Hello everyone. I hope all is well with you. I’m back today and I’m talking about a difficult subject. I binge-watched the new Netflix series “The Keepers” recently, and it’s the story of a couple of women who’ve been investigating the murder of one of the nuns at the local Catholic school. This happened in Baltimore back in 1969.
The murder occurred forty seven years ago and the case remains unsolved. The series follows the two women and their investigation and what they uncover.
The investigators uncover sexual abuse at the hands of Father Maskell. There is one student who claims Sister Cathy was murdered to prevent her from talking about this abuse. This student confided in Sister Cathy and told her about the abuse, naming the priest.
The theory is that the nun was murdered to cover up the horrific acts of Father Maskell. The investigators continued to dig and they found more victims. The first victim is still experiencing repressed memories coming back. There is one person she can’t put a face to and that’s Brother Bob. I think once she remembers who he is, all the puzzle pieces will fall into place.
It’s a heartbreaking story to watch, but you can’t tear yourself away. It reminded me of the movie, “Spotlight,” because the pattern is the same. In both stories, as soon as complaints of abuse were raised the accused priest was relocated to another parish. However, “The Keepers” is more horrific because you’re seeing the actual victims speak, they’re not actors.
The investigators found other victims who corroborated the story. Father Maskell has since passed away and the case of the murder of Sister Cathy remains unsolved.
The question I have after watching both “The Keepers” and “Spotlight” is why isn’t the church held accountable for the acts of their priests?
I feel they should be. They not only covered up the abuse, they didn’t stop it. All they did was move these priests from one parish to the next allowing them access to girls so they could perpetuate the abuse.
I do know some of the victims in the “Spotlight” movie accepted a settlement from the church, but in the case of the victims of Father Maskell the case was thrown out of the system because the statute of limitations for abuse had passed.
This type of abuse is such a violation, not only of the adult-child relationship, but of the priest-student relationship. These priests are supposed to be the moral compass of our society. We’re supposed to be able to trust them. After watching “The Keepers” and listening to the stories from these victims, I realize how manipulative this priest was and it makes me angry. Angry that the church allowed this man and all the other priests who were abusing children to continue practicing. They should’ve been arrested and held accountable.
Photo via Visual Hunt
This was a difficult post to write. I urge you to watch the documentary, it’ll open your eyes to the dark side of organized religion. Thanks for stopping by and reading my post. How do you feel about these priests? Do you think the statute of limitations should be lifted if women come forward with repressed memories? Leave a comment, I’d love to hear from you!
I think the problem is that priests (or ministers, etc.) have been given too much power, and feel they are above the law. Back in the day, you never went against those who were ordained. And many abused this power – even my aunt was propositioned in a confessional booth! Really? It’s sad, but I think things are changing…albeit slowly. Great post, Lisa! Cheers!
Thanks for stopping by, Sharon! I think you’re right. Things are changing, but it just seems to take forever, and it’s heartbreaking to hear about this abuse. I believe a lot of problems with addiction stems from abuse. People try to self medicate, you know?
I watched all the episodes in one sitting. So horrible. The murders and the abuse. It’s hard to listen to the stories of these women but worth it. I agree the church should be held accountable.
You are so right! Jane Doe is such a strong woman. I’m so glad she decided to speak out about her experiences. She’s given so many other victims courage and inspiration. She’s amazing. Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts. 🙂
This is painful to read about, let alone watch. I will check out The Keepers, though because I think it’s important to know how to listen to victims without turning away. Thank you for bringing this difficult topic forward.
Thanks for stopping by, Angela. I appreciate your thoughts. I agree with you, it’s important to listen to victims without turning a blind eye. Who knows, this could happen to someone you care about and learning how these victims healed might help you heal the next one.
So true (and so scary.)
It is. Hopefully, with the victims coming forward it’ll raise awareness and this type of thing can be stopped.
Eurgh this is a horrific subject, but this documentary series does sound fascinating. Spotlight was a great film that raised an important issue. Hopefully, this series will keep the conversation going.
I believe it will. I’m totally impressed by these two investigators and the victims who’ve stepped forward. I hope the Catholic Church will take it upon themselves to report any new abuse allegations to the police instead of covering them up. We can only hope. 🙂
This is one of the ones I’ve been binging on, I say to Neil ‘forget your zombies this is a horror film.’
My father grew up in the Catholic church, me less so. My eyes leak as I watch.
I love Gemma and Abbie, they should get their own show. And whenever Jean’s on, I just want to hug her.
I noticed on Susie’s post that you want to visit Scotland. Stay at our house! xox
I love Gemma and Abby, too. And I’m amazed at Jean’s strength. Her husband was just incredible, too. I’ve learned that they’ve exhumed Father Maskell’s body after this show aired. They’re doing DNA testing on it. It’s going to take about six weeks to get the results back, but I look at this as a positive sign in the investigation. I’m so proud of Gemma and Abby sticking with it all this time! There may be justice yet!
This is a tough one 😦 I don’t think I could sit through The Keeper. It must have been a hard post to put together xx
It was hard to watch the story. It makes you so mad to hear what these priests did to these girls. It’s heartbreaking. But I feel that because of this documentary people are starting to pay attention and demand that the church be held accountable for the cover up. Thanks for stopping by, Christy. It’s always good to hear from you! 🙂