Child Rapist Still a Patrician Brother

By Mike Duffy
7 News
November 26, 2012

au.news.yahoo.com/latest/a/-/latest/15485314/child-rapist-still-a-patrician-brother/

[with video]

Australia's Catholic Bishops are meeting in Sydney to plan their response to the Royal Commission on child sex abuse.

One item they might consider is why a child rapist remains a Patrician Brother, and was recently praised as a living treasure.

Brother Thomas Grealy looks just like any other senior citizen, but he is a convicted paedophile who raped a 10-year-old boy.

After four years in jail, his Catholic brethren welcomed him back, keeping his title, housing and financial support.

Known as Brother Augustine, Grealy was principal of Patrician Brothers School in Granville.

In his office, he covered a statue of Mary with a black raincoat, before molesting students.

Not only does Grealy remain a Patrician Brother, but he is highly regarded.

In September's issue of their newsletter he's acclaimed as one of "our Patrician treasures." It’s a strange honour, for a convicted child abuser.

The President of the Bishops Conference Archbishop Denis Hart said he thinks victims will feel deeply, deeply hurt knowing that a Catholic brother is still serving, after being convicted of paedophilia.

“The religious orders should view the matter terribly, terribly seriously."

Asked whether those convicted of abusing a child should be allowed to remain as brothers or priests, Archbishop Hart said he believes the matter is so serious that it should be “addressed purposefully”.

He says that priests should be removed as they are within his jurisdiction, but says brothers aren't within his jurisdiction.

But he says the matter should be carefully considered.

It might be argued Tom Grealy's done his time and at 83 deserves some Christian forgiveness, but his victims say they'll never forget.

They tried suing for compensation, but struggled due to the complicated structure of the Church.

"The message that the Patrician Brothers are giving other members of their order and all the other orders is that if you molest children, we'll look after you for the rest of your life," Lawyer Jason Parkinson said.