2025 Diocesan Novena for Protection and Healing from Abuse

April is designated National Child Abuse Protection Month. We are called through scripture and teaching to protect the life and dignity of the human person. Throughout the year, but especially in the month of April, all are asked to increase awareness, to educate ourselves and the community, and to seek healing for those who have been so tragically impacted by this horror. 

From April 3 to - April 11, Bishop Jaime Soto and Bishop Rey Bersabal are inviting all the faithful of the diocese to pray that the vulnerable are protected from abuse, and that survivors of abuse may be accompanied on their paths to healing.

Intercessions 

Day 1: May the most vulnerable be protected from all types of abuse and exploitation.

Day 2: May those who have been sexually abused receive comfort and healing.

Day 3: May those who work with children and young people be vigilant in protecting them from harm.

Day 4: May those who provide help for the abused act with wisdom and compassion in their healing ministries.

Day 5: May all families strive to provide safe and nurturing environments for children and young people.

Day 6: May all those who have committed abuse acknowledge the harm they have done, repent, and accept justice that ultimately comes from God.

Day 7: May those who have been abused receive the courage to tell their story, and may they be believed and supported.

Day 8: May Church leaders, with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, promote justice and healing for survivors of abuse.

Day 9: May our Holy Father, Pope Francis, fulfill his role as good shepherd and protect the most vulnerable in his flock.

Prayers

Our Father, 3 Hail Marys, Glory Be, Prayer for Healing

Prayer for Healing

God of endless love, ever caring, ever strong, always present, always just: You gave your only Son to save us by his blood on the 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.