JJ,

You then move on to say that it was dreadful - but that the authorities had no understanding of the seriousness of the matter.  Is that right?

60 odd years ago I don't think anyone had a complete grasp of the real nature of peadophilia. I think it was regarded as the actions of someone who couldn't control his urge for sex. In fact peadophilia is a deep seated unnatural disorder from which it is very difficult to overcome.
Some people have blaimed the requirement of celibacy for child abuse. This thinking again displays a lack of knowledge of the true nature of peadophilia.
If a priest, or any person for that matter, has a disordered sexual desire, marriage will not the cure it. Experiencing the redemptive power of Christ in one's fallen sexuality is the cure. Getting married will only involve the transfer of a man's unnatural sexual desire to his wife and possibly his children.