In July 2013, on a research visit to Houston for what would become my book, MASS: A Sniper, a Father, and a Priest, I spent much of my time retracing the assignments of Father Joseph Leduc. One week ago, on Jan. 31, Father Leduc was named as one of 40 priests “credibly accused” of abusing children in the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston (ADGH).
One of my parish visits was to St. Dominic’s, near the Sheldon Reservoir area. There, in the church vestibule, I found a gallery of photographs along the wall for all the pastors who served, including a black and white portrait of Father Leduc.
Here’s my photo from that day:
Rev. Gil Leduc (aka Rev. Joseph Leduc) on wall of St. Dominic’s Parish, Houston (photo: Jo Scott-Coe)
An article from The Texas Catholic Herald provided to me by the ADGH chancery office showed the official announcement about Leduc’s appointment as the first parish administrator at the church.
The photo caption here on the frame was even more specific, documenting how Leduc’s assignment at St. Dominic’s lasted roughly 8 months, from January to August 1969. A very short time.
I have been thinking about this picture all week. The electronically posted church bulletins from St. Dominic’s since the ADGH announcement–both February 3 and February 10–contain no mention of Father Leduc, nor could I find any mention or update or call to parishioners on the parish webpage. As of this morning, I could still locate the old WordPress link that included Leduc’s name in the parish history, a link that does not appear to be available anymore through the parish’s main page.
Leduc’s photograph may have already been removed from the wall. It may also be sitting there, still hiding in plain sight as people walk by on their way to mass.
The image provides a vital record that should not be ignored or destroyed. After so much time, Leduc’s photograph could help any surviving parishioners who need to remember and to heal.
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