S2E11: Sister Cathy: Echoes of Silence
In "Sister Cathy: Echoes of Silence," we introduce a haunting narrative from Charles Franz, whose voice breaks decades of silence enveloping the abuses perpetrated by Father Joseph Maskell. At an age when innocence should be the only concern, Charles faced harrowing experiences that no child should ever endure.
This episode journeys into the grim reality of Charles' youth, where the fantasy worlds of storybooks were brutally replaced by the nightmare of exploitation at the hands of a trusted priest. His story is a chilling reminder of the unseen battles many carry with them through life.
Shane Waters and Gemma Hoskins honor Charles' bravery in revealing a past riddled with darkness, extending the narrative beyond female survivors and illuminating the nondiscriminatory nature of Maskell's abuse. Charles' testimony is not just a personal account; it's a critical piece of the larger puzzle that is the legacy of Sister Cathy's death and the systematic abuse hidden in plain sight.
As you join us for this episode, we request your mindfulness and respect for the sensitive material discussed. Charles' courage offers a beacon of hope for other survivors to come forward and for all of us to better understand the consequences of when those in power choose to turn a blind eye to evil.
With "Sister Cathy: Echoes of Silence," we continue our commitment to these stories, no matter how difficult they are to tell or hear. It is only through listening that we begin the process of healing and demanding accountability.