I have been corresponding with the Bishop of Scranton. The exchange has been frustrating, infuriating and absolutely exhausting. I firmly believe that words are important, that words have meaning. If you have read anything I have written in the previous 39 posts I have put in this blog, it should be of no surprise to… Continue reading Correspondence with the Bishop
Tag: Father Robert Gibson
Bishop Timlin’s Precept and Decree on Father Robert Gibson
Reasons of Health? Is that what they call it at the Chancery when a priest has been accused of and admitted to molesting and raping children?
Key Provisions for Window Legislation in PA
In response to some pretty good feedback I would like to cover the kinds of things that have been in previous bills introduced in Harrisburg. While I live in Virginia, the events of 1974 took place in Pennsylvania, New York and Florida. I am concentrating on Pennsylvania at the moment, home of the Diocese that… Continue reading Key Provisions for Window Legislation in PA
The Tip of the Pedophile Iceburg
Bishop Accountability lists 16 accused and/or convicted sexual predators in the Diocese of Scranton. News articles that included interviews with Diocesan officials list as many as 9 more who's names are being kept from the public. If you look at the database for accused priests for Pennsylvania, the number listed is 192. Imagine the depth of the problem if they all had… Continue reading The Tip of the Pedophile Iceburg
Second and Third Order Effects
When I look back at decisions I have made and actions that I have taken throughout my life thus far, I am struck by the primary, secondary and tertiary effects of those decisions and actions. (note: if you are a diocesan spokesperson, tertiary is defined as third rank of order or importance, please try to… Continue reading Second and Third Order Effects
Drafting a Letter to Bishop Martino
I am working on drafting a letter to Bishop Martino to address the particulars of my "experiences" with Father Gibson when I was 13. This has been a difficult letter to write because it not only addresses the nature of the abuse but because I want to also ask him why no investigation has ever been conducted… Continue reading Drafting a Letter to Bishop Martino
Out of pocket
I have not posted in a little while. There are many reasons for this. Obviously, a glance towards a calendar would indicate that it was the holiday season. This time of year comes with some real challenges. The message of the holiday season and the focus on religious services sometimes can be an overwhelming reminder… Continue reading Out of pocket
Florida, not the happiest place on earth…
Near the end of my 8th grade year, Father Gibson made an offer to take me to Florida for a vacation. While most 13 year old kids in 1974 would have jumped at the chance to go to Disney World I knew what I was in for. He made the suggestion to my parents, who… Continue reading Florida, not the happiest place on earth…
The Face of My Abuser
I finally downloaded the drivers to get my HP "All in One" to work with VISTA on my laptop. Once I had the scanner working I was able to scan a photo of Father Gibson out of the 1976 Notre Dame High School yearbook. He was listed as the Pastor of Our Lady Queen of… Continue reading The Face of My Abuser
An application for an apology….
Spin is very important for an organization as large as a Catholic Diocese. In addition to the army of lobbyists they employ to keep legal avenues closed to victims of sexual abuse at the hands of some of their priests, they employ a communications director who serves as the mouthpiece for the organization. What this… Continue reading An application for an apology….
Off My Knees - A Blog by Michael Baumann 