In November and within the framework of the International Day of the Rights of the Child, the Legionaries of Christ celebrate our second day of prayer for victims of sexual abuse.

Pope Francis, in a video message for the gathering organized by the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors and the Conferences of the Bishops of Central and Eastern Europe, mentioned that we must be “humble instruments of the Lord, serving the victims of abuse, seeing them as partners and protagonists of a shared future, learning from each other to be more faithful and more resilient so that, together, we can face the challenges of the future” (October 18, 2021).

The attitude towards victims of sexual abuse must be demonstrated, among other aspects, through the commitment to prevent the recurrence of abuses and also through a constant personal conversion to live an authentic pastoral care in safe environments.

This year, the day of prayer for victims of abuse will be held on November 18, particularly offering the community Eucharistic celebration and the Eucharistic hour with a sense of reparation, prayer, and offering for all people suffering because of abuses: victims, their families, all those suffering from the scandal of these crimes, priests who have caused harm, and priests who, in the context of abuse, have been unjustly accused.

In this link, you can download a series of prayers and resources for the day, including the testimony of a victim of abuse published by the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors on October 19.

Prayer for people who have suffered sexual abuse (I)

FATHER,
Since your mercy has been revealed in the tenderness of your Son Jesus Christ, who said to his disciples: “Let the children come to me,” we ask that your Church be a “Safe Home” where all children, girls, and vulnerable adults can meet your Beloved Son.
May all those who have been physically, emotionally, and sexually abused by your ministers be respected and accompanied through concrete gestures of justice and reparation so that they may feel healed with the balm of your compassion.
We ask this through Jesus Christ Our Lord.
Amen

Prayer for people who have suffered sexual abuse (II)

HOLY FATHER,
who lovingly cares for your sons and daughters, especially the youngest and most vulnerable, we entrust to you the lives of so many children, girls, and vulnerable adults who have been sexually abused, betraying their trust and destroying their innocence.
Help us to hear their cries of pain and to take responsibility for so many shattered lives.
May they find understanding and support from their communities and families, so that with your grace they can heal their wounds and regain peace.
Through Jesus Christ Our Lord, your Son, who shared our weaknesses in all things except sin, and lives and reigns with you
in the unity of the Holy Spirit, for ever and ever.
Amen