Prayers for the Commemoration of the Charter

Prayer from the Bishops’ Holy Hour for Healing, 2002

May the gentle Jesus
join to his own suffering,
the pains of those abused
by priests who have betrayed your love,
and servants of your Church,
whose sin has brought us shame.

May Christ hear the cries of those abused,
may he quell their restless fears with faith in your protection,
their doubt, with confidence in your love,
and all rage with trust in your healing mercy.

Grant all Shepherds of his Church
the compassion to protect his lambs,
the strength to guide his flock,
and the wisdom to model their lives
on Christ, the Good Shepherd.

God of justice and compassion,
protect all children from abuse,
and deliver us from hate.
May we seek only justice and truth,
and trust in your unending mercy.
We ask this through the same Christ, our Lord.

Petitions for Prayers of the Faithful

For victim-survivors who have been profoundly wounded by abuse, especially those who have been hurt by your ministers, we pray…

For all whose lives have been forever changed by abuse, we pray…

For families suffering from the wounds of abuse, we pray…

For families and friends who walk with survivors of abuse, we pray…

For those who minister to survivors of abuse, we pray…

For those who have lost faith or whose confidence has been shaken by those in authority, we pray…

For those who entrusted with the care of with children and young people, that they may be vigilant in protecting them from harm, we pray…

For the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young people, now 20 years old, may it be ever renewed in our hearts, minds actions, and prayers, we pray…