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Catholic Diocese of Little Rock
Mass for Hope and Healing returns in 2022
Published: April 21, 2022
Bishop Anthony B. Taylor will celebrate a Mass for Hope and Healing for survivors of child sexual abuse on Divine Mercy Sunday, April 24, at 5:30 p.m. at the Cathedral of St. Andrew in Little Rock. This event was not held in 2020 or 2021 because of the COVID-19 pandemic. 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).
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."
