Let Us Be A Light

Prayer Service of Apology

Saint Paul Cathedral

Tuesday of Holy Week

April 7, 2009  

In a very moving service, Bishop Zubik led several hundred people in prayer last night at St. Paul's Cathedral in Pittsburgh as he apologized to every person had been hurt in any way by a representative of the Catholic Church.  He told us that even though we do believe that the Church is the Body of Christ and was begun by Jesus himself it is still made up of sinful human beings who have caused much pain.  In a moving and emotional homily he named a long list of hurts that people have experienced from someone representing the Church and begged for forgiveness for each one of them. 

During the prayers for intercession we asked for the grace to heal these many wounds and then during a special candle lighting ceremony we once again heard apologies for the many hurts and gave thanks to those who had had helped with the healing:

We remember and apologize to children, youth and adults victimized by trusted clergy.  We acknowledge their deep wounds.  We acknowledge the betrayal of a most sacred trust.  We acknowledge their courage in speaking the truth.  We affirm their dignity as people who are seeking truth and accountability, compassion and redress for the wrong that has been done to them.  We support their healing.  We offer our prayer for their journey toward wholeness.

We remember and apologize to the families and loved ones of those hurt and victimized.  We acknowledge their pain, the betrayal, shock, confusion, and loss of faith because of a violation of sacred trust.  We acknowledge their struggles as relationships and families have sometimes been divided.  We acknowledge their anguish in seeing one they love deeply suffer.  We acknowledge their loyal courage as they stand with their loved one in very hard times. 

We apologize to and affirm good and faithful priests and bishops who have been hurt by the actions of others.  We ask for healing and acknowledgement of their pain.  We affirm their life-giving service to the Body of Christ in difficult times.

We give thanks for those healers among us -- friends, those with listening hearts, family members and counselors.  We affirm their compassion as they hold the pain of others.  We pray for their wisdom and strength.

We pray for all members of the Body of Christ and for ways we have not been