Invitation to pray for victims and survivors of abuse

Catholics throughout the Diocese of East Anglia are asked to join the Church’s national Day of Prayer for Victims and Survivors of Abuse on Tuesday May 4, 2021

Rebecca Bretherton, the Diocesan Safeguarding Administrator explains: “While we pray for victims and survivors of abuse throughout the year, it is helpful to have a day to focus our prayers. It’s good to know that we are joining others to pray for those affected by abuse.”

Originally observed during the season of Lent, the Catholic Bishops of England and Wales, listening to the voices of victims and survivors, have moved the date on which the Day of Prayer is marked in England and Wales to the Tuesday of the Fifth Week of Easter.

The new date highlights that this is not a penitential day for the failures of the Church and others to respond to the scourge of abuse. Instead, a day of prayer in this Easter season confirms our belief that everyone can experience hope and new life in the risen Lord.

One or both of these intercessions may be included in the Intercessions at Mass celebrated on the Day of Prayer and the surrounding days. Everyone is invited to pray these prayers with the wider Church.

• For all survivors of sexual abuse;
  May they come to know, once again, the compassionate love of God and find healing and hope in the risen Lord.
• For all who work in safeguarding;
  May they place the voice of the survivor at the heart of their service and through their care for others help to build up the Body of Christ. 

More resources can be found in the website of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales.

Material in these resources have been written by and with survivors.

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