Day of Prayer and Penance for victims of violence and abuse - 16 February
Let us pray for the communities betrayed by those who abused; heal the wounds of all our people and keep our gaze on the presence of Christ around us.
Readings for Mass of the Day - Friday 16 February 2024
Isaiah 58: 1-9. ... Is this not the sort of fast that I favour: to open unjust fetters, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free and to break every yoke? ...
Psalm 51: A heart contrite and humbled, O God, you will not spurn.
Matt 9: 14-15. ... The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast...
Hymn
"Prayer of St. Francis – Make me a Channel of your Peace." Sing with or listen HERE
Prayer of the Faithful (starters)
For vulnerable adults and the young who are victims of violence, that they may be protected by society and have their sufferings considered and heeded by all.
Response: E Te Ariki, whakarongo mai ra ki a matou
For the communities betrayed by those who abused; heal the wounds of all our people and keep our gaze on the presence of Christ around us.
Response: E Te Ariki, whakarongo mai ra ki a matou
Resources
Prayer for those healing from abuse. Te Rōpū Tautoko have a powerpoint resource. HERE
Prayer for Healing and Reconciliation. Download a pdf HERE
Prayer for Healing Victims of Abuse - USCCB. Download a pdf HERE
A Prayer for the vulnerable
Heavenly Father, You love and care for all your children especially the smallest and
most vulnerable. We entrust to you the lives of the many children and vulnerable adults who have been abused, and whose trust and innocence have been destroyed.
Help us to hear their cries of pain and to take responsibility for so many broken lives.
We pray that within their communities and families they may find understanding and support so that with the help of your grace their wounds may be healed and they may again know peace.
Grant this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who shared our weakness in all things but sin, and lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit forever and ever.
Amen.
Based on material from the Pontifical Commission 2016.
Source: https://nzcatholic.org.nz/2016/12/16/prayer-day-abuse-victims-set/
