God of endless love, ever caring, ever strong:
your only Son was delivered into the hands of the wicked
yet healed us by the blood of his cross.
May the gentle Jesus, join to his own suffering,
the pains of those abused by priests who have betrayed your love,
and servants of your Church, whose sin has brought us shame.
May Christ hear the cries of those abused,
may he quell their restless fears with faith in your protection,
their doubt, with confidence in your love,
and all rage with trust in your healing mercy.
Grant all Shepherds of his Church the compassion to protect his lambs,
the strength to guide his flock, and the wisdom to model their lives
on Christ, the Good Shepherd.
God of justice and compassion, protect all children from abuse,
and deliver us from hate.
May we seek only justice and truth, and trust in your unending mercy.
We ask this through Christ, our Lord. Amen.
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Praise to you, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
source of all consolation and hope.
By your Son's dying and rising He remains our light in every darkness,
our strength in every weakness.
Be the refuge and guardian of all who suffer from abuse and violence.
Comfort them and send healing for their wounds of body, soul and spirit.
Rescue them from bitterness and shame and refresh them with your love.
Heal the brokenness in all victims of abuse and revive the spirits of all who lament this sin.
Help us to follow Jesus in drawing good from evil, life from death.
Make us one with you in your love for justice as we deepen
our respect for the dignity of every human life.
Giver of peace, make us one in celebrating your praise,
both now and for ever. Amen.
+ John F. Kinney, Bishop of Saint Cloud, MN
Imprimatur given May 15, 2002
© 2002 Diocese of St. Cloud. All rights reserved.
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Praise to you, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
for in your infinite love you care for your people by the ministry of priests.
May their faithful service bring lasting good to your Church and great happiness to them.
Help them to do what is right, that by their teaching and living
we may grow in the knowledge of your love.
As our priests instruct your people,
enlighten them with the wisdom of Christ the Teacher.
As they preach your Word and celebrate the sacraments,
sanctify them with the holiness of Christ the High Priest.
As they face weakness, suffering and discouragement,
strengthen them with the grace of Christ the Life-Giver.
As they work for peace, unity and healing in your Church,
uphold them with the courage of Christ the Reconciler.
Giver of all good gifts, make the ministry of our priests a spiritual offering pleasing to you,
through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
+ John F. Kinney, Bishop of Saint Cloud, MN
Imprimatur given March 19, 2002
© 2002 Diocese of St. Cloud. All rights reserved.