Philadelphia Grand Jury Final Presentment

As a result of the rape, Mark developed significant psychological and substance
abuse problems, and attempted suicide.
Mark told the Archdiocese investigator and the Grand Jury that, before the rape,
he was a happy, well-adjusted boy who played several sports and had no problems in
school. But the sexual assault by Father Brennan triggered significant psychological
problems, including depression, which in turn led to a dramatic weight loss and left him
so emotionally damaged that he was at times unable to even to leave his house.
In addition, the rape led Mark to turn to drugs and alcohol, and contributed
significantly to a substance abuse problem that affected his performance in school,
damaged his relationship with his family, and caused a crisis of faith. At one point, Mark
attempted to kill himself by overdosing on pills before undergoing counseling.
Archdiocese officials continued to assign Father Brennan to posts where he would
have regular contact with children.
The Archdiocesan Review Board, a group of individuals chosen by the Cardinal
to provide recommendations regarding the credibility of abuse allegations and the
appropriate action to be taken, submitted a report to the Archdiocese on July 14, 2006.
The report, signed by Cardinal Rigali on August 17, stated that “[A]dults in positions of
management and leadership in Reverend Brennan’s other assignments have consistently
raised concerns concerning his behavior with youth.”
Archdiocese officials chose, however, not to act on those concerns. Before Father
Brennan’s leave of absence, having received reports of his inappropriate behavior around
minors, they transferred the priest to a parish where he would be able to regularly interact
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