Statement from Alleged Travers’ Victim #5

Father Luke chose to hear confessions in a private room. The room was dark but for a few candles. Confession was a scary, intimidating process to begin with… the environment that Father Luke created did nothing to lessen the anxiety. After Father Luke closed the door, he instructed me to sit in a chair. He pulled his chair directly in front of mine so our knees were touching, and laid his hands on my knees.

Excerpts from the Statement of Victim #5

I grew up near Morristown, New Jersey. My parents were devout Roman Catholics.

As a young man I was an altar boy and served mass for several wonderful priests. To use their names in this document, however, would be a disservice to these fine men.

I attended more than a dozen of these Antioch Retreats over a three-year period. These retreats gave me confidence and provided me with a positive environment. I relished in the opportunity to spend time with like-minded members of my peer group from neighboring parishes and high schools.

On this particular Saturday in 1987, I believe that confessions began around 7pm and ran later into the evening than usual. I did not seek out Father Luke. However, as it was late and I was exhausted. I decided to have Father Luke hear my confession.

Father Luke chose to hear confessions in a private room. The room was dark but for a few candles. Confession was a scary, intimidating process to begin with… the environment that Father Luke created did nothing to lessen the anxiety. After Father Luke closed the door, he instructed me to sit in a chair. He pulled his chair directly in front of mine so our knees were touching, and laid his hands on my knees.

After I had talked about the issues I had been having in my life at that time (mostly typical for a teenager), he started questioning if I had a girlfriend or had any other issues with sexuality. I said no, at that time I was not involved with any girls, and was fine in that regard. We said a prayer and when it was over, Father Luke leaned forward and gave me a long hug during which he stroked my back with his hand. He kissed my neck and then put his cheek on my cheek. I had been uncomfortable with the intimacy during the whole process, but this was just too much for me, so I backed away and got to my feet, and asked to leave the room. He explained to me that I must have misunderstood his approach, and apologized, but I had had enough and promptly left for my host family’s home.

Only recently have I begun to understand the effect that Father Luke’s actions had in my life. I do not wish similar pain or confusion on any person.

As I read Abbot Giles Hayes’ January 13, 2012 message to the Delbarton alumni, minimizing the allegations made by another of Father Luke’s victims, I knew that I had to reach out to support that, and other victims.

I have also been trying to express to my own children, that if something feels wrong in their gut, it IS wrong, and to trust their feelings; and that I will always trust them if they are trusting themselves.

[Name]
January 23, 2012