The Catholic Church’s history of abuse is a complex and troubling issue, with the line between discipline and abuse often becoming blurred.
This is particularly true in cases where the abuser holds a position of respect, making it difficult for victims to come forward.
In her book Ghosts of the Orphanage, Buzzfeed reporter Christine Kenneally sheds light on the abuse scandal at St. Joseph’s Orphanage in Burlington, VT.
The orphanage, which closed its doors in 1973, was the site of horrific abuse perpetrated by the nuns in charge.
Kenneally‘s book follows the legal battle led by Sally Dale, a survivor of St. Joseph’s who witnessed many wrongful deaths and even the outright murder of several children.
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Dale‘s testimony is at the center of Kenneally‘s retelling, but she is not alone in her experiences, as many others have also come forward to share their stories of abuse and trauma.
The stories of these victims are rarely told and barely heard, let alone recognized in any formal way by the government or the courts, which can make it difficult for them to receive justice.
Kenneally notes that even today, the stories of the orphanages are rarely told and barely heard, let alone recognized in any formal way by the government, the public, or the courts.
Kenneally‘s account is a striking example of the uniquely haunting nature of institutional evil and bureaucratic complicity.
By shifting between factual reporting and the hazy undertones of a ghost story, Kenneally forces a degree of empathy with the childlike psyche of the victims, making the story even more impactful.
What makes Kenneally‘s story especially concerning is the way in which she contemporizes it, drawing connections between the archaic atmosphere of Catholic orphanages and the more modern institutions of support care and CPS.
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Though these newer versions might lack the hyper-religious foundation that made St. Joseph’s into what it was, they still perpetuate the same practice of harming and silencing vulnerable minors.
The story of St. Joseph’s Orphanage serves as a reminder that the issue of abuse is not limited to the past, but is an ongoing problem that requires attention and action.
As Kenneally notes, the stories of the orphanages are rarely told and barely heard, but they must be acknowledged and addressed in order to prevent similar abuses from happening in the future.
The case of St. Joseph’s Orphanage is a stark reminder of the need for accountability and transparency in institutions, particularly those that care for children.
It is a sobering thought that such abuses can occur, and it is only through the brave testimony of survivors like Sally Dale that we can begin to understand the true extent of the problem and work towards a solution.
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