Pope's Intention

In response to cases of abuse, especially to those committed by members of the Church, it’s not enough to ask for forgiveness.
Asking for forgiveness is necessary, but it is not enough. Asking for forgiveness is good for the victims, but they are the ones who have to be “at the center” of everything.
Their pain and their psychological wounds can begin to heal if they find answers —if there are concrete actions to repair the horrors they have suffered and to prevent them from happening again.
The Church cannot try to hide the tragedy of abuse of any kind. Nor when the abuse takes place in families, in clubs, or in other types of institutions.
The Church must serve as a model to help solve the issue and bring it to light in society and in families.
The Church must offer safe spaces for victims to be heard, supported psychologically, and protected.
Let us pray for those who have suffered because of the wrongs done to them from members of the Church; may they find within the Church herself a concrete response to their pain and suffering.

Father, you who are compassionate and merciful, Welcome with your love those who suffer the damage caused by the horror of abuse committed by those in the Church, who should have been fathers, mothers, pastors and brothers. Give us a merciful heart in the face of this human misery; a big heart to listen to those who suffer; open arms that do not get tired of embracing; clear discernment to respond to pain; generous oil to heal their wounds. May we care for those who suffer being Samaritans and keeping the inn open. Help us to help our brothers and sisters who suffer or have suffered abuse in the Church!  Amen.

Abuse comes in many forms and the impact is often silent and unseen. Those who are subjected to abuse experience a level of trauma that is difficult for others to comprehend, in part because each victim and survivor experience it differently. The harmful events touch their soul and spirit in unique and undefinable ways. 

Pope Francis often references the dignity of the human person. For victims of abuse, this dignity has been violated. It can tear at the very soul of a person. The emotional and spiritual toll lingers long after the physical wounds have healed. With attentive support and care these unseen wounds can be tended and renewed strength restored. As with so many traumas, it is difficult for well-intended friends and family to find words of comfort. But we can always provide support through prayer. Each day this month let us lift up those who have been harmed with the following from the USCCB:

God of endless love, ever caring, ever strong, always present, always just: You gave your only Son to save us by his blood on the 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.

Molly Fara
Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network (United States)