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Hell on the Way to Heaven

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Hell on the Way to Heaven

By: Chrissie Foster, Paul Kennedy
Narrated by: Chrissie Foster
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About this listen

 Chrissie and Anthony Foster were like any other young family, raising their three daughters in suburban Melbourne with what they hoped were the right values. Chrissie could not have known that the stranger-danger she feared actually lurked in the presbytery attached to the girls' Catholic primary school. Father Kevin O'Donnell, a long-term paedophile, lived and worked there. Two of their young daughters became victims of O'Donnell. And once the truth was revealed, the Fosters began a battle to find out how this could have happened. The Church offered silence, lies, denials and threats. Meanwhile, their daughters tried to piece together their fractured lives. This is the chilling true story that made national and international headlines. Chrissie Foster's heartbreaking account of her family's suffering, and their determination to stand up for themselves against the might of the Catholic Church, is testament to the strength of a mother's love, and the resilience of the human spirit.©2010 Chrissie Foster and Paul Kennedy (P)2019 Bolinda Publishing Abuse Relationships Sexual Abuse & Harassment

Critic Reviews

'A heartbreaking, searing exposé of the corruption at the heart of the Roman Catholic Church and a powerful testimony to the resilience and power of a mother's love.' (Colm O'Gorman, author of Beyond Belief)
'Chrissie Foster's courageous and utterly devastating book, while intensely personal, is a wake-up call to us all ... Together we must protect our children, bring the perpetrators of these crimes to justice and address the systems that perpetuate them.' (Dr Cathy Kezelman, Chairperson, Adults Surviving Child Abuse)
'We would never have achieved (a national apology) without Chrissie’s bravery and tireless advocacy.' (Former Prime Minister Julia Gillard)
'By speaking out against child sexual abuse, Chrissie helped out victims find their voice and gave them strength. Because of Chrissie, our nation is changed for the better.' (Daniel Andrews, Premier of Victoria)
'Many people would have been destroyed by that suffering. Many would have been overwhelmed by what they saw. But the Fosters did not let this happen.' (Justice Peter McLellan, Royal Commissioner)
All stars
Most relevant
Raw, honest, heartbreaking, infuriating, uplifting and inspiring!
The subject matter of this book is tough to read, but the story NEEDS to be heard!
While the church tried to discourage the Foster’s from saying anything about the repeated rapes of their two young daughters by a Catholic priest in a Catholic primary school, the Foster’s simply refused to remain quiet, and the world is a better place for their brave, dignified and determined efforts.
Tragically, the Fosters couldn’t save their two eldest daughters from the devastating ongoing effects of childhood sexual abuse, but they were in large part responsible for a State Parliamentary Inquiry, a National Royal Commission, and for raising awareness of this repugnant issue around the world.
Their story deserves to be heard!
My heart is full of admiration for Chrissie Foster (the author and narrator of this book), her late husband (Anthony), and their daughters (Emma, Katie and Aimee).
Their legacy will be that far fewer children will be subjected to the cruel and criminal behaviours of paedophiles in protected institutions.
Thank you!

One of the most moving books I’ve ever read!!

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One of the most heart felt stories that I have ever listened too! Chrissie you amaze me how you faced each day. The Catholic Church absolutely disgust me.

Empowering

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I have never written a review before as always thought tedious and no one would care what I thought anyway; this may still be the case but this book is essential reading for all of us. It is hard to read. Very hard. I have shed so many tears. It is now November 2019 and I understand there is still an argument over compensation to victims, especially those that have a criminal record. I thought that unfair before I read this book. I now find it insanely cruel. As Emma was quoted, she had been taking drugs since she was 5 years old! Now George Pell is in jail. He is still claiming his innocence, his first appeal has failed. It is so clear to me he is guilty. Yet George still has support from ex prime ministers and some loud voices. This is perplexing.
Thank you for sharing your story. Thank you

Thank you

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Very factual, heartbreaking story, but showed the impact it had on the family and d how the family turned it into supporting others.

Heartbreaking but important read

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This was a very well written and spoken account of the absolute horror that so many families have faced and are currently facing from the Catholic Church. Chrissie, my heart absolutely breaks for you and too all those families suffering due to the church and their people. You’re a brave, wonderful woman and this is a book that I believe needs to be discussed at all schools. Although, extremely difficult content and a upsetting story. I am greatly moved by this book and would recommend this to everyone.

A must read!

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Incredible story and very brave for any person to put this forward being so personal,
Unfortunately it was hard to get into sometimes and I found my mind would drift having to remind myself to pay attention as the voice was slow, monotone and unclear :(
Would of made a world of difference with a clear professional reader

Heart breaking story

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Very well written and so very brave and determined to shed light on this terrible issue

Incredible Family

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