Information later came to light that the diocese had received police statements in 1962, alleging the priest had assaulted three girls.
Ontario’s highest court then granted Deschenes the right to sue the church a second time.
“When we settled, they told us they didn’t know about Sylvestre’s proclivities,” said Deschenes. “I had a gut feeling that they must have known because he had been doing it for a long time. But based on that information I did settle with the Catholic church.”
Those taking part in the vigil each took a turn standing in silence for one hour at the walkway to the church. It was a quiet appeal to the church to do what they believe is the right thing.
The action got the attention of passerby Dan Warren, who said the church needs to stop fighting victims of sexual abuse.
“If somebody is protesting a church, like that kind of says something - that something is wrong. And I’m not saying the people in this church specifically. But still, they should take a stand against the people above them. That’s what the problem has always been with them.”
Matthew Clarke, a spokesperson for the diocese, tells CTV News in an email, "We are aware of the vigil and respect her right to peacefully gather with her supporters outside of our churches."
He referred to a statement released when they announced their Supreme Court app...
Read the rest of the story here.
