The Dominican Sisters of Springfield wish to share their promise of prayer in solidarity with the global church as a gathering of religious leaders begins at the Vatican on Thursday, February 21. Convened by Pope Francis, the 4-day meeting on the Protection of Minors in the Church is a response to the failure of clergy and ecclesial leadership to protect the children entrusted to the care of the Church.
The meeting involves about 200 leaders, including 114 presidents of episcopal conferences and major superiors representing women's and men's religious communities from around the world.
We invite our friends to pray with us the prayer below for the healing of those who have been harmed by abuse from religious leaders.
To follow news about the meeting, visit the website set up by the Vatican.
Here is a joint statement issued by to international organizations representing the major superiors of men's and women's religious communities.
You may also choose to download a reflective prayer used in June 2018 at a prayer service at St. Agnes Parish in Springfield.
Here is an article about the abuse crisis in the Church by one of our sisters.
Thank you for praying with us for the healing of those who have been abused and for the global church!
A Prayer for Healing
God of endless love,
ever caring, ever strong,
always present, always just:
You gave your only Son
to save us by his Blood on the 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.
