The Albany diocese, an influential religious institution over 150 years old, stands at the center of a harrowing story of abuse and betrayal. A family, plagued by a dark history of clergy abuse, emerges in the shadows of this powerful entity, seeking justice for the unspeakable acts that tore them apart. In a shocking revelation, the family's ordeal is described as one of the most severe among the numerous cases within the diocese. The family's journey through pain and resilience highlights the systemic failures that allowed such abuse to persist unchecked.
The author's family history began with the separation of their parents when they were just four years old. Their mother, a single parent from the Philippines, was left to navigate life in a foreign country with little support. Their father, hailing from a less fortunate Albanian family, was entangled in a web of criminal activities. He was not only a thief and arsonist but also a pedophile who inflicted unimaginable harm on his own children. Despite being aware of her husband’s monstrous actions, the author's mother remained silent and complicit.
“Go on then! Leave, you spoiled rotten brat.” – Mom
Their mother harbored a secret relationship with Frank, another pedophile within their community. For over a decade, the family was ensnared by Frank’s influence and manipulation. Frank himself taught them that deceit could be justified under the guise of protecting the church.
“Mental reservation,” Frank taught us, “is when lying is not a sin, because it protects the church.” – Frank
Despite living in such an oppressive environment, the author and their siblings found the courage to be among the first survivors to file a lawsuit against the diocese. This legal action, initiated in 2022, came three years after they initially sought justice. Their lawyer, Thomas Doyle, played a crucial role in unveiling the truth, testifying that the diocese had knowledge of Frank's crimes yet chose to remain passive.
“I hate it here,” – The narrator (at age 8)
The tragedy deepened when the author's mother passed away when they were 15 years old. Her death left unresolved questions and emotions for a family already shattered by betrayal and abuse.