Dioceses around the country will observe the annual 'Day of Prayer for Survivors of Abuse' tomorrow, 7 March, coinciding with the first Friday of Lent.  This significant day of prayer was initiated by Pope Francis and has been marked in Irish dioceses since 2017.

On the 'Day of Prayer for Survivors of Abuse', parishes across Ireland will light Blessed Candles as a powerful reminder to the faithful of the need for atonement, repentance, and the light of hope amidst darkness.  These ‘Candles of Atonement’ will be lit in diocesan cathedrals and churches throughout the country, continuing to burn during Mass and other liturgies during the following days of Lent.

The tradition of lighting the Candle of Atonement draws inspiration from the deeply moving Penitential Rite that Pope Francis composed and prayed during the final Mass of the 9th World Meeting of Families on 26 August 2018 at Phoenix Park in Dublin.  At that Mass, the Holy Father fervently implored the Lord’s mercy for the crimes of abuse and asked for forgiveness on behalf of the Church.  The prayer and ritual associated with the Candle of Atonement reflect the commitment to spiritual healing, reconciliation, and peace.

Towards Healing and Towards Peace

To help support survivors of abuse, the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference, and the Association of Leaders of Missionaries and Religious of Ireland, have established 'Towards Healing', an independent organisation dedicated to supporting survivors of physical, emotional and sexual abuse in institutional, clerical, or religious settings in Ireland.  For information about the Towards Healing, see here.

In addition, the bishops and AMRI have also established 'Towards Peace' which offers a safe, supportive environment for individuals and families whose spiritual lives have been impacted by abuse. 

Through spiritual accompaniment with qualified directors, Towards Peace assists survivors in their journey toward spiritual healing, offering free, professional services designed to promote peace and recovery.  For information about the Towards Peace Spiritual Support Service, see here.