The Pope Francisco urged in 2016 the episcopal conferences to choose “an appropriate day to pray for victims and survivors of sexual abuse as part of the Universal Day of Prayer initiative.” Some episcopal conferences decided to promote the celebration of this day on the eve of the International Day of the Rights of the Child, which is November 20. The Legionaries of Christ have committed to fostering spiritual attitudes and initiatives of prayer, penance, and reparation for abuses committed by members of the Congregation and within the Church, as outlined in the document Conversion and Reparation (cf. n. 11) issued from the 2020 General Chapter.
Father John Connor, LC, general director of the Legion of Christ, called for a day of prayer on November 19 for all victims, especially during the Eucharistic celebration and the Eucharistic Hour of the day, and have prepared some resources including a booklet dedicated to this day. It contains the list of steps taken by the Church to confront the phenomenon of sexual abuse against minors and vulnerable adults, the testimony of a victim and survivor of abuse, and two prayers specially prepared for this Day of Prayer for Victims, by the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors.
Testimony of Alejandra M.
By entering the image, you can listen to the testimony of Alejandra, a victim and survivor of sexual abuse.
Prayer (I) for people who have suffered sexual abuse
FATHER
Since your mercy has been revealed in the tenderness of your Son Jesus Christ, who told his disciples: “Let the children come to me,” we ask that your Church be a “Safe Home” where the encounter of all children and vulnerable adults with your Beloved Son is fostered.
May all those who have been physically, emotionally, and sexually abused by your ministers be respected and accompanied through concrete acts of justice and reparation so that they may feel healed with the balm of your compassion.
We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen
Prayer (II) for people who have suffered sexual abuse
HOLY FATHER,
who lovingly cares for your sons and daughters, especially the youngest and most vulnerable, we entrust to you the lives of so many children and vulnerable adults who have been sexually abused, betraying their trust and destroying their innocence.
Help us to hear their cries of pain and to take responsibility for so many shattered lives.
May they find understanding and support from their communities and families, so that with the help of your grace they may heal their wounds and regain peace.
Through Jesus Christ our Lord, your Son, who shared in our weaknesses in all things except sin, and who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, forever and ever.
Amen.
