A Survivor's Pursuit of Justice Against a Predatory Priest

Sun, 03 May 2026 20:59:00 +0200

Nancy Brier recounts her lifelong struggle with trauma after discovering that both she and her brother were sexually abused—she as a young girl and he by Father Sean. In her late twenties, she learned of her brother's abuse and his childhood plan to confront the priest with a gun, a plan he never carried out. Motivated to prevent further abuse, Nancy tracked Father Sean as he moved between parishes in Missouri, warning parents through letters and calls. Her investigation revealed a network of church officials protecting him and multiple other victims. She faced resistance from her own parish when trying to establish a support group for clergy abuse survivors. Over time, Nancy grappled with leaving the Catholic Church, the personal toll of her mission, and the lifelong impact of her early abuse. Despite other traumas, including cancer, wildfires, and the death of friends and family, she found resilience through advocacy, forgiveness, and standing up for others. The story illustrates the