Former Saskatoon Catholic school students allege abuse

Former Saskatoon high school students say they were sexually assaulted by one of their teachers, Father William Marshall, who was convicted of molesting children in Ontario last month.

Marshall taught at St. Paul’s High School in Saskatoon from August 1958 to August 1961. The school closed six years later in 1967.

In an official statement, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon, which governed St. Paul’s High School, insists it had no knowledge of the alleged misconduct by Marshall.

“The Diocese had no record or knowledge, nor had any suspicion, that criminal and immoral conduct was occurring in the school nor did it suspect Marshall was engaged in hurtful and morally inappropriate acts,” the statement read.

Ontario police investigate Marshall

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In the spring of 2010 the Saskatoon diocese was informed about an Ontario Provincial Police investigation, exploring sexual assault allegations against Marshall.

The investigation lead to 17 sexual assault charges against the former Saskatoon high school teacher.

Marshall was arrested in June 2011. The 89-year-old man pleaded guilty to molesting children in an Ontario court and was sentenced to two years in prison and three years probation.

Religious order apologizes

Marshall was part of an international catholic priest order called the Congregation of St. Basil, or the Basilian Fathers.

In a media release, the Basilian Fathers apologized for Marshall’s actions.

“The Basilian Fathers apologize unreservedly to any persons who have been harmed by Fr. Marshall, to their families and associates. This should never have happened. We hope and pray that any who have suffered from sexual abuse can experience healing,” the release said.

Meanwhile, the Diocese of Saskatoon invites any former St. Paul’s High School students who were victimized by Marshall to contact the Catholic Pastoral Centre.

There have been attempts to reach the diocese for comment, but no calls have been returned.

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