Catholic Diocese of Spokane, Washington

From the

Official News Magazine of the Diocese of Spokane

(From the Oct. 23, 2003 edition of the Inland Register)

Editor:

I attended St. Xavier Grade School from 1943-51. I was an altar boy under Father Pineau for nine years, as were many of my friends.

In my high school and college years I was in constant contact with him and went to dinner with him on several occasions, as well as having private consultations.

Never did he make any kind of advances of any sort to me.

He was a dear, dear man and in my opinion close to a saint.

Why did it take so long for this accusation to surface? ( “‘Credible accusation’ of sexual misconduct leveled against deceased diocesan priest,” IR 10/2/03).

Roger Lee, Spokane

Editor:

Deacon Eric Meisfjord, in regard to your editorial “John Geoghan: Rest in peace” (IR 9/11/03), I am appalled that you would refer to him as a monster. I do not believe that God sees anybody as a monster. We are all children of God, regardless of what sins we commit. We have no way of knowing how John Geoghan may have struggled with his weakness. I believe he probably did!

Thank you for considering my concern about this kind of labelling.

Diane C. Hess, Colville, Wash.