Lawsuit: Priest assaulted boy in 1970s at St. Rita's in Aurora

A lawsuit filed earlier this week accuses a priest of sexually assaulting a 7- to 9-year-old boy at St. Rita's of Cascia parish in Aurora between 1972 and 1973.

The lawsuit, filed Tuesday by plaintiff "John Doe JP," alleges the Rev. John Holdren, who worked at four different churches for the Rockford Diocese from 1972 to 1994, manipulated the boy's emotions to groom him and gain control over him, according to a statement by the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests.

Timothy Freiberg, the victim's lawyer, said after the Rockford Diocese discovered the assault, Holdren was transferred to another parish rather than sent to authorities.

"This case seems to fit the natural pattern of the Catholic Church," Freiberg said Wednesday night. "Covering things up; bringing the same guys to replace them when they get accused. It's the same song and dance."

Holdren worked at St. Rita of Cascia in Aurora from 1972 to 1973, at St. Thomas in Crystal Lake from 1974 to 1980, at St. Peters in Geneva from 1981 to 1983 and St. John the Baptist in Johnsburg from 1984 to 1994.

A call to the Rockford Diocese late Wednesday night was not immediately returned.

According to WGN-TV, Holdren, who is now 70, told them that he did not abuse or even know the victim. The lawsuit seeks more than $50,000 in damages.

"Good luck getting the $50,000," Holdren told WGN. "I don't have any money."

Holdren could not be reached for further comment Wednesday night.

Along with Holdren, the lawsuit lists the Rockford Diocese and St. Rita of Cascia Catholic Church as defendants.

• Susan Sarkauskas contributed to this report