It seems the sexual abuse scandal in the Church is never far from the headlines, and there is no doubt many Catholics are exhausted from reading about it and wish it would just go away. It is, however, an ever present reality with which the Church must face and acknowledge – not only today but well into the future.
The USCCB website states: The Church is committed to Prevention, Protection and Accountability in creating a safe environment for all. Together we can conquer the evils of clergy sexual abuse and hold all individuals accountable, no matter what their rank. With additional reforms, building upon the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, and in union with Pope Francis’s Motu Proprio, the American Catholic Church stands united against the scourge of sexual abuse as we continue on a path of reconciliation and healing. Furthermore, the website clearly states:
The first obligation of the Church with regard to victims is for healing and reconciliation.*
It is no surprise, then, that Pope Francis’ prayer intention for this month of March is for victims of abuse:
We pray for those who have suffered harm from members of the Church; may they find within the Church herself a concrete response to their pain and suffering.
The following prayer was published by the USCCB in August 2020
God of endless love,
ever caring, ever strong,
always present, always just:
You gave your only Son
to save us by the blood of his cross.
Gentle Jesus, shepherd of peace,
join to your own suffering
the pain of all who have been hurt
in body, mind, and spirit
by those who betrayed the trust placed in them.
Hear the cries of our brothers and sisters
who have been gravely harmed,
and the cries of those who love them.
Soothe their restless hearts with hope,
steady their shaken spirits with faith.
Grant them justice for their cause,
enlightened by your truth.
Holy Spirit, comforter of hearts,
heal your people’s wounds
and transform brokenness into wholeness.
Grant us the courage and wisdom,
humility and grace, to act with justice.
Breathe wisdom into our prayers and labors.
Grant that all harmed by abuse may find peace in justice.
We ask this through Christ, our Lord. Amen.
May we join with Pope Francis and the entire Church in continuing to pray healing for the victims of abuse, their families and future generations.
*https://www.usccb.org/offices/child-and-youth-protection/victim-assistance
