Healing Mass set for Divine Mercy Sunday

Published: April 24, 2019

En Español

Bishop Anthony B. Taylor will celebrate a Mass of Hope and Healing for survivors of child sexual abuse on Divine Mercy Sunday, April 28, at 5 p.m. in Morris Hall Chapel on the campus of St. John Catholic Center in Little Rock. Anyone who wishes to pray for victims, their families and friends is welcome to attend this Mass and reception to follow.

The Mass is being held in April for National Child Abuse Prevention Month, which is dedicated to raising awareness of and preventing child abuse (whether sexual, physical or emotional). This event is sponsored by Safe Environment Program of the Diocese of Little Rock. For more information, contact Susan David, safe environment coordinator, at (501) 664-0340, ext. 332.

The following "Prayer for Healing Victims of Abuse" was provided courtesy of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. To order copies or download a PDF version, visit the USCCB website.

"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."