I have known Michaelina Bellamy for many years and am astonished at the Review Journal's headline which shows her in a negative way. Michaelina Bellamy is a loving, caring, giving person, and I know she has donated her time and talents to many organizations.  Having been through so much trauma over this terrible event, she needs love and support and certainly not tabloid negativism. 

Dr. Adele (Z.Z.) Zorn.

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Well Jerky George, cause I'm not using Father along with his name either, and I ask God to forgive my judging of someone, when only he should, but I can't help that. I heard of a young lady who I always enjoyed seeing, who earned all my respect get hurt my such a so called person, yet priest. To hear of the support building around him, and funds being set up for him, all  but makes me sick. If I was the richest person in the world, I wouldn't spare a penny for him, and would take care of you Michaelina, as it is, I have very little and I'll stand and be on your side of this issue. I can't help but differ from your daughters thought and wish the jerk killed himself, cause at least that part of this story would be over, and I ask God to forgive my feelings again, but he's no good, and your a person I always enjoyed seeing.
 

I wish you well and Pray for you to carry on in the world of wickedness, may God guide you into a better place and be with you always, have faith, I so understand with all my medical stuff, so remember I do understand.
 

Yours in Christ, respectfully
Joseph Martone, Joe

 

 

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Sex abuse victims respond to jailed priest's complaints

 

For immediate release: Monday, May 21, 2007 Statement by Barbara Dorris of St. Louis, Outreach Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests

 

We're not surprised by Fr. Chaanine's complaints. Often predators posture as victims themselves, and maneuver to win public sympathy, despite their horrific crimes.

Catholic officials often recruit, educate, ordain, hire, pay, transfer, shield and defense abusive and violent priests, until the crimes are disclosed. Then, church authorities often publicly distance themselves from the alleged offenders, while quietly continuing to provide salaries, health insurance, dental coverage, housing allowances, car allowances and retirement monies to those same offenders. Publicly, bishops defend such payments as 'charity' when in fact they are intended as 'hush money.' But, to protect their own reputations, bishops keep a great public distance from the accused.

 

Similarly, we are not surprised that Las Vegas church officials tolerate hurtful comments made on a website by Chaanine's supporters. These remarks only make it harder for victims of clergy sex crimes to come forward, get help, and expose predators.

 

Catholic officials should teach parishioners to support accused criminals quietly, in ways that don't scare, insult or harm other victims who are considering reporting crimes. It's very hurtful that church hierarchy lets church members publicly take intimidating, unChristian steps that help criminals and hurt victims. (SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, is the nation’s oldest and largest support group for clergy abuse victims. We’ve been around for 17 years and have more than 7,000 members across the country. Despite the word a priest in our title, we have members who were molested by religious figures of all denominations, including nuns, rabbis, bishops, and Protestant ministers. Our website is SNAPnetwork.org)

 

Contact David Clohessy (314-566-9790 cell, 314-645-5915 home),

Barbara Blaine (312-399-4747),

Barbara Dorris (314-862-7688),

Mary Grant (626-419-2930),

Mark Serrano (703-727-4940)

 

Reprinted with permission from the Directors of SNAPnetwork.org

 

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I would not pass up the chance to comment on the recent story in the Review Journal regarding one of my very best friends, Michaelina Bellamy.

I have known Michaelina for more than 7 years, and have known her family, specifically one of her brothers and her father for more than 30 years. Michaelina was raised in a very close knit, catholic family. Her parents raised her with morals, values, and many character qualities that sadly are VERY absent from our society today. This whole incident and this article proves that point. This is a very sweet, gentle, honest, God loving soul that we are speaking about, and to publish such a "one- sided" account is not only typical, but horrendous for the media to do. How many lives must the "media" and "paparazzi" damage before it's enough? Just to grab a headline? This poor woman was trying to make a living coordinating events at her church, a place that should be a "safe haven" in such a satan filled world. I am a christian and cannot imagine the feeling of being attacked by the very people in whom you put your trust thinking you have a common ground in God. All I can say is that George Channine and his supporters will have to face the almighty judge one day. Michaelina, remember this verse:

"And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:7

Much love, your sister in Christ,

Linda Angeline

 

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It is with great disgust that I read the article "Priest laments lack of help" regarding "Father" George Chaanine in Sunday's Review-Journal.  The first sentence of the article, "Father George says he feels like Jesus Christ" hit me hard.  Although certainly not as hard as the repeated blows with a wine bottle to the back of the head of his (alleged) victim.  Lying there with her head split open (it took twenty staples to close), barely conscious and no doubt bleeding profusely,  the "good father" chose that moment to (allegedly) molest and choke her.  He then fled the scene and the state and went into hiding.  Is that the act of an (allegedly!) innocent man? 

 

Where is the "message of Jesus" that he speaks of in any of those actions?  Of course he has his supporters blindly believing that a priest is incapable of such actions and painting the victim as (no doubt), "Asking for it".  Chaanine supporter Margo Russell stated, "the church should take care of it's own" ignoring the fact that the victim is a practicing Catholic, who sang in the choir!  Melanie Thompson's website supporting Chaanine states that we should "Give the gift of compassion without judgment" and then proceeds to paint the victim as an out-of-work "cabaret singer".  Perhaps Chaanine's supporters believe working "cabaret singers" should be spared the brutal clubbing with a wine bottle yet somehow manage to pass judgment on those who are out-of-work as more deserving a beating.  

 

As a good friend of her brother James, I have had the pleasure of meeting Ms. Bellamy on many occasions.  I have found her to be most pleasant, conservative in appearance and behavior, soft spoken and deeply religious.   A decent and respectable human being with the voice of an angel. 

 

Certainly not the picture that Chaanine, his attorney and his supporters would want you to see.    As a Catholic let me say that I have never been more proud of the church for not blindly supporting Chaanine in this case. 

 

As for Chaanine, I put my faith in God that he will get what he deserves.  As to the "friends and supporters" of Chaanine, remember that the victim once called him a friend, which begs the question.  Would you want him behind you with a wine bottle in his hand?

 

Robert Michela

 

 

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I helped with several projects that the victim did, and we spent several hours working on them. I know this so-called priest, because I was there everyday. I know he never gave her any money, so that's just, one lie. She worked for the Diocese, and prior to that, she sold her beautiful piano to the church, to take care of her basic needs. I was at Mass, when Chaanine announced, he would have a special collection, once a month, to pay for the piano. Later, someone donated the money to buy it, so he said, he would keep the prior collection money for the upkeep, of the piano.

 

How we loved to hear her sing with, that piano. There are receipts for everything, and she was paid a salary, from the church, by direct deposit.

She was a Spanish substitute teacher, and she loved the children. The church was taking care of her, so she didn't need his money. She lived humbly, and if she wanted to, she had plenty of suitors, with plenty of money, who wanted to marry her.

 

She is a beautiful lady, inside and out. She has been praying for, the right person. NOT A PRIEST!!! He helped her daughter, by his own choice, mostly for groceries he went out ,and bought himself, which was food her family, doesn't eat. He loved to shop, and play the big spender, with everyone. Just look at the brand new light display, during Christmas. He took many people out to lunches, including the victim, so she didn't lie about that.

 

There are two other ladies, at Our Lady, who were hit on, by this so-called priest. Long before the victim met him, they went on retreats, with him.   They know the truth. gag ordered. Did you know he loved to gamble, three times a week, at $5 machines, at the Paris, until 3 or 4,in the morning? His favorite machines were Playboy and Anna Nichole Smith. Several church members saw him there, as well as all the workers. He stiffed them, and they don't forget. There were others who went there with him, as well.

 

Did you know, he never wore his collar, except at church, etc.?  He didn't want to be called Father George, just George, by the victim. Yup! He told me that, personally.

 

Did you know, he stalked the victim, everywhere she went, and I ,for one watched this? How I wish, I had said something to someone. She was so happy working there, in her favorite place. She was working on a way, to have her grandbabies go to school there, when they were old, enough. I, for one, know Chaanine is lying. He is trying to have all these women set his site up, to get money, and drawing flowers, for the ladies. Are they so needy? I've heard of women flocking to prisons, to find men.

 

I suppose you need to tear the victim apart, to make you feel better. You don't even know her, or her family. Those at the church, do. Those in town, and around the world do, too. She has done more charity work, than you can imagine. She still loves God, and has worked hard to raise her children. She never deserved this, and wouldn't wish it on, anyone. She has nothing to hide, and has never made a derogatory remark against him. Too bad the same, can't be said, about him. 

 

You can find out about her, just by typing her name, in the Google box. She was working on a wedding, and went back to her office, to finish the paperwork, and the music, for the wedding, when she was VICIOUSLY ATTACKED FROM BEHIND.  She was supposed to stay there, until she finished the paperwork.  Instead, she was beaten, kicked, sexually assaulted (you do not have to be raped to be sexually assaulted), strangled.

 

He fooled everyone at the church, but not his co-workers-the priests. gag ordered. The church is giving him spiritual counseling, since Friday, but not financial. The jail supplies his needs, so what does he need money for?   I hope, and pray, he doesn't go anywhere, for a long time. He loves attention, especially from women. He won't get it where he is, so he better sit back and relax. While he is relaxing, he can meditate on the eighth commandment` which is: "THOU SHALL NOT BARE FALSE WITNESS ON YOUR NEIGHBOR."   I don't understand how he can plead not guilty.  You figure it out, because I can't.   A LOVING, FAITHFUL 2nd MOTHER to my ADOPTED DAUGHTER!   

                                      

Rita T. Morano, who will support her, to the end.

 

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I'm proud to say that Michaelina Bellamy and I have not only worked together on both stage as well as the recording studio for many years, but are also the best of friends. We think of one another almost like brother and sister so I feel I know her about as well as anyone. I never thought I'd find myself in the position having to defend her character, but strange things happen in life sometimes so here is my take on a few things.

 

For those who know her, I will be offering nothing new here, but for those who haven't had been blessed with her wonderful presence, please know that this sweet young lady has a warm heart and is very close to God. On stage, we all know her as the multi-talented, versatile singer, dancer, crazy comedian that we've come to love. But in her day-to-day life she can be quite the different person as is so often the case with entertainers.

 

Her faith in God and the Catholic Church are, next to her children and grandchildren,  the most important things in her life and reflected in everything she does. It's not by accident that she chose the church to work for when she wasn't performing. 

 

When she first started to work for Chaanine (I won't use the word "Father" when referring to him for reasons that should be obvious) she was excited about being able to spend so much time with the church as well as being the musical director there. She was also able to teach children music and Spanish, another passion of hers.

Here at least was a chance to both serve God as well as bring in a steady income for both her and her daughter Jackie (also a dear friend of mine).

 

It didn't take long before the "wonderful job" started to take a turn for the worse. Each day I started hearing stories from both Michaelina and sometimes Jackie about their growing discontent for the way she was being treated by "Father of the Church" who was also their employer.

 

He, posing as a friend and Priest began to make inappropriate innuendos and advances toward Michaelina that should never happen at the workplace, much less the Catholic Church by someone posing as a server of God.

 

As time went on, Both Michaelina and Jackie were realizing that they might have to begin seeking work elsewhere if this continued. But, trying to keep the faith, each were hoping things would change as George had promised they would. They both, tried to believe, to have faith, after all, this was a Catholic Church and a "Priest" they were dealing with here, or so they thought.

 

As things progressed, or should I say regressed, Mikie and her daughter found themselves locked into a situation they could hardly remove themselves from. By November, just weeks after they started working at the church, Mikie found herself in the midst of a huge Christmas musical production that she, alone was in charge of.

She was the director, producer, choreographer, musical director and set designer of a cast of over a hundred performers who were all depending on her. Michaelina, being the dedicated lady of the church as well as the stage, was determined to see the show through as well as her position at the church. And what a beautiful production it was! It actually brought Christmas spirit to Las Vegas unlike anything else I had seen in the ten years I had lived here.

 

It was shortly afterwards, that she and Jackie had started to really consider leaving the church as the problems with George had resumed, now more so than even before. Each day we talked on the phone over dinners about the growing concerns and worries she was facing. A torn, distraught and confused Michaelina was looking for answers. Before anything could be resolved or planned, the tragic incident we all know about occurred.

Anyone questioning Michaelina's character should learn the facts so that they can clearly see who the real victim is here. I'm here to tell you it certainly isn't the attempted murderer/rapist posing as a father of the church.

 

Rich Friedland

Friend, producer, songwriter

 

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I agree with every word Marleen wrote in her open letter about Michaelina, she is a wonderful, loving, family person and a friend to everyone. Michaelina has been a dear friend, to my wife and I since the day we met her. Her warm heart and wonderful talent, have made thousands of people happy and I am proud to call her a friend.

 

Sincerely

Chick Hughes

 

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To whom it may concern:

 

What a cause you support. What a campaign to run. Indeed, you are compassionate. Much more so than myself, who although indirectly involved with the circumstances, am still a Christian.

You'll have to understand, I can't help but be subjective and affected by the words you choose to justify your support of this priest. My reasons are simple, and I expect your scorn and judgment, (of which you claim should not be cast on anyone), because "surely, I cannot see your point of view."

Or is it that you cannot see mine?

We will start with that evening, when I got a phone call telling me the most incredulous news. And as it sunk in my head while I was rushing to the hospital, I couldn't imagine what had actually happened. All I knew, at that hour, was the sound of a woman sobbing uncontrollably over my cell phone as I talked to the paramedics, and the loud pounding of my pulse in my ears.

That woman is my mother.

You can probably imagine what it was like to get to the Trauma Center, only to see her face bashed and bruised. You probably don't want to admit that it was as bad as it was, but I cannot minimize the image of my mothers head, matted with blood, against an unnatural ghostly pallor. She trembled uncontrollably, and could not move her left hand without crying out. She was in shock, and kept saying how much she loved me, and my sisters. Half her face was covered in dried blood, and her nose, her cheekbones and her throat were covered with bruises and swollen.

You probably don't want to know this. Right now, you're probably shaking your head with cynicism, because you believe your priest could never do such a thing. I will spare you the rest of the details, as no doubt, her wounds and injuries will be made public and you will find out for yourselves. They still exist, they still cause her pain and suffering, and they are not "unsubstantiated", as you so callously project.

That really brings me to my point. I understand the need to support someone you feel needs support. I, myself, pray for George Chaanine, and prayed for his safety during the days when he was running from the authorities. I was sincerely afraid he would try to take his own life, and I DID NOT want that for him. I truly believe God has a plan for both Mr. Chaanine and my mother. That plan does not include death. However, I do not see how you can insist that the public does not judge Mr. Chaanine, and to support him at least in prayer, and justify that by belittling and invalidating my mother's life and profession. There is no need to emphasize her career or her hardships of that year, as if to insinuate that she cannot be trusted because she is an entertainer by trade.

And for the record, my mother is no "Cabaret Singer". She was the lead singer/dancer for the Follies Bergere in the 1980s, sang and toured with Englebert Humperdinck all over the WORLD, is a former Staff Sergeant in the United States Air Force, An official United States Presidential Singer (Ford), and is an accomplished recording artist. She is also a mother of three daughters, and a grandmother to 4 grandchildren.

In the end, when she was searching for her life's true meaning, she went back to her roots, The Catholic Church, and musical ministry. Indeed, during the many trials in her life, singing at church has been her refuge. When she was pregnant with me, she sang at the Guardian Angel Cathedral, where I was baptized. It was always her pleasure to offer her voice as God's instrument, and because of Mr. Chaanine's choice to destroy what he sought to control, her greatest love has been taken away.

Regardless of your opinions of her, and her character, the fact remains that a woman has accused a priest of beating her. That should be all the preamble you need, whether he is guilty or not. My family has never ONCE spoken publicly about what WE think. We have kept our judgment and pain hidden from everyone, knowing that we have no need to defend ourselves. It doesn't mean the glib, insensitive, thinly-veiled accusations of deception don't sting. The fact that you emphasize her profession at all leads me to believe that somewhere, deep inside your heart, you know that Mr. Chaanine is guilty. The fact that you have to justify your support that way, in such a patronizing and condescending manner, (as if to defend your stance already), totally contradicts your claim to show "compassion", in any sense of the word.

God loves both my mother AND Mr. Chaanine, regardless of how this situation comes out in the end. Perhaps you need to stop quoting certain verses and phrases from someone else's mouth, and start practicing what you preach. I believe your cause would have more credibility, if it weren't so saturated with self-righteous blame and judgment towards those that are just as affected by this tragedy.

Maria

 

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Thank You Marleen for your wonderful article on Michaelina. We were thoroughly disgusted with the article of Father George Chaanine and are so thankful someone finally came out and gave the truth. We absolutely love Michaelina and will try our darnedest to be in that court room to support her. She told me it would mean so much to have those who love her there and  she will draw great comfort and strength from seeing those who love her and believe in her. Our prayers are with her. Stay strong Michaelina....... She is family to us.

 

We love you,

Gloria and Don Hill

 

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I make it a habit, to not watch the news.  Being a mother, much of what is said and seen in the world today, is not for my ears or heart to hear.  When breaking stories occur, I usually turn the TV off and never watch the news.  So, with the story of the priest, you can imagine my shock of getting an email that Michaelina was assaulted.

In past years, I've known her to have a glow like Arleen Gibson's mother ("Mother Theresa"), and her own unique spirit that adds to our group of friends.  She has the qualities of an angel.  For anyone to speak ill of her, is a sign of ignorance.  Ignoring the strength and amazing qualities that she and our group of friends all share. 

Having experienced life and trauma, we never really "know" why someone that should be trusted with our safety would do such acts.  We never seem to get answers, only questions.  Those that commit such acts go on living their lives and ours are put on hold.  Some individuals have the audacity to actually ask, "What did you do?"  There serves no need to do anything, some individuals choose to exercise "free will" in a manner that is destructive.  Out of character they assault our lives and time freezes to those that they hurt.  We are then victimized further my needless accusations, to justify some reason for what happened.  I don't understand this way in society and behavior.  Why do we protect the attackers and never stand by those assaulted?  Why are we so ready to place blame on the victims?

My arms are around you Michaelina, in spirit and prayer.  For you and all those that have been hurt in the world.  May our pain ease, may our smiles return with the glow of innocence and purity.  May we have our lives back and move forward.  May the clock start ticking and may those who commit such acts receive the true justice they deserve.

Star Love,
Justine Baker, T.C.

 

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I just wanted to say that Michaelina and I have been friends for many years. We have been through so much together. We have always had such great times together! She was loved by my mother who was known as "Mother Theresa", because she was my mother she was nicknamed that. My mom was like a second mother to Mikie since her mom had passed away years ago. My mom passed in 2004 and Mikie was at the hospital praying for her. She was at her funeral and spoke wonderful words about how much my mom meant to her. It meant so much to me! My mom was a faithful Catholic.

 

I was so very shocked as everyone else that this could happen to someone so close to us. Especially that it was a priest from the church she worked at and loved so much! The church was her world! She went every Sunday morning at 6:30am to sing with the choir (too early for me!) She was so dedicated. It was her job and she loved it! It was great that her daughter was able to get a job at the church with her as well! It is so sad that she trusted and loved what she did and sold her beloved piano to make ends meet to a place that she knew she would be with daily.

 

She has the most incredible voice ever, more like an angel! She has been truly blessed with the most wonderful gift ever. God has really blessed her and it is so sad that something so horrible could happen to someone that was so dedicated to her faith!!!!

 

If this so called priest was innocent why did he flee??????? That doesn't sound like someone that did not commit a horrible crime against an innocent victim, who by the way has a name and is a wonderful mother and grandmother!

 

May God do his work and protect the one who deserves it, not the one that didn't want to be called a "Priest". He left Lebanon to the states to become a priest so he could live here. But he insisted on being called "George". That is not a priest to me. I was raised catholic and we always called our priest "Father".

 

Love you Mikie and we will keep prayers going your way!

God Bless, Arleen Gibson      

See Pictures of Arleen and Michaelina HERE

 

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Dear Readers,

 

I am a personal friend of Michaelina Bellamy. She lived with me in the past and was also a member of our Church in Studio City for over 3 years. Michaelina was the wonderful servant of God in our church. She and her family started a food ministry to help all those who were in need and started bible studies in her own home weekly. She has left many good and loving memories of an sincere person  who loved doing God's work.  The lies that have come against her from Chaanine will be exposed and my prayers for him is to repent and surrender to God with his whole heart. God is the judge and the truth will be reveled.  

 

Best Regards In Christ,

Trish  S.........

 

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"Lift Up Michaelina"

 

The article "Priest Laments Lack of Help” which was printed in Review Journal is not surprising. It is unselfish to say the least, when you consider Father George is not the victim, but is a soul who had no right to allegedly attack Michaelina on that terrible night. No man has a right to hurt any person. 

 

Ms. Bellamy is a very positive individual who has given unselfishly to many non-profit organizations. We should lift her up in prayer as well as talking to other people. This would include the journalist who wrote the story as well as those who are going to write future stories about her. It is without question that the journalist who wrote the story in RJ did so with a lopsided message.

 

Pete Allman, Celebrity Scene News

 

 

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Chaanine the coward

 

I am a 68 year old catholic male who attends mass at Our Lady. I have read most everything about these crimes. Chaanine should be given a fair trial and then after being convicted he should be sentenced. I suggest he be castrated at the church's expense. Then he will be deported back to Lebanon where he belongs. He will no longer be able to attack anyone. I do not want this coward to spend another single day on the taxpayers’ dime, on our soil. Also if a collection is needed to complete this sentence let me be first to offer a large donation.

 

God bless Ms. Bellamy   

 

Sincerely Edward G. Malik   Any questions anybody call me 702-655-4615

 

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This is in regards to the "Priest Laments Lack of Help” which was printed in Review Journal, May20th, where George Chaanine is comparing himself to Jesus Christ, excerpt from the RJ "I understand very well at this moment what Jesus had felt after he was left alone at the crucifixion site," he wrote while at the jail.  How pathetic.

Mostly, we were shocked to hear that Bill and Margo Russell have become some of his most vocal supporters, although neither was friends with Chaanine before the incident.  SHAME ON YOU TWO!!  The Russell’s have known Michaelina’s parents and a few of her siblings for many years.  Her father Jim Bellamy owned a nutrition store in Las Vegas for 25+ years where for many years the Russell’s were customers and continued to be customers after
the passing of Michaelina’s parents.  Many times Bill and Margo would make grateful comments about how Jim has given them invaluable nutritional advice extending their quality of life.  In addition to that Michaelina’s parents were also members and lectors of the Guardian Angel church.  Bill and Margo are also aware that the Bellamy’s often had priests at their home and befriended many priests on their religious travels around the world. 
Therefore, it was not unusual that Michaelina and her family befriended “Father” George.  This man took advantage of their friendship and misled them of his intentions.  If anyone was used it was Michaelina and her family by befriending a predator.

As far as the following statement from Margo goes – excerpt from RJ - "I believe the church should take care of its own," Margo Russell said. "I don't think what they've done to Father George is right."   Bill and Margo, I wonder if you were the ones that befriended George and he became obsessed with Margo and attacked her, would you still be his strong supporter’s?  The point is, this could have happened to anyone who befriends predators like
George.  We all need to realize that he is a mortal man who used the Catholic Church to prey on innocent victims who have trust in their faith. He’s not the first person who abused his position in a faith and won’t be the last.  But, please let’s not forget the abuse he was and is capable of.

We love you Michaelina…

Sincerely,

Reno and Cindy Bellamy

 

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