The Father Was a Father, by Amanda Raus, NBC Connecticut, February 6, 2009

The Father Was a Father

By Amanda Raus
NBC Connecticut
February 6, 2009

http://www.nbcconnecticut.com/news/local/New-Revelations-Catholic-Reverend-Fathered-Child-.html

There are new revelations about the founder of a Connecticut-based Catholic group.

Reports say Reverend Marcial Maciel Degollado, founder of the Legionaires of Christ, is said to have fathered a child with a mistress.

Reverend Marcial Maciel Degollado is said to have fathered a child with his mistress.

He's also accused of molesting young men at the seminary. Reports say it went on for 20 years, starting in the 1940's.

On Thursday, The Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests set up shop outside the group's Cheshire location to protest the latest news. They say the Legionaires of Christ is not being responsive or apologetic.

In a letter to its members, the General Director praised and thanked Maciel for his good work.

In response to the Reverend fathering a child, the letter says, "It is also true that he was a man, and these things that have hurt and surprised us-and I don't believe we can explain with our reason alone-have already been judged by God."

Those protesting wanted a better answer.

"We're looking for them to come forward and present what they know about Marciel. They're a very secretive organization. They've never acknowledged that he has abused children in the past," said Bill Nash of S.N.A.P.

S.N.A.P. also wants an independent investigation into the allegations against Maciel. They would also like the Legionaires of Christ to publicly apologize to Maciel's alleged victims.