Concert raises funds for sex abuse victims, promotes healing

Published: 2004-06-09

SOUTH HADLEY, Mass. (CNS) -- A "Concert for Healing and Hope" designed as a fund-raiser to provide monetary assistance to victims of sexual abuse in the Springfield Diocese helped heal many more people, said participants and organizers. Dave LeTellier and three other musicians performed two musical sets at St. Theresa Church in South Hadley May 21 from 7 to 9:30 p.m. Readings from Scripture were interspersed with inspirational Christian songs, many of which were original compositions by LeTellier, a member of St. Theresa Parish and its music minister. "You don't know what you did for us tonight, the families of the victims," said Sandra Tessier, a Springfield resident and the mother of a man who said a priest in the diocese abused him more than 25 years ago. Her voice cracking with emotion, Tessier spoke to the more than 125 in attendance and said her son was shocked that a parish in South Hadley was hosting such an event. "You just don't know that you reached out to give your time, talent, your love and prayers. There's nothing greater than that. Thank you so much. God bless every one of you," Tessier said.

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