Pope Francis, the Bishops of Ontario and bishops across Canada have asked that a Day of Prayer and Reflection for Victims and Survivors of Abuse be observed for healing and to raise awareness. In the Archdiocese of Toronto, the Second Sunday of Lent (March 15/16) was chosen as an appropriate day and time to honour the wishes of the Holy Father, to express our remorse as a community, to pray for healing and assure safety in our parish communities.

In 2014, Pope Francis established the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors whose task was to propose “the most opportune initiatives for protecting minors and vulnerable adults, in order that we may do everything possible to ensure that crimes such as those which have occurred are no longer repeated in the Church” (Pope Francis, Chirograph of His Holiness Pope Francis for the Institution of a Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors, 22 March 2014).

The Pontifical Commission’s work included a particular emphasis on education and prayer. It has been further reinforced by work undertaken by the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops, including the publication in 2018 of “Protecting Minors from Sexual Abuse: A call to the Catholic Faithful in Canada for Healing, Reconciliation, and Transformation” which provided both recommendations and guidelines.

Let us pray for all victims and survivors of abuse. We also continue the important work both in the Catholic Church and throughout society, wherever vulnerable persons are served, to offer the appropriate safeguards and protections to foster an environment that is safe and welcoming for all.

Below are some intentions that may be used in parishes or for personal reflection as we join together to observe this day of prayer throughout the Archdiocese of Toronto:  

For the protection of all children and vulnerable individuals, that they be safeguarded from all forms of abuse, and that our faith communities be committed to creating environments of safety and love for all, we pray to the Lord.
Lord, hear our prayer.

For those who have suffered emotional, physical, spiritual or sexual abuse, that they receive the grace and courage to reclaim their dignity, and find peace and restoration in their lives, we pray to the Lord.
Lord, hear our prayer.

For healing and strength for all victims of clerical sexual abuse, that they experience the love and compassion of God and find support in their journey toward recovery, we pray to the Lord.
Lord, hear our prayer.

For those who work in the healing of abuse survivors, such as pastors, teachers, counselors, social workers, and advocates, that they be strengthened and guided in their efforts to bring about lasting healing and justice, we pray to the Lord.
Lord, hear our prayer.

For all families, that they foster safe, loving environments where all victims are listened to, treated with dignity and respect, and that all signs of abuse be recognized and addressed, we pray to the Lord.
Lord, hear our prayer.