The Irish Bishops have designated the first Friday of Lent each year as a special day of prayer for victims and survivors of abuse in the Church.
This year that day will happen next Friday 7th March. All Churches across Ireland are invited to offer prayer on that day for all those who have been impacted by the terrible sins and crimes of abuse in the Church.
In many churches a Candle of Atonement will be lit, and the Prayer of Atonement offered as we acknowledge the wrongs of the past and pray for the assistance and guidance of the Holy Spirit as we work to ensure they cannot be repeated.
This initiative and the prayer were instigated by a survivor of abuse in the Church, and I ask that everyone remembers victims of abuse in their personal and family prayers.
Most Rev. Eamon Martin
Apostolic Administrator, Diocese of Dromore