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Comments by Thomas P. Doyle, J.C.D., C.A.D.C.

The scourge of sexual violation of anyone but especially children, by Catholic clergy has been and continues to be the Catholic Church’s worst nightmare inflicted on itself. It has plagued the People of God since the first century and it continues to inflict countless men and women with unspeakable pain and spiritual despondency. It is practically impossible to wrap one’s mind around the dichotomy between the world’s oldest and largest Christian denomination, a Church that claims to bring the authentic message of the unbounded love of Jesus for all, and a Church that has and continue to enable one of the most despicable human crimes. What the institutional leadership has condemned by its never-ending stream of apologies, promises, programs and policies, it has encouraged and approved by its hypocritical actions, or lack thereof.

The Sacrifice of the Masses is an eloquent proclamation of horror and hope. It is not simply one of the many books written about this toxic phenomenon. It stands alone among the many books written about this plague because it was written by a man, the man, who has not only experienced every dimension and depth of this horror but has dedicated his life, his being, to attacking it head on. The story Bob tells is not only his own remarkable, decades-long march. It is also one of the clearest, most honest, and terrifying expositions of the complex and bizarre nature of sexual and spiritual abuse by the clergy and hierarchy of the Church. The author describes the “what,” “why,” and “how” of this toxic reality from the most accurate perspective, that of his own life of survival, of standing up to the massive ecclesiastical monarchy but most important, of doing what the ecclesiastical establishment could not and would not do: bring the compassion and healing of Jesus Christ to its victims. One cannot count the number of people who had lost hope and were sinking deeper into despair and anger until they met Bob Hoatson. There are scores of men and women, clergy, lay people, and religious order members who continue to confront this evil by the unselfishness and dedication of their lives. Bob Hoatson had the fearlessness to confront the monster and has inspired and continues to inspire us with his unequaled wisdom, endless energy, fearless proclamation of the truth but mostly his life of love for those who thought God had forgotten them. Bob Hoatson’s book is a horror story of the reality he has seen and lived, and it is a story of hope because of who he is and what he has done.

Tom Doyle

March 26, 2024

Vienna, Virginia