Many Archdiocese of Agaña parishes will dedicate Masses for the healing of sexual abuse victims this Sunday, April 25 as Child Abuse Prevention Month nears its end. Some celebrated their Masses earlier in the month.
Archbishop Michael Byrnes will celebrate the 9:30 a.m. Mass at the Dulce Nombre de Maria Cathedral-Basilica in Hagatña as part of prayers for those who have suffered at the hands of abuse by clergy and others. A Rosary for healing and protection of children and young adults will be prayed at 9 a.m.
In a letter to leaders of all Catholic parishes, schools and groups before the start of April, Archbishop Byrnes urged all members of the Church to give full attention to protecting our children.
“I have strongly emphasized that every person at our archdiocese must be extremely vigilant against child abuse. It must be a top priority of every person at our archdiocese,” the archbishop said.
“With bankruptcy, we are paying a tremendous price for the sins of our past. Yet, none have suffered so deeply as the children – now adults – who were entrusted in the care of our Church,” Archbishop Byrnes added.
Catholics are also asked to wear blue at Masses this Sunday. Many of the archdiocese’s parishes have been celebrating healing Masses for abuse victims during the month of April.
Victims are being remembered during prayer intentions. Novenas and Rosaries are being prayed along with the celebration of Masses and some parishes have illuminated the outside of their churches with blue lights at night. The Christian Mothers have led a novena and Rosary via Zoom at 6 o’clock nightly from April 17-25. Today’s Rosary is at 4 p.m.
(Archdiocese of Agana Release)
##
