This November 20, the Church in Spain celebrates the Day of Prayer and Penance for Victims of Abuse. The Spanish Episcopal Conference (CEE), welcoming the invitation made by Pope Francis in September 2016, in which he asked the National Episcopal Conferences to choose an appropriate day on which to pray for survivors and victims of sexual abuse as part of the Universal Day of Prayer initiative”, joined this request and chose 20 November, Universal Children’s Day, for this Day.
A Day of Prayer for the abuse of minors
For some years now, the Church in Spain has wanted to dedicate this day of Universal Children’s Day to prayer and penance for the victims of sexual abuse. For this reason, Christians raise their prayers for children and young people, so that they may all have a home and suitable environments where they can grow and develop in peace and harmony, and never have to experience any situation of abuse. Also, on this day we remember with special affection those who have suffered any kind of physical or moral abuse; and we pray for them, so that they may recover and regain the confidence, joy and hope that was so unjustly taken from them.
It also asks forgiveness for the abuse of children by pastors and faithful within the Church, and prays that such atrocities may never be repeated, and that it may give all members of the Church a greater sense of responsibility for the minors entrusted to their care. In this regard, the Episcopal Commission for the Liturgy offers a liturgical aid for this purpose.
Prayer for victims of abuse
God of infinite love, ever present, ever just, you watch over us and protect us, and you gave us your only Son to save us by his blood on the cross.
We ask your forgiveness, Lord, for all the cases of abuse of minors that your Church has suffered.
Forgive all priests, religious and lay people who have betrayed their ministry and the trust of those they were meant to protect: the little ones.
We pray, Lord, for all survivors of sexual abuse, that they may find peace in You.
We pray for those who try to escape every day from the deep wound of sexual abuse, that they may go forward and seek You.
Lord Jesus, shepherd of peace, deign to join to your own suffering the pain of all those who have been wounded in body, mind and spirit by those who betrayed the trust placed in them.
Hear the cry of our brothers and sisters who have been grievously hurt, as well as the cry of those who love them; give them the hope that will mitigate the despair of their hearts, give them the faith that will calm their troubled spirits, grant them justice for their cause, enlighten them with your truth.
Holy Spirit, comforter of hearts, heal the wounds of your sons and daughters and restore wholeness to what has been broken.
Grant us courage and wisdom, humility and grace, to act justly.
Breathe your wisdom into our prayers and endeavours.
May all who have been hurt by abuse find peace and justice.
Father God, care for the victims with special predilection.
Help priests to be examples of holiness and dedication to their faithful.
God our Son, protect our abused brothers as you cared for your friends and disciples.
Help priests to live as you lived on earth.
God, the Holy Spirit, inspire the victims with strength and mercy. Enlighten your Church in this time of difficulty and help it find the way.
We ask this through Jesus Christ, our Lord.
Amen.
