WASHINGTON — Here is a prayer provided by the U.S. Conference of
Catholic Bishops for National Child Abuse Prevention Month, observed every
April to raise awareness of child abuse and how to prevent it:
“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 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.”
Read more
The USCCB’s Secretariat of Child and Youth Protection
offers numerous resources to raise awareness of child abuse and how to prevent
it at
usccb.org/issues-and-action/child-and-youth-protection/resources/index.cfm. The
site also includes the text of the U.S. bishops’ “Charter for the
Protection of Children and Young People.”
