Secrets of St Peter's: Shocking child abuse at Catholic Church school revealed

Express reporter Joanna Della-Ragione investigates shocking claims of historic child sex abuse at a former approved school, St Peter's in Gainford, County Durham.
Speaking for the first time, the victims tell their own story and explain how the Catholic Church covered-up the appalling scandal.
Filmed and directed by Daniel Luccesi.
Warning: This film contains upsetting material.

[@desirecloete6654]

I still say the Holy Roman Catholic Church should be held accountable for all these atrocities 😠

[@marymullins7297]

There is nothing holy about the Catholic chruch it is satanic.

[@maureenleigh4724]

Believe me, all will be held accountable on the day of God's judgement. no one will escape.

[@josephhapp9]

Maureen Leigh no such thing as God’s judgement day. In Court of Law ,,,,yes.

[@kriseuribe3783]

Of course they should. Is so so sick.

[@rodneyperry6942]

It's worldwide.....

[@cindyk4294]

I’ve been raised Catholic and attended all my life. Our pastor was accused of abusing children. That was the last straw. I still pray every day, but I no longer attend mass. It’s difficult because my husband still attends. Hell must be overflowing with clergymen and nuns.

[@thereseward7852]

My friend was abused by a Protestant pastor. It’s a horrific ordeal to be abused by a church member! Speak out and keep talking. If you see a child being abused - speak out

[@briangoddard1189]

speak girl. LOUDER.

[@gloriaechavarria8470]

Horrific crimes and trauma-causing behaviors are preformed by so-called God-fearing, religious individuals daily...I don't believe in any organize religion bc of this and many other reasons that just feel "off" to me...I do believe there's an Universal force, love, compassion, empathy and many, many more virtuous characteristics/traits humans have and live by...to anyone who has experienced or is experiencing abuse of any kind, especially children, please know they're many people(me included..I'm a behavioral psychologist) that would go above and beyond to help you...you're not alone and life can still be beautiful! I hope you find the courage to try and seek help however or whenever possible!

[@20alphabet]

Then there are those who were never sexually molested, and now have an inferiority complex because they weren't picked by the perverts. Brian Goddard is one such person, who was so repulsive and smelled so bad that even the perverts couldn't go that low. Now he's a bitter adult trolling KZbin comment sections for attention.

[@briangoddard1189]

Cry rape, and shout out.

[@briangoddard1189]

if you see a child being abused kick the perpretators fucking head in, what is wrong with you people.

[@cd9416]

Child abuse by Catholic priests in churches and schools has been happening since literally God was a child. I am 60 and vividly remember my Dad warning me when I was roughly seven, to stay well away from men of the cloth and to never trust them. I didn't fully understand why he was so adamant about this at that age, even at the time thinking it a strange warning, as at school, we were being taught that men of God were to be respected and admired. Being brought up in a non-religious household, it was easy for me to heed those warnings. My father of course had not been so lucky. In the 1930's he had been repeatedly abused/raped by numerous Catholic priests for years, after his naïve devoutly Catholic parents had encouraged/signed him up to be an alter boy. They had innocently effectively sent him like a lamb to the slaughter, as nobody other than those in the church hierarchy were even remotely aware that boys were being systematically sexually abused by the priests. On the rare occasions they were exposed by the local community, it was all kept hush hush, with the church simply moving the perpetrator onto the next parish, where the cycle of abuse would continue. The Vatican's reputation was and still remains much more important to them, than the vile abuse of thousands of innocent boys down the ages all over the world, by supposed men of God.

[@tinacollins9213]

I’m sorry this happened to your Dad love 💗

[@busdriver2857]

I'm sry for what they did to your dad and boys aren't the only victims for sure

[@thomasdoyle9748]

So sad for your father and others. The wife

[@FloppityFlopFlop777]

It's a pederastic cult. This demonic preying on kids has been a consistent pattern for over 1700 years. There's historical evidence of Catholic priests getting reprimanded over and over for harming boys, but it was all hot air. They never did anything to stop it. See David Noble's book, "A World Without Women." Brace your stomach for the onslaught of nausea. It's really, really sick stuff.

[@bancatorres2455]

Thank you for sharing. I had not considered what you mentioned. I am sorry for your father.

[@TheGem84]

So brave of these men to come Forward and tell their story x

[@briangoddard1189]

But are they just after money, or do they really not want this to happen to other people, I was most seriously abused and I just think , fair enough we dont want this to happen, again , life is a lesson, dont let it happen again, GROW.

[@briangoddard1189]

confession is good for the soal so brave my arse.

[@w1p850]

my grandad and his brother both went there his brother sadly died a long time ago in there due to the abuse and his physical problems

[@briangoddard1189]

there not just after money then or they could not want it to happen again what?

[@findingbeautyinthepain8965]

@brian goddard You are really sick if you think these men are only after money. They are bringing light to the horrible abuse they endured for years and years. They know the church will keep pushing this under the rug, and they know dead men can’t be held responsible. They are opening people’s eyes to the disgusting ways of the Catholic Church. The Catholic Church treats child molesters like God’s chosen men and treats troubled boys, who made a few small mistakes, like prisoners. It’s disgusting! That being daid, the men who suffered this abuse DO deserve compensation! It isn’t wrong for victims to seek compensation for the horrible crimes committed against them.

[@shockoloco]

Well done Joanna. This is the kind of journalism we need to protect victims and punish criminals. All over the world.

[@silvana8246]

shockoloco. would love to see joanna do one on what doctors do to patients with the drugs they give all for BIG PHARMA!!

[@moragosullivan5166]

I agree. Life must have been hell for these children. X

[@christopherjames375]

Here here .

[@briangoddard1189]

can you Mr or miss es define the difference between the victtim and criminal, well you try and punish me cos I am a victum and a criminal you shove your judge mental opionion up your fucking arse,you fucking arse.

[@briangoddard1189]

joanna is a great journalist, but we need to be more loving to our children.

[@elainemcmurren8678]

“I cut my own hair.” I understand this man perfectly. I cannot stand to be touched.

[@briangoddard1189]

I still shit my self when I let a coloured guy put a cut throat razor but I have a coloured wife now, trust me, embrace your fears , I THINK i know you, please get back to me seriously..

[@briangoddard1189]

I still have faith, some times I shit my self, when a person shave`s my head, but really, what can I say , dont let your fears get in the way of your dreams.

[@Renderduck]

@@briangoddard1189 Well getting scared because there is a coloured person toutching you and getting scared of getting touch because of sexual or other physical abuse trauma is two diffrent things

[@Renderduck]

Getting over sexual abuse is not possible.

[@briangoddard1189]

find a woman

[@robr8213]

Reason why I lost faith in my Catholic religion. I still believe in God though, but I hate religion.

[@MsPinklady75]

You should Hate Catholicism because the God of the Bible does. Just read Revelations 17:5!

[@phyllisdevries5734]

Read Judges, and Kings. Actually read the entire old testament. Then you will know what god thinks about women, and girls.

[@51beak39]

Same

[@briangoddard1189]

I sill beleive in the 10 comandments, thou not kill, and believe me I have a list and thou shall not , steal, lie, or do other things thats up to boys, but for your sake lads be good to your wives and if you dont have a wife and you want one beleive you will get one,but seriously, 10 commandments will help you, I `m sorry father DUFFY WAS an arse feeler but I was lucky and I was maybe a lucky one , but 10 commandments is not a religion it `s a way of life, this is how we are better than them arsehole`s, keep in touch lads,

[@briangoddard1189]

i can only say I know where you are coming from the 10 commandments are good enough for any body, be good buddy ,your not alone, and believe in jesus and you will never be alone.

[@AsFewFalseThingsAsPossible]

Tony is very brave for speaking out. One can see the tops worn right off the teeth in his lower jaw. Possibly a reaction to abuse in the form of teeth grinding. He deserves some serious compensation.

[@katiesoto1768]

+tony stanley I commend you for speaking out against your abusers! You deserve justice. These Child molesters aren't only sick, they use the Lords name to do unspeakable things to the very ones they are suppose to protect! You are very brave Tony! Love sent from the states! 💙

[@ebmena]

Tony, I would like to thank you for speaking out and commend you for your bravery. I am also a survivor of child sexual abuse and I know what an absolute mess it can cause of/to ones life. You are not alone and I sincerely hope that you and other survivors of #StPeters are are able to find healing, peace, and justice.

[@briangoddard1189]

bollocks and shite I have lost my bottom teath from being a child worrier and the dentist should not have took them out. so he`s lucky to still hav them

[@bancatorres2455]

I grind my teeth terribly. Could it be for the same reason

[@bancatorres2455]

​@@briangoddard1189what do you mean a child warrior

[@Amory-wd3ws]

It’s heartbreaking to know that these cowards lived their lives and died without ever facing any repercussions for their actions.

[@philipanderson4673]

(repercussions)

[@jjba3571]

And also het RESPECT from the comunity claiming they are good people, imaging a victim watching that, their abusers having RESPECT

[@manhater799]

This makes me sick. I've heard nothing but horrible things about nuns and priests. Shut the Catholic Church down!

[@RoseSharon7777]

It will. The bible says the harlot church will be destroyed. It's already started.

[@silvana8246]

@@RoseSharon7777 not quick enough.

[@manhater799]

@Who am I Really Ok, I read all that you had to say. However, no matter how you slice it, the Catholic Church has an earned horrible reputation. Sorry if that obviously hurts your feelers but it's true nonetheless.

[@ericspencer8093]

Considering that the Catholic Church is nearly 2000 years old, spans every continent on the planet, and has over a billion members: I have to ask, who has the authority, or ability to shut it down? Nobody.

[@BadcatV]

Who am I Really actually you condescending prick - it's widely known that you have to be careful about and with ANY youth group, organisation etc. REGARDLESS of any supporting religion, organisation or political slant. SOMETIMES there are specific posts about specific cruelty/abuse - meted out by specific persons. And those posts are not wrong, blinkered or avoiding - they're simply dealing with specific incidents and have a right to be seen and discussed without someone whining "well - what about x, y and z - that was abuse, too?"

[@shaydedsoul]

I'm sure it's been said, but I must commend and applaud these men for telling their story.So many boys are hurt and so few feel safe to tell. So many suffer quietly in undeserved shame. Seeing these grown men speak out ,can and will empower others to speak out. Well done, and Thank you.

[@staceyvanadder6040]

May the Lord bless them & give them justice

[@DreadCubana]

Luke Mills I am sorry to hear what you were going through. :( Hopefully you find the strength to keep going. Lots of greetings.

[@DreadCubana]

stacey van adder the children were abused in the name of god & you writing “May the Lord bless them”?!?!!!! There is NO god!

[@patogden856]

Luke Mills , sadly these children were supposed to be cared for by those in authority over them . Why blame God for these sinful actions of men claiming to be Christian ? This is the result of men who claim a form of godliness but deny the power thereof . In other words , men who live godless lives are of a carnal or lustful nature and need a Saviour . My heart goes out to these lnnocent children ,and my prayers . I serve a loving God that died for me and all other sinners. Don't ever forget that the devil also has a part in all of this tragic mess . With regard to the justice ?? Well never forget that there is a judgement coming and the bible says that it would be better that a millstone was hung around their necks if they hurt one of these little children . Because judgement is not instant does not mean that it is not coming . May God give you wisdom and understanding . Ps .... I too could not love a God as portrayed by these evil men . But He is not like that , look to Jesus for a revealing of who God truly is . Much loving concern and prayers Pat nz

[@elijahjames8837]

@@DreadCubana But they were not abused by God they were abused by psychopaths who used God to justify their behavior. The Universe is Conscious. God doesnt let this go on we do everytime we bow before authority. We are responsible for our own actions both generally and individually.

[@2000yrCatholic]

These monsters and those who cover this up should be severely punished.

[@tracyjacoby2382]

I hope they suffer in prison the same way they made children suffer🥺😓🤬

[@philomelodia]

I thank my mom and grandma from the bottom of my heart for the fact that they did not raise me Catholic as they had been. There clergy seems to be a magnet for pedophiles and abusers in general. Over the last few weeks, I have read and I have seen quite a few articles and videos that talk about nuns and priests abusing children either physically or sexually at orphanages in Catholic schools and I am sickened and disgusted by them. Worse still, the church knew about their exploits and instead of tossing them out, they covered it up and place them at another place where they could do the same thing to other children they did this again, and again, and again in place after place, country after country. I would wager anything that they did this for centuries and are only now being caught and having some of their members brought to justice. Just sickening.

[@judeflowers2813]

Me too. Not only was my mother's family raised CAtholic and went to Catholic school, where I grew up was directly across the street from a all girls catholic high school with a convent and the bishop's house attached. Im actually thankful that we were poor growing up so we couldn't afford to go to a private catholic school. It was fun though to torture the nuns! We would set fires in the outside stairwells and peek in windows and ring the doorbell on the convent and run away (yeah, silly, I know. But we were like in junior high or younger.)

[@briangoddard1189]

It`s Great that you had some body thet loved you but we had nobodt when our parent`t s dumped us we only had each other we had no body else and we loved each other,and yes we would of likrd a father just like u would of liked one, but my mother was my biggest abuser and i did`nt know that till I was 40 so good luck to you, learning is strange but good.

[@briangoddard1189]

It `s obvisias you did`nt have a dad so go` and kiss your mammy and grand ma goodnight.

[@briangoddard1189]

I seen a mother commiting felatio on a child, 18 months old, and I was laughed out of court, because mothers dont abuse children, I am glad I dont live in the same world anymore.

[@briangoddard1189]

they is such a thing as a nice guy.

[@mrjolieguy8673]

For this woman To say, “ ...sexual abuse MAY have been carried out.” Is asinine! It happened! No doubt!

[@briangoddard1189]

apparently according to a caption of the salvation army it is not abuse on a littie lad , as it is on a little girl, me personelly I think abuse is abuse,

[@ravenel2]

Legal reporters have to do that. It’s not her fault.

[@mrjolieguy8673]

@@ravenel2 oh yea 👌🏼 Good point Never even thought of that one 👍😉✌🏼

[@briangoddard1189]

I know .

[@juliaplous9092]

My thoughts exactly.

[@mswsjsu]

Absolutely sickening. Thank you Joanna for exposing the truth and being the voice to the victims.

[@mightymissk]

Every dirty rapist who has ever lived counts on the shame and silence of their victims. Especially child victims.

[@coolwahl]

The Catholic Church need to be held accountable for these cases. They are in a position of trust and completely abuse it!! 😡

[@tracyjacoby2382]

They always seem to get away with everything🥺

[@TaTa-ng1yu]

Hell is empty, all the devils are here on earth.- William Shakespear

[@christawildflower5633]

My grandparents , uncles and aunties ,mother are residential school survivors (Canada). The things they went thru were horrible.

[@helenike132]

Im so sorry :/ just so deeply sorry that this happened and happens in our world. I wish we could keep all children safe.

[@katalinabrigitte3395]

And the pope has the nerve to say "Sorry"!!! TOO LITTLE TOO LATE!!! DEMONS!!!

[@northernkingdomprincess7384]

Same here. My mother survived it. We dont talk about it anymore but she told me story after heartbreaking story.

[@Celticmist-qz6ve]

@@katalinabrigitte3395 well at least one pontiff apologised. Pope John Paul NEVER apologised

[@jazzyjatlanta5131]

Catholic church has a lot of secrets.

[@austaft5261]

It's pure evil.

[@somedude5951]

Adolph Hitler, Joseph Mengele and Heinrich Himmler where Roman Catholics. Start with that secret, and you can figure a lot more. Catholics are VERY powerful.

[@mariamoran4516]

Jazzy j Atlanta yes they do, all diabolical

[@roberthertz6634]

As do the rest of US.

[@jj56x7.5mm]

And a lot of pedophiles shame on the bastards cant get a woman maybe the stink of the pig shit

[@johnseabrook1029]

Dinny Ryan was a former police officer in my home town of Mildura, Victoria, Australia. He was forced out of the police force in the early ‘70’s due to his stance on endemic sexual abuse within the local Catholic Church. The local police & the church effectively shut him up. Thankfully, he’s been vindicated & compensated for telling the truth. By the Victorian Police at least. The Catholic Church remain silent & refuse to even acknowledge it.

[@red---paulvanravenswaay2247]

It is BETTER for the higher-ups (pope, etc.) if there are priests/nuns screwing up/ doing evil, because then they can be told to do anything under the sun and they have to do it or they get outed / blackmailed. In other words there's a small army of twisted, sick, very obedient slaves. Is it any Wonder then that the pope seems to have so much "power"🥸

[@Bochanable]

I grew up in a devout Catholic home. I went to mass religiously once a week, usually on Saturdays as I got older. My mother and father were very dedicated to the church. However, when my mother transitioned, it seemed the priest would constantly focus on sex as a sin.....though this was 1996 at the height of the scandal. It forced my decision to abandon the church. It took several years to learn that you can be spiritual but not necessarily religious.

[@williamredfern2683]

Glad you had the courage to see sense , it's based on evil fairy story's , operated by con men and bent bastards , and always been that way ,

[@ryanbyrne259]

Amen evil basterds rot in hell

[@briangoddard1189]

Spirility is the only way to live, talk to me anytime, I have the same thing, so you are not and will never be alone.

[@miriamparisian8872]

Exactly, good for you

[@routeman680]

Transitioned?

[@H1X2N4]

Predators will gravitate where they can have access to victims they can groom, who due to a religious institution would be reluctant to speak out and where the institution itself would shield the predator to protect their so-called reputation. It's just not a Catholic problem but any organization with power.

[@psilvakimo]

True. That includes Hollywood and the public school system as well.

[@jjba3571]

Oh yes, they LOVE kids with families that dont care for them.. almost like churches and pedos in general OPPOSE ABORTION so the poor people (the ones who wont be able to afford expensive ones in secret) keep getting kids and kids, and those kids will be snet to orphanates, were they are abused .... almost like if they benefict of poor families wanting unwanted kids

[@MissHellithRaiser]

So vile & disturbing!! Poor kids, what they endure blows my mind.

[@wandametcalf9162]

It's always so disheartening to hear stories such as these.

[@briangoddard1189]

But it can be charicture building it give`s us strengh, never be disheartening sweetheart and thank you for your warmth and understanding communication is the key to humanity, thank you Wanda Metcalf for your love keep safe baby.

[@briangoddard1189]

stop reading them then

[@MissStalker]

Why does this not mention that Darby committed suicide on the eve of his trial? Kind of important if you ask me..

[@MissStalker]

+tony stanley I just googled Darby's full name with the word 'abuse'. the very first article will tell you what you need to know.

[@MissStalker]

+tony stanley www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1227212/Childrens-home-boss-abused-hundreds-boys-dies-suspected-suicide-eve-trial.html

[@MissStalker]

***** clever.

[@staceyvanadder6040]

Hell, YES it’s important. Thank you for mentioning this. While it isn’t a guilty verdict (some people in the past accused of horrific crimes such as this would kill themselves despite being innocent of the charges because they could not live with the disgrace) most of the time it is as good as a confession. I hope he likes the heat because he is no doubt in the darkest section of hell with the rest of the child molesters

[@sondralee8539]

stacey van adder You are Another Definite 33 degree freemason Agenda Cult Club Agenda Troll Liar with SpellCraft number 7.

[@lindamitchell7778]

I live at St. Thomas on the Hill in Birmingham Alabama 1066-1969. The nuns were horrible it was a nightmare every day.

[@david6532]

Why was it?

[@jm-xg7lm]

What did the nuns do?

[@moiradiamond3845]

we need to talk about this we can't keep silence this is terrible and should never happen to a child #speakUp #endRape #stoppredactors

[@briangoddard1189]

Really so can we tell the Parents to look after their children better and tell the authorities , like , me and all my best freinds, our parents did` nt want us , cos that`s what they were told when we were dumped by our parent`s did `not want us, and that is what we were told,, so please, you seem really nice,you just keep on talking. Bollocks and shite.

[@briangoddard1189]

talk to the parents, good luck with that.

[@briangoddard1189]

Manipulation is not only children, it is also about adults were a man or a woman take advantage of somebody who cares about somebody else, men and women do this.

[@briangoddard1189]

so who is telling a mother that she is bringing her child up wrong get real. god bless you.

[@christyjohnson5618]

The courage it takes to come forward....much love to the survivors & those speaking for the survivors.

[@aashimarc7997]

You are doing a great social service and creating a fence of awareness for parents and society. Child abuse and victimisation is far most inhumanly as it is and should be addressed and dealt with immediate action

[@weskitten]

I'm in Australia. Same sort of thing occurred here. Ballarat in Victoria was bad. Certain parishes had endemic abuse. I think it was a flawed policy to ever have celibate priests and religious in charge of children, educationally and otherwise. Nuns, seemingly benign, often would hit the bejesus out of children who were wards of the states, or 'bastard' children. Is it surprising? Christians uphold Original Sin, kids are bad, and those outside the familial norms were probably deemed to be worse. It's an absolute cancer in the Church. Same-sex marriage and child abuse scandals will crucify the RC Church, except perhaps in the Third World (eg Phillipines, Sth America etc) where the Church thrives because the people are in abject ignorance. The dominance of the Catholic Church has passed.

[@taniagauci8018]

Yes so sad and the world over....

[@weskitten]

***** No-one is harmed. That's why it was so wrong for the state to keep homosexuality illegal for so long.

[@weskitten]

Micheal Last Whose government? Where? When? There were guerilla type wars on the frontier b/n settlers and aboriginals in 19th C Australia. That's a regrettable fact of the past. There was no official government policy to kill Aboriginals - that's baloney.

[@mariaashot5648]

Thank you to all who lift the veil of secrecy from these crimes!

[@deeppurple883]

When you have a road to travel in life like everyone has. But when one has been effected by abuse, what ever that abuse entailed sexual, physical and mentally . That road is no longer the road you travel. Your whole life is turned upside down. 😠

[@jenbeulke6395]

Apologising for any harm that “May” have been caused. The people that cover up abuse are as bad as the perpetrators as far as I’m concerned. I’m sure there’s a special corner in hell for all of them

[@bloodandwinearered]

They died before they got their punishment on earth. But I am confident they meet their justice when they die.

[@staceyvanadder6040]

You’re absolutely right. Eternity is a long time. I hope they like the heat, because, I believe they will burn in deepest, darkest hell

[@melodydelgado5211]

Their souls won't go where our souls go, they will have to pay their karma

[@phyllisdevries5734]

That would be great if there really was a god, heaven or hell.

[@briangoddard1189]

I still see and I love the guy ,I am not gay, but he was/is victim. it``s not always women you no.

[@briangoddard1189]

here`s hoping ,

[@sabah4123]

Catholicism mocks Christianity & God's truth, Jesus never forbid them to marry. They will be judged highly, no hiding. 🙇🏽‍♀️🇦🇺

[@briangoddard1189]

Jeus Rules.

[@emmetnolan7081]

There’s a Spanish saying : Everyone calls the priest father except his own children who call him uncle.

[@taylorfausett177]

It's amazing to me that it is so prevalent that there is a saying for it. I wish the church would allow the clergy to marry.

[@romant142]

@@taylorfausett177 wouldn’t it be better if there were no clergy period

[@bigriver2000]

I know from experience that teachers turn a blind eye to the horrors inflicted by their fellow teachers on students, which is a cowardice act in itself. In my school, teachers witnessed abuse first hand, but kept silent.

[@AmbraDuka-qr9np]

Me too. I’ve gone back to the school aged 21 and told them my story and to make sure this never happens to any child in their care again

[@bexcpfc]

I drove past this a few days ago, not knowing what it was, and I was overwhelmed with how macabre it looked. Came home and googled it, it's a sad place that should be pulled down. Instead, it's a constant reminder.

[@BOLLOCKS1968]

Whenever there is a powerful institution there will always be a power of abuse! This is so sad because it's cyclical and there is no end in sight!

[@johnmuller4014]

Somebody has to say it: the Church in Ireland has been particularly vicious in its treatment of children. Cf. this with the stories about the Magdalens.

[@briangoddard1189]

peirson brosnan made a fucking brilliant film about the irish girls god only knows. and god speaks to our hearts.

[@davewilson2631]

Brung here by the report of possible demolition of the site on local media.... Heartbreaking.. my brother was sent there in the 70’s for truancy, he would consistently run away from the school & walk the 20+ miles back to our town. He ended up homeless & have lost touch with him for approaching 20 years 😥 He has never spoke about the abuse but I am sure it went on. Ruined young life’s & no one accountable

[@ravongoddessmontroy8168]

It happened to my grate grandmother in a Indian school .i wish I knew what one she was in I would burn it to the ground.

[@patriciamoffat1542]

It's awful to think of the misery those vulnerable youngsters had to endure, alone and frightened, just dreadful. I'm confused about the fact of so many paedeophiles under the Roman Catholic umbrella. Why were there so many of them ? Were they paedeophiles when they began working for the Church ? Why were they attracted to religious careers? There are so many reports of cruelty and abuse from males and females, it's heartbreaking to think of the tragic lives many children had to bear.

[@flawlessfluidity7771]

I always applaud these courageous men who come forward and tell their stories. This villainy should always be exposed as it empowers other victims to come forward and share their experiences as well. People really do care 😢

[@briangoddard1189]

people really do care, wow. I am amazed, seriosly, I am amazed that people really do care. I am amazed.

[@SceGno1]

I’ve recently been told about this short film regarding the accusations of sexual abuse at St Peter’s School in Gainford in the ‘60s and ‘70s. I have to say that the allegations regarding Father VINCENT Duffy cannot be correct. The allegations about the headmaster Mr Beirne and the other staff member, Peter Darby may or may not be true. However I cannot comment on these two men, as they had left before I knew Fr Duffy. I must, however, strongly protest the allegations made by ‘Robert’ that Fr Vincent Duffy was a ‘very touchy, feely’ sort of person, and the boys in the school would need to ‘steer clear’ of him. When I and my five sisters experienced a house fire a few weeks before Christmas (in either 1971 or 1972) our family lived with Fr Duffy in the presbytery for three years and were treated with the utmost respect, care and kindness throughout our stay. Fr Duffy taught me many good things that still stay with me to this day and treated us all as though we were his own children, caring for us in such a way as to leave me with nothing but the strongest feelings of love and respect for possibly the best male role model and benefactor I personally have ever known in my life. Fr Duffy could very easily have taken his position of authority to levels of inappropriate behaviour, as some of the other Catholic priests I have met in my life have done, but he always acted openly, honestly and completely appropriately with me and my sisters. There is not a one of us who would ever wish to hear false allegations or any vitriolic tales about this man and I would ask you, Joanna Della-Ragione, to remove the single allegation from ‘Robert’ which slanders this highly honourable, loving and wonderful man from the film. How you could allow these allegations of impropriety to be put on film for all the world to see and to believe to be correct, when your ‘investigative journalism’ means that you cannot even get the man’s name correct (please see footage at around 14:43) astounds me. Surely, the unsubstantiated testimony of a single person in this film should not besmirch the good name of a man who is no longer here to defend himself? No person should have to defend themselves against such immoderate allegations on the hearsay testimony of a single person’s youthful interpretation of events or actions that may have been coloured by the actions of other people in the institution. When that person is no longer alive to answer such an allegation makes this ‘investigative journalism’ even more hard to stomach.

[@gerardwelsh2102]

Quite right he was not like that

[@BruceLee-fd7uw]

He was obviously into young boys not girls

[@laurieleveille769]

This happens all over the world. Evil doesn't care about religion,color or family you come from. Evil wants to destroy as many people as it can, it has no regard for life. Please don't hate, your feeding into evil and giving it energy. Hate holds up your healing.You have the power within you to talk love to your child self. Rescue the child within you and you will be safe and happy. It doesn't happen over night it's hard work. Love the child back to life. What you've been feeling all your life is your inner child's rage you have every right to be inraged. Now go get your inner child. Use your heart and mind. God be with you.

[@beth-bi9yv]

the worst part in all of this was that the victims never even got the acknowledgement that they had been wronged. sadly I can't even say I'm surprised that this occurred given the other abuse carried out by/within the Catholic priesthood that is coming to light in the recent years. shame on these abusers and the institution that not only allowed it to occur but enabled it.

[@briangoddard1189]

yes it might of been the church but before that it might of been our parents who did`nt give a shit about us to begin with so before we start blaming anybody else look in the mirror, at our own parentals skill`s. so d ont voice your opinion with verbal dhioreah,I respect you, if your lonelly I was for years so just praying for some body they will come ask jesus and they will come

[@starsorion9803]

The gentleman whose father was a grounds man, I sense he may have been a victim also. His demeanor was very much like mine when my family raised about sexual abuse by my step grandfather. I was abused as a very young child and never spoke of it until a family member raised it when I was in my early 20's. I felt scared to say anything but my cousin questioned me and I eventually admitted what had happened to me.

[@AlMarixo]

Tracey McGlenchy So sorry this happen to you. It the world we live in the young are always the victims. Your a survivor and in control today!

[@poordropo1]

Tracey McGlenchy I’m so sorry you went through that. The same thing happened to my brother for many years. He was an altar boy and the monsignor, whom resided in the rectory molested countless young boys. He’s dead now (the monsignor) but his name was James C Reilly, St Maria Goretti, Arlington, TX

[@darkmagician5428]

Mike Stowe was a teacher there he taught PE

[@kathyh4804]

I was kind of thinking the same thing

[@briangoddard1189]

Iam quite sure , his father was an engineer and he kept the boilers working to keep the heating for st peters and I am quite sure that neither him or his father was abusive to any children so fuck off with your stupid opions or tell me were you live .

[@johnathanstevens8436]

The SHAME belongs to the people responsible for your care as children.. Healing IS possible and the first step in healing is speaking up, even if it's just admitting it to yourself. Thank you for sharing your story.

[@davidanderson3586]

My mum lived in Gainford and her dad was the head gardener at St Peters. I am so devistated by this documentary :-(

[@briangoddard1189]

we know it`s not true so dont let it bother you, and that is a boy that lived there for a long time, if it was mr Liddle he was a great inspiration to me,

[@saritadugat7864]

The stories that have been uncovered about sexual abuse is just so horrible. To think one of God’s children being treated this way is just so sickening. I have 2 sons and now grandchildren and if I ever found out someone did this to them I’d kill that person and gladly go to jail with a smile on my face. I’m not catholic but it happens in all faiths. Sad sad sad sad

[@briangoddard1189]

I would say that is a very natural reaction, good on you parent.

[@1glenwi]

@sarita dugat I agreed with you, it’s such a sad abuse… how are you today??

[@stillwaters2121]

An eye for an eye? Or turn the other cheek? Or, just abolish organized religion? If you really believe in God, then worship at home ... you dont need to make a spectacle of yourself every Sunday morning. The Bible says to pray alone and not in public...but no one ever talks about that.

[@red---paulvanravenswaay2247]

Shut down the entire RCC and save the world!!

[@jackkircher1755]

Thank you, Joanna for you many hours of work on this horendos story. Sadly, this isn't the only crimes against humanity the Catholic Church has committed and covered up. They sold into adoption hundreds of children and buried 795 on the grounds of an orphanage that housed illegitimate children and put the unwed mother's into FREE labor industries. This happened in irland in the town of Tuam. And Dublin. Sadly, the church is still sweeping scandals "under the carpet" today.

[@src1797]

thank you Joanna for opening up this issue the victims must be relieved that someone gives a damn.their lives have been totally ruined.pure wickedness of people in responsible positions.

[@franciscoaguon5800]

I am so glad and thank you for telling the truth about Catholics....... Great Job.

[@briangoddard1189]

even catholic can tell the truth.

[@fatimak1382]

the Survivors are still frightened to speak out as they have been threathened by the stste,

[@charleneland1680]

They will be brought to justice! These monsters will deal with a much worse punishment then they would have been handed on earth! Pray for all the victims 🙏🏻

[@1glenwi]

@Charlene Land it’s so awful such act happen in the church, so sad. How are you today?

[@tanyabrown9839]

more cases of the catholic church wiping its hands of those who have been harmed while in its care rather then offering compensation to its victims. It should take some responsibility

[@MimiJoys]

Well when the Pope himself has been accused of the same heinous acts, who's going to force the church into compensating the victims! The very ones accused of sacrificing babies used to scream, "If we're sacrificing babies, where is your proof!" Now we know they impregnate older children to bear the sacrificial babies. Even IF these demonic beasts that call themselves human are not punished here on Earth, God will see to it that they are!

[@psilvakimo]

@@MimiJoys I guess you are pro-life.

[@MimiJoys]

@@psilvakimo I am VERY MUCH against the murder of babies! Before and after birth! It's not just a Heinous Crime to take the life of another, it's an Abomination to God!

[@briangoddard1189]

why dont you just , apart from getting a proper life just look in the mirror, and ask your parents why you are so fucked up. really.

[@briangoddard1189]

@@MimiJoys I personnely would like to see justice in my life time and bollocks and shite to what they say,dont listen to everything you here baby.

[@diannekhan5199]

I think the children were scared to tell anyone

[@danguerriero3094]

It was bad enough that the Irish were abused by the British but now we see how bad the Catholic Church was and is. Very sad for the Irish.

[@nomotto3260]

They got away from the abuse of children in many , many countries. In Boston, MA, was one of the few places, that they had to pay, for the abuse. Thousands of children around the world, received nothing. I am one of the victims..................

[@andydixon2980]

The catholic church has alot to answer for.

[@carmenhernandez3538]

I would like to know the total amount of Catholic institutions and how many, if not all were children mistreated and/or molested.

[@williamredfern2683]

Don't forget nuns, many are the other sort and would prey on younger ones, and others are sadistic when looking after children ,,

[@philomelodia]

william redfern I was brought up on stories of nun cruelty. My mother spent some time at a Sacred Heart school. It's a worldwide Catholic school that they send kids too. A lot of parents send them there because they think that they will get a good education. What they don't realize, at least back then, in the 1950s, was that their children will be subjected to all sorts of bad treatment at the hands of the nuns. My mother literally has nothing whatsoever good to say about the nuns that she had dealings with in those days. Absolutely nothing! Same goes for the priests. Of two things I am certain in this life: I will never be a Catholic. And, I will absolutely never, ever, ever send any of my children to Catholic boarding school! In Jesus name, amen!

[@bobholmes65]

philomelodia You really are an exaggeration!!!

[@dennisleporte2327]

Agreed. I grew up in Mass. My uncle and a older friend of mine have confirmed how horrid the nuns could be....

[@giabarrone7422]

@Bob My friend's little sister was destroyed by a nun at a Catholic school in the NE US. The abuse she endured, caused her severe anorexia and psychological damage. She is in her 30's now, but never grew larger than a 10 yr old child. If you say the name of the school/church/entity or drive to close to it, she will have a psychological breakdown. There were many hospital admissions over the years, and she would go after her sister with a knife on occasion. She still lives and is supported by her parents. You are free to believe they are exaggerations or stories, but I have seen the effects with my own eyes.....

[@BadcatV]

Bob actually - she sounds a lot like many people who attended catholic schools, boarding schools or the really unfortunate kids that ended up in catholic children's homes. So many ugly, twisted, psychotic people hiding behind religious garb. Then there were the paedophiles...... sick, sorry, pathetic excuses for human beings.

[@nikbik2398]

Y is it so difficult to understand that such abuse must be happening to.unattended children...when an appointed nanny cannot take care of babies without abusing them...so many cases that we see...why is it so hard for government or agencies to understand that and take prior precautions? Why is there so much of abuse all around? Why!

[@OSTARAEB4]

I am an American and my family is of Irish descent. I despise Catholicism and religion in general. I am my own afterlife beliefs. This reminds me of decades of abuse, murder, sexual abuse of The Dozier School in Florida and the Magdeline Laundries throughout Ireland, Australia in pretty countryside behind beautiful castle like buildings. CONCENTRATION CAMPS under the name of religion. I commend these men because talking about the horrors gives the victim the power. I was abused by my camp counselor but thankfully, as the graffiti said about a Head/F in more ways than one. Decades later, one day I remembered this occurred to me because your mind buries it. The Church knew. It's DESPICABLE how they shift around to maintain this façade and people still give money. I was never raped. My face and mind was. Watch the Magdalene Orphanage interviews of those women who were also destroyed and discarded. Even the comment and music at the end of this piece makes me cry.

[@ellalarkin1016]

When a child is sent anywhere without his parents -, residential homes, foster carers, reform schools, boarding schools etc, that child is at serious risk of sexual abuse. Children are also at risk from sexual abuse by stepfathers. The people who have spoken out are very brave. Paedophiles are the scum of the earth.

[@briangoddard1189]

i have just been told that my sry lankan partner is going to get our very beuatiful baby is going to be stolen unjustifiiabley off us and it it is wrong in this country because this country is wroung in stealing children but the gazette and the local papers d o not care. so why should you tuibe care.

[@langjones3846]

Put people in a position of authority, and unless they are overseen, they will tend to become corrupt. We see it all the time. When will we learn that corruption is an almost inevitable consequence of giving people this kind of power, and stop doing it?

[@4lvadoxies]

I was at St. Joseph's Orphanage in Burlington, VT. I am so grateful I was not Catholic. It was better just to know I was doomed to Hell than believe all the beatings, torture, molestation, and humiliation was God's will. How can a child grow up believing God wanted those things to happen?

[@sharonwilkinson1816]

Thank you Tony for your witnessing

[@taniagauci8018]

I commend all you brave people who have spoken out and I hope you have understanding in the deepest part of your psyche to let go of all guilt and shame because sadly abused children become adults who still believe it was their fault.......and it never was....blessings to you.....

[@rolandvasquez7844]

So sad for all abused children, past or present

[@kathiealvaro]

UPDATE!!!!!!! Suicides caused by abuse from a priest: 324. !!!!!

[@briangoddard1189]

AND SUICIDE BY THE mother and father, a lot fucking more.

[@briangoddard1189]

alright then but maybe it was`nt just by a priest, maybe it was by a fucking horible mother or father, you dont really know so I disrespect your fucking data info.

[@briangoddard1189]

thou shall not kill and as much as i feel so much empathy for people that kill them selves how much do we make them want to kill themselves. cos i hate every body not to kill my self but i feel for them poor people who feel like that that is so. sad so sad. i do feel for there un happiness.

[@breath888]

I wonder if the first man grinds his teeth at night. Sexual abuse can do that. It looks painful, and it would be cool to raise money to help him get restorative work.

[@charliefrost6395]

The largest and oldest cult in the world.

[@cheaterwhitevan3538]

That's true Roman Catholics and Pope is a cult the Bible says nothing about it

[@sherryirbvin7448]

Ty for doing this documentary. Such a sad story

[@jonboy1001]

having watched this more staff knew what was going on here I was at the School from 1967 till about 1971 when I was moved to St Williams School where the same sort of thing went on and no on would believe us I am glad now that the truth has come out the one thing that got me was that Mr Burns was at the Detention Centre I went to still as a teacher

[@ittswesty9057]

I was there too

[@ittswesty9057]

I remember the head master his nickname was froggy

[@shaunietodd6222]

itts Westy hi westy were you from hartlepool

[@staceyvanadder6040]

I’m sorry you suffered through this. Those people belong in hell. To take advantage of people’s trust the way they did is unfathomable. I’m proud of you, Mr. Peters for coming forward with this, it couldn’t have been easy. I pray you & your family receive not only blessings but justice as well.

[@briangoddard1189]

Did you live in Darlington?

[@michaelhurlburt7906]

This must have been going on in the Middle Ages.

[@elainemoreland3908]

Yes, Council of Elvira(sp) 309 AD.

[@rosaleerich2090]

Did families not miss their sons??? 😢😢😢

[@briangoddard1189]

naturally they should not of done

[@briangoddard1189]

I am quite sure my parents were glad of the rest, but I still missed them, and I needed them, there loss, my I would like to say my gain but sadly i cannot say that , I missed them deeply,

[@briangoddard1189]

no.

[@briangoddard1189]

NO.

[@samanthaedwards1110]

@@briangoddard1189 🙏🏽🙏🙏🏾🙏🏼

[@chipdouglas4502]

Wouldn't expect anything less from the Catholic church .

[@LNM101]

Cry harder

[@brittywren2877]

Story after story, child after child, cover up after cover up. Yet the church still goes along business as usual. They don't care about the kids or parishioners. They care about the money and power.

[@robertaowensby1505]

Very scary.

[@Clintsessentials]

This must have been going on generation after generation...since the beginning of the Catholic Church, plus other churches....

[@pamelatimpson3348]

Clinton Rusthoven r

[@cherylleanne8949]

Brave these people are so brave, it's heart breaking what these children went through.

[@briangoddard1189]

it made us tougher.

[@lynnbertron84]

Thank you for your help for these abused souls.

[@WhiteBraveheart1]

My priests treated me with great respect. Shout out to all the good and holy priests out there.

[@johnbrowne3950]

Both of them.

[@Celticmist-qz6ve]

There are good priests but the hierarchy covered up for

[@Celticmist-qz6ve]

Bad priests

[@mikelastmanstanding6078]

Bravo……..yes, there are many great Holy Priests…….sadly there are those who ruined the Church too.

[@Celticmist-qz6ve]

@@mikelastmanstanding6078 yes but eliminate those who hurt it

[@ldodom]

The Catholic church needs to set up an endowment for these victims of emotional, physical and sexual abuse. Additionally, the local township needs to demolish these buildings and put a park in its place; suing the diocese for all of the related expenses.

[@bernadettemurray8260]

l seethe with fury when l hear how much suffering the church has caused and how many lives ruined! l am still a Catholic not practicing though.

[@leannesmith5818]

Religion has a lot to answer to

[@petermw7722]

Not only catholic reform schools! I was abused by the headmaster of a leading Catholic Public school in the late 60's, as were a number of other boys. I eventually contacted the Society of Jesus and got some compensation for myself and for another younger boy who my abuser moved onto. Times are gradually changing, but the damage inflicted by these monsters lasts decades. Over 50 years after the event, a forensic psychiatrist confirmed I was suffering from PTSD. She claimed my life had been derailed for over 10 years. I have great sympathy for the victims in this documentary and thank you for uncovering this dreadful destruction of children.

[@jamie1234591]

Probably the best thing the Sunday Express has ever done!

[@michaelrankine1825]

I was at at..peters gainford.for five years.and nothing like this ever happened.strict.yes.some of my times spent there at was a happy time.

[@playinggames7478]

There was some teachers like that in Nugent House (in billinge near Wigan), but most of the teachers were bullies. They constantly assaulted children that had the worse problems. Nightmare!

[@sjlewis271]

Can I get a list of the thumbs down crew? They're clearly all suspect.

[@l.c.7230]

I don't know maybe some people don't know how the "like" and "dislike" buttons work. Maybe they disliked what happen and not the video itself. Well this is what I'm hoping because this is horrific

[@jazzyjatlanta5131]

Stephany Lewis or child molesters

[@kathrynmckenzie7412]

Xo Xo I agree. It's good that it's being brought to public attention even though the subject matter is difficult to rap you head around.

[@benjoseph8387]

You're rather judgemental....some viewers hit thumbs down out of anger over so little being done to punish and stop the criminals and the cathosick church. consider that.

[@benjoseph8387]

+Ben Joseph not everyone understands how to objectively apply the thumbs up or down option....stop judging.

[@MelissaJohnson23408]

Torture is the only name for that..!!! Evil lives in every Church..!!! Demonic possessions are real no doubt..!!

[@Thomaz654]

This happened a lot and is still happening. More and more of these places are closing and becoming abandoned now. It doesn't help those who were there when they were operational but the few places that still exist are under the microscope and people are more aware of what's going on. Most of the asylums have closed with the introduction of new drug therapies but I can't find a solution to Juvenile crime and punishment - can anyone?

[@gregorykennerly2321]

+Thomas Rubas Child porn on Internet is still a serious problem, as is the child sex trade, especially in SE Asia.

[@tonygilder7912]

I must have grown up really sheltered. It amazes me how many men my age were screwed as boys. I never even heard of it as a possibility.

[@yamahagenos8089]

You would be surprised. It happens so much more often than people realize.

[@stevenpipines7773]

You were one of the lucky ones. You cannot believe how wide spread this sickness has become. And its everywhere, the churches, the boy scouts, public parks. And God forbid if a human trafficker kidnaps a child and turns them into sex slaves. This evil must be stopped!

[@theteach7314]

There is a special place in hell for those who lie, loot, rape, torture, and kill in the Creator's name.

[@roberthertz6634]

Sad but TRUE. Open your EYES. Dare to QUESTION. Maybe help JUST one. Child. Saving just one it's a GREAT START. Would you HELP?

[@64genoveva]

dont keep it quite ..they get away

[@mc.8391]

"sadly the perpetrators will not be brought to justice".......... I sincerely hope they are.... for all the courageous men that spoke up ...

[@1glenwi]

@mm.k it’s just so annoying how these perpetrators grow increasingly in Catholic Church’s…. I think parents would want to take action. How are you today???