For many years, his name was preceded by the title “Father” or “Reverend.” Then the Catholic Church stripped those titles away as he became known by a different title: alleged child rapist.

Finally, we can drop “alleged,” substitute “convicted,” and we now have the name by which he will henceforth always be known: Convicted Child Rapist Paul Shanley.

Perhaps some don’t realize how close to Wakefield, Massachusetts this case is. Shanley began his now well-documented reign of terror as a parish priest at St. Patrick’s Church in neighboring Stoneham in the early ‘60s. The young priest had a special rapport with youth, and soon became known for his work with young Catholics. Even then, his ministry reached beyond Stoneham, as he spoke to youth groups at other area churches, including Wakefield.
Continue reading ‘Paul Shanley Preached Here’