California abuse survivors find support and healing in a changed archdiocese

CV NEWS FEED // Survivors of clergy sexual abuse in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles are seeing a transformed Church as the Archdiocese continues to offer support and healing to victims, according to a November 5 report from Angelus News.

This shift comes alongside the $880 million settlement announced in October to address historical abuse claims, as CatholicVote reported.

Angelus News shared the story of Deborah McAlpine, whose life was drastically altered as a teenager when she was molested by a visiting priest. Struggling with the aftermath, McAlpine spent years disconnected from her faith but eventually sought help from the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. 

Although they were unable to identify her abuser — likely a foreign priest who returned to his home country — McAlpine found support through the Archdiocese’s Victims Assistance Ministry. She connected with people who listened to her, assisted in her search for closure, and funded resources like therapy and counseling. 

This outreach included a personal meeting with Archbishop José H. Gomez, who offered her a formal apology.

Reflecting on her healing journey, McAlpine said, “It’s not my shame anymore. I’m glad I didn’t let this priest keep me away from my faith.”

According to Angelus News, while certainly not every survivor of clergy abuse has experienced the kind of support McAlpine has, her journey is indicative of a meaningful transformation taking place within the Church. This transformation has been facilitated by the “long, patient work” of victim assistance ministries. 

Another survivor, Mary G., also shared her story of healing. Abused as a young girl by a priest chaplain in a hospital setting, Mary struggled for years with self-worth and a sense of isolation. 

Reaching out to the Archdiocese later in life, she was able to identify her abuser, allowing her to process the past and find peace. “I’m able to face it and speak of it without shame,” she said, acknowledging the relief of being believed and supported.

“It’s about feeling the Church’s presence, about our willingness to do all we can to assist,” said Heather Banis, coordinator for the Archdiocese’s Victim Assistance ministry. “I think that matters as much, in some cases even more than the actual outcome.”

Mary said that she prays for her abuser every night because she wants to be forgiven for anything she’s done in her life.

“Now, is it the Church’s fault for covering up and letting him go on, putting him in the way of children? Yes, that’s true,” she said. “That is wrong. But the Church is growing, and the Church is not that way anymore.”