I am going to write about something that will earn me condemnation. I am speaking of one man and one man only. I am strong enough to withstand anything that comes my way, hate mail, phone calls, etcetera.
Father Ray Devlin, SJ, the man who baptized me, is on an accusation list. He is deceased. I will reproduce the accusation, almost word for word.
The victim accused Devlin of rubbing his arm, leg, and buttocks while attending a track clinic. The 14-year-old boy awoke to find Devlin fondling him. According to the victim, Devlin talked about killing himself and beat himself with a belt. Then he urged the boy not to tell anyone or it could hurt the priest, school, and church. According to the boy’s father, Devlin said the action was sensual, not sexual.
This event was denied and never proved. It was the only accusation ever leveled at Devlin.
Even if it were true, what this boy and his parents did was an utter betrayal of Devlin.
As a teenager, if this had happened to me, I would not have said anything to anyone. I had my own faculties then, and I still possess them. Faculties are defined as an inherent mental or physical power. I can deal with any situation. I would have excused Devlin if he had done that to me.
Catholics who do not understand this are unbelievably immature and need to be chastised. Loyalty is at stake, and loyalty is the highest of virtues for me. I would have protected Devlin no matter what. Semper fidelis.
The man is in heaven for bringing me into the Church.
If it is my last act on earth, I will defend Ray Devlin.
Father Ray Devlin, SJ, the man who baptized me, is on an accusation list. He is deceased. I will reproduce the accusation, almost word for word.
The victim accused Devlin of rubbing his arm, leg, and buttocks while attending a track clinic. The 14-year-old boy awoke to find Devlin fondling him. According to the victim, Devlin talked about killing himself and beat himself with a belt. Then he urged the boy not to tell anyone or it could hurt the priest, school, and church. According to the boy’s father, Devlin said the action was sensual, not sexual.
This event was denied and never proved. It was the only accusation ever leveled at Devlin.
Even if it were true, what this boy and his parents did was an utter betrayal of Devlin.
As a teenager, if this had happened to me, I would not have said anything to anyone. I had my own faculties then, and I still possess them. Faculties are defined as an inherent mental or physical power. I can deal with any situation. I would have excused Devlin if he had done that to me.
Catholics who do not understand this are unbelievably immature and need to be chastised. Loyalty is at stake, and loyalty is the highest of virtues for me. I would have protected Devlin no matter what. Semper fidelis.
The man is in heaven for bringing me into the Church.
If it is my last act on earth, I will defend Ray Devlin.
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