This afternoon, the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston released its names of “credibly accused” priests for the diocese, dating from 1950. There were only 40 individuals identified.
You can read the full list here.
Rev. Joseph Leduc’s name is included on the list. I am simultaneously stunned and not surprised. I did not imagine that the diocese would ever give up his name, even if it needed to be identified. Leduc was certainly buried very deep for a long time, as my book MASS explores in detail.
While vindicating for my years of research, it is terrible news. I am wondering if any victim-survivors of Leduc are still alive, and what kind of justice they received. If any.
Things to note about the list generally:
The list of priests specifically includes those allegations related to abuse of children.
Assignments in this list for each priest do not include dates, and parishes are listed in alphabetical order rather than chronological order.
The nature and number of allegations are not included in the list.
Finally, four observations about Leduc’s list:
The correct spelling of Leduc’s middle name is “Gilles.” (Repeated misspellings of his name were part of the story, as I explore in MASS.)
In Leduc’s assignments, there is one parish included here that I never saw in the chancery records provided to me or in The Official Catholic Directory: St. Vincent de Paul in Houston.
Leduc’s time in the military (USAF, from approx. 1965-1968) is not included.
Also missing is any reference to Boy Scouts generally or Catholic Scouting specifically, although through other sources I documented Leduc’s involvement from 1955 until the early 1960s.
Secular folks and lay authorities must continue to ask questions.
I know I will.
I am saving that for a later post.
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