Unto Us a Child: Abuse and Deception in the Catholic Church

by Donald T. Phillips

The Alberts, a Kansas family beset by hard times and too many challenges lost seven of their nine children to the state in the late 1940's; the other two died as toddlers. The Catholic Church convinced the family and the state that the best place for the children was in the local orphanage run by the church. Once there, the children were exploited and subjected to sexual, physical, emotional, and mental abuse by both the nuns and priests. Darlene, the youngest daughter died tragically at age 47. After her death, her brothers discovered the secret life that she led during her time at the home, and later as a young, beautiful woman when she gave birth to the illegitimate child of a priest. They went about searching for the child that she gave up for adoption years earlier. Ironically, that child also was seeking his birth parents at the same time and they were united-too late for mother and son to meet, but Darlene's brothers treasured the opportunity of meeting the boy who grew up to be a fine man. Meanwhile, the boys in the Albert family sought vindication in the Kansas courts until the emotional toll was too great to bear. This is their true, fully documented story told by Don Phillips, a best selling New York Times author, outstanding journalist and master story-teller.

232 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 2002

About the author

Donald T. Phillips is a nonfiction writer. He has written or coauthored 20 books, including a trilogy on American leadership (Lincoln on Leadership, The Founding Fathers on Leadership, and Martin Luther King Jr. on Leadership).
Phillips has also collaborated on books with several celebrities, including: Norman Brinker, Mike Krzyzewski, Phil Mickelson, Rudy Ruettiger, Greg Norman, Cal Ripken Jr., and Lt. Gen. Ricardo S. Sanchez.

Reviews

[Bob A]

I struggled with the decision to add this book (or even commenting on the addition). I'm very proud of what my father and uncles have become after what they have gone through, but the subject is such a taboo that there is a high level of discomfort.

As for the book itself, I don't think it is the best story you could read. My uncles are not the smoothest of men, and they rely on scarred memories of 40-50 years ago. But smooth or not, they are telling the truth.

[Kathy L. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quenched My Desire to Know More

A well written book that I can believe is factual about a place near where I grew up. A place we weren't to visit.. That scare must have lingered after these events happened as our family didn't arrive to the area until after the orphanage was closed. Liked all the references to the memory of hometown characteristics. In the end ... this book will make you question the Catholic church and all its corruptness ... make you wonder what it could still be hiding. I have never understood the ritual of confession ... I rather like the idea of one simmering in their mistakes rather than using confession to move past their wrongdoings. But to each their own ....

[Kivalina Mauck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow

Those poor kids, this book kept me reading ,lots of interesting information. I was interested in the book because I have family roots in ElDorado Ks and I read lots of books on this subject.