Official Website of the
Catholic Diocese of Little Rock
Mass for sex abuse survivors to be April 14
Published: April 9, 2024
“It is essential that we, as a Church, be able to acknowledge and condemn, with sorrow and shame, the atrocities perpetrated by consecrated persons, clerics and all those entrusted with the mission of watching over and caring for those most vulnerable.” — Pope Francis
Bishop Anthony B. Taylor will celebrate the annual Mass for Hope and Healing for survivors of child sexual abuse Sunday, April 14, at 5:30 p.m. at the Cathedral of St. Andrew in Little Rock. Anyone who wishes to pray for victims, their families and friends is welcome to attend.
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. For additional resources, visit the website for the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB).
The Diocese of Little Rock is committed to protecting children and young people. If you are aware of abuse or have been abused by clerics, Church workers or volunteers, please follow these steps to report the abuse. To see the list of clergy credibly accused of sexual abuse of minors, go to the Arkansas Clergy Disclosure List. This information is being published as part of the diocese’s ongoing commitment to transparency and to encourage persons sexually abused by clergy or by anyone working on behalf of the Church to come forward.
Prayer for Healing Victims of Abuse
The following prayer was provided courtesy of the USCCB. 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."
