Statement by the Catholic Bishops of England and Wales - our response.

In their recent statement about child abuse, out bishops made this request:

Now, we believe, is a time for deep prayer of reparation and atonement. We invite Catholics in England and Wales to make the four Fridays in May 2010 special days of prayer. Even when we are lost for words, we can place ourselves in silent prayer. We invite Catholics on these days to come before the Blessed Sacrament in our parishes to pray to God for healing, forgiveness and a renewed dedication. We pray for all who have suffered abuse; for those who mishandled these matters and added to the suffering of those affected. From this prayer we do not exclude those who have committed these sins of abuse. They have a journey of repentance and atonement to make.

I am sorry that my absence at the beginning of the month made it impossible to fulfil this request immediately. I am very grateful to Deacon John and Sue who arranged for suitable prayers on Tuesday evening this last week. For the rest of May there will be 30 minutes Exposition before the Friday morning Mass . I realise that this is not an easy time, but perhaps this makes it somehow more valuable. If you are unable to be present, you might like to pray the Litany of the Sacred Heart on Fridays during May. At the bishops' suggestion, this will be used at Exposition. Text here.