretto in 1986 when he was between 10 or 11 years of age. The following year a house supervisor began grooming him. We are sorry to learn that he was abused at such a young and vulnerable age. Mt. Loretto is no stranger to sex abuse allegations.
John Doe shared that a Catholic priest and two other adults abused him while he lived at Mt. Loretto for six years. It is difficult to imagine the horror he endured when those entrusted with his care weaponized their positions to violate his innocence. It is also no surprise to learn that this survivor was threatened at a young age if he told anyone what had occurred. However, the victim recalled telling a social worker in 1989 what had happened and we are appalled that he received no help.
The Child Victims Act in New York has given the power back where it belongs, to the survivors. Nearly 6,000 civil suits have been filed in New York. The Catholic Church, other faith communities, the Boy Scouts of America, county foster care agencies, summer camps, youth athletics, and youth centers make up 97% of the cases filed.
We are horrified that innocent children were subjected to constant abuse when truly they needed nothing but care. It is also disappointing to learn that alumni have rallied to defend Mt. Loretto. We believe the victims and stand with them in support and encourage anyone else who suffered abuse or has knowledge of abuse occurring to please come forward to law enforcement.
CONTACT: Michael McDonnell, SNAP Communications Manager ([email protected], 267-261-0578, Zach Hiner, Executive Director ([email protected], 517-974-9009) Brian Toale, SNAP Leader New York ([email protected], 646-549-0372
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
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