Florida Catholic | Bishop Dewane: Pray For Victims Of Child Abuse

Bishop Dewane: pray for victims of child abuse

The bishop calls for the faithful to ‘remain united in prayer’ with the victims of abuse.

BOB REDDY | FLORIDA CATHOLIC VENICE BUREAU EDITOR

Published: 05.09.08

Bishop Frank J. Dewane celebrates the Eucharist during the April 25 Mass for Victims of Child Abuse at Epiphany Cathedral in Venice.
BOB REDDY | FC

VENICE | The intention of praying for the victims of child sexual abuse cannot fall out of the hearts and minds of the faithful. This was the main theme Bishop Frank J. Dewane conveyed to those gathered for a Mass April 25 at Epiphany Cathedral for victims of child abuse. The Mass was during National Child Abuse Prevention Month.

Bishop Dewane opened by saying: “We pray for the victims of abuse, a scourge across the church, and for all victims of abuse in society.” He said intentions and prayers are being offered in a humble way.

“We ponder in our hearts and we pray for the suffering that they endured,” Bishop Dewane said. “I still don’t think we can grasp the graveness, the scars and scourge that were left behind. We are here today to give witness to something we believe was severely wrong.”

He admitted that it is difficult to understand the suffering of the individuals, but everyone must try.

He noted that Pope Benedict XVI spoke of this important topic several times during his recent pastoral visit to the United States. The Holy Father renounced the actions of the church clergy involved in the scandal and found them guilty of the gravest immoral behavior. During the pope’s visit, he gave words of compassion in the U.S. church’s efforts towards healing and forgiveness for the victims.

Bishop Dewane quoted Pope Benedict’s speech to the bishops of the United States in Washington: “It is your God-given responsibility to bind the wounds caused by this breach of trust, … promote reconciliation and to reach out with loving concern those seriously and severely wronged.”

Bishop Dewane said all should foster healing for victims of abuse.

“The situation was badly handled and this caused the victims to suffer even more,” he said. “It is of importance that we enact new policies.”

The policies are directed at protecting children through the diocese Safe Environment Program “to screen those who are with young children and to create a safe environment for our young people who are our future generations. They are not the future, they are the present. They are the church of today.”

He added that sin and evil are not the last word.

“For those who are victims of child abuse, the church offers its prayers its compassion and its love. It cannot undo what occurred – to be betrayed by someone you trust. The victims are not alone. … We continue to reach out to fellow brothers and sisters who carry this great cross – the cross of having been abused – in this, we all have a part to play and it must proceed from prayer.”

Bishop Dewane told those gathered that each of them must to be inspired to be an instrument to make things new.

“That priests, laity or whatever your vocation in life is, that we will allow ourselves to be the instruments of the Lord for the healing of this scourge and for the prevention of anything of this nature in the future.”

Bishop Dewane concluded the Mass by saying he hopes that the faithful will carry this message with them and continue in prayer on an issue that has complicated the lives of many.

“We need to remain united with them in prayer for the opportunity to move forward.”

A Prayer For Healing Victims Of Abuse

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 our cries as we agonize over the harm done to our brothers and sisters. Breathe wisdom into our prayers, soothe restless hearts with hope, steady shaken spirits with faith; Show us the way to justice and wholeness, enlightened by truth and enfolded in your mercy. Holy Spirit, comforter of hearts, heal your people’s wounds and transform our brokenness. Grant us courage and wisdom, humility and grace, so that we may act with justice and find peace in you. We ask this through Christ, Our Lord. Amen.
Courtesy of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops

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Bishop Dewane: pray for victims of child abuse

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