On the afternoon of the 12th of November, the Prime Minister of Australia, Julia Gillard, announced that a nationwide Royal Commission into the handling of child sexual abuse by religious and other institutions was to be held, the most comprehensive inquiry into institutional abuse of children in Australia’s history.
Relief!
“This was my beloved son
in whom I was well pleased.”
Patricia Feenan has been described as a strong and resilient woman. She has needed to be. Mother of four sons, a grandmother and teacher, she decided to write this story as a testament to her eldest son’s courage in deciding to come forward and give evidence against a paedophile priest. Raised in a traditional Catholic family, she was totally unprepared for the shock of denial and ostracism by the church community. An advocate for victims of clergy sexual abuse, she is committed to making sure that her family’s lonely experience will never be repeated.
Her mantra? “He picked the wrong woman’s son to abuse!”
She also has another life where she enjoys travel, reading, gardening and quiet times in her home in the Hunter Valley.
Daniel Feenan has three beautiful children, he works very hard in his chosen career, his life isn’t always easy but he is well and happy.
Words, once published, have a life of their own.
Table of Contents
Cover
Title Page
Copyright Page
Foreword
1 The Long Wait for Justice
2 Daniel’s Happy Childhood
3 The Arrival of Father Fletcher to Our Parish
4 The Priest’s Developing Interest in Our Lives
5 Changes in Daniel’s Behaviour and Unexplained Incidents
6 Unwise Decisions and Personality Changes
7 Alcohol Abuse and a Suicide Attempt
8 First Domestic Relationship
9 New Job, New Romance
10 The Disclosure of Abuse and Its Impact on Daniel’s Life
11 The Decision to Approach the Police with Allegations of Abuse
12 The Police Investigation Begins with Further Betrayal from the Church
13 The Anguish of Giving A Police Statement
14 The Arrest of Father James Patrick Fletcher
15 The Legal Preparation for the Trial and a New Victim Emerges
16 Loving Support but Not From the Church
17 The Trial Edges Closer and a Joyous Family Wedding
18 The Trial Commences and Daniel Takes the Witness Stand
19 Cross Examination and Great Courage
20 Prosecution Witnesses and Good Friends
21 The Defence’s Case and We Meet the Other Victim
22 Final Addresses by Prosecution and Defence
23 The Judge Sums up the Case and Instructs the Jury
24 The Long Wait for a Decision by the Jury
25 The Verdict
26 Emotion and Relief
Epilogue. Sentencing and Appeals
Postscript
About the Author
Holy Hell Page 13