Gallery
Abuse Survivors Monument

Des Moines Register
April 22, 2007

[See related article.]

Abuse survivors unveil a monument at Saints Philip and James Catholic Church in Grand Mound on Sunday. From left are Mike Rocca, of Rochester, Ia., Dan Green, of Grand Mound, Mike Hitch, of Broken Arrow, Ok. and David Waldorf, of Burlington. Dozens of people gathered to hear speakers, sing hymns and say prayers as the stone marker was dedicated to survivors of clergy abuse. Harry Baumert / The Register.

Dan Green wipes away a tear after an emotional speech by a fellow survivor of clergy abuse. Green lives in Grand Mound. Harry Baumert / The Register.

Father David Hitch sprinkles holy water on the stone monument. He is pastor of St. Mary's Church in Tipton. Harry Baumert / The Register.

Steve Theisen observes a moment of silence during the ceremony. In his pocket is a childhood photo of himself on his first communion day in Dubuque, three years before he first was abused. Theisen, who now lives in Hudson, is Iowa director of Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAP). Harry Baumert / The Register.

Mike Rocca and his wife, Beryl, of Rochester, Ia., approach the monument following the dedication. Participants were invited to touch the stone with a finger dipped in healing oil. Harry Baumert / The Register.

Ann Green, of DeWitt, sings a hymn. She is a member of Catholics for Spiritual Healing, which helps promote healing for survivors of abuse and their families. Harry Baumert / The Register.

Jim O'Connor releases doves as the dedication draws to a close. Harry Baumert / The Register.

This is the monument to survivors of clergy abuse dedicated outside Saints Philip and James Catholic Church in Grand Mound on Sunday. Harry Baumert / The Register.