OpEdNews - Article: Salesian Cases head for trial in LA November 5 as Church reveals Salesians' concern for underprivileged boys in 2007

From Catholic Encyclopedia: “Salesians: In the first half of the nineteenth century Italy had not recovered from the French Revolution. Education, morality, and religion were then at their lowest ebb. To save the rising generation the Salesian Society was founded. In 1844 Don Bosco began to gather together poor and neglected boys. In 1845 the first night-school was opened at Valdocco. . .” and the Salesian tradition of bringing young boys up from poverty began.

A church attorney demonstrated that concern for poor young boys by Salesians in the 21st century this morning in court: “If these 10 year old now 60 year old juvenile delinquents are to be believed, he says he saw Miani abusing a child. Then he says he saw the Archbishop. This goes past the credibility issue to the crux of the problem. Most of those men are long dead.”

JUDGE: I’m curious as to why you rely on Mr. (Plaintiff) for that information?”

CHURCH ATTORNEY MCPHEELY: “I’m not relying on Mr. P for much.”

That last line delivered with all the contempt you’d expect from an old retired Irish cop in a t-shirt hollering at his TV set. I have to admit I like this church attorney for the Salesians McPheely (McFeely?) as he doesn't even try to act smooth and cool, like Hennigan’s minions. No custom tailoring here, strictly Hollywood Suit Outlet and “I’m going to be as much of an asshole as I want to be” attitude.

This case is set for trial November 5. Outside court Plaintiff Attorney Tony DeMarco said, “I don't think they're going to settle this one.”

Salesian perpetrator priest Titian Miani is still alive as are other eye witnesses. All it takes is one hierarchy witness to get on the stand and the whole stream of crimes could come pouring out. Will Miani take the stand? Here is what happened in court today. (Copy and pasted here are notes I took at the hearing this morning re the Salesians cases¬. Now I’ve got to get back to work.)

JUDGE FROMHOLZ: This is motion for summary judgment filed by the Salesians. Tentative is to grant re two plaintiffs and deny re all others. Do the attorneys have anything to add?

CHURCH ATTORNEY MCPHEELY: I have several items. . . .it’s about he facts of this case. The court has denied the motion but has not addressed what may or may not have happened in Italy 60 years ago.

JUDGE: We're now talking about the camping trip in 1947. The tentative says there’s not adequate evidence of notice.

MCPHEELY: Well not only what happened 60 years ago in Italy, I do want to spend the court’s time talking about what happened 50 years ago or didn't happen. It’s not enough to say if can put on evidence you're not denied due process. I believe you can be denied due process if over the passage of time you have lost evidence and you are unable to put on evidence.

McPHEELY: If these 10 year old now 60 year old juvenile delinquents are even to be believed. Mr P says he saw Miani abusing a child. He saw the Archbishop dressed up in his finest. This goes past the credibility issue and to the crux of the problem. Both of those men are long dead.

JUDGE: I’m curious as to why you rely on Mr. P for that information?”

McPHEELY: (CONTEMPTUOUSLY) I’m not relying on Mr. P for much. How can we ask Father DeM what did you do, what was the investigation and what was the archbishop doing here. Mr. P is telling one half of the story.

McPHEELY: If this case is allowed to go to trial, the plaintiffs will put on their story and the jury will have to make up the other half of the story 'cause we're not going to have it.

JUDGE: Mr. DeMarco?