CHARLESTON — In conjunction with the Day of Prayer called for by the U.S. bishops at their June meeting in Dallas, Bishop Robert J. Baker has designated Aug. 29, the Feast of the Martydom of St. John the Baptist (the patron saint of the Diocese of Charleston), as a Day of Prayer for Healing for all those who have been sexually abused by clergy.
The Catholic faithful and the priests and religious of the South Carolina diocese are encouraged to remember in their prayers in a special way on that day all those who have been sexually abused, their families and the entire church which has been wounded by the recent scandals.
Parishes are encouraged to mark the Day of Prayer for Healing with the celebration of Holy Mass and, when possible, a Holy Hour for Healing.
As Pope John Paul II stated on April 23: “We must be confident that this time of trial will bring a purification of the entire Catholic community, a purification that is urgently needed if the church is to preach more effectively the Gospel of Jesus Christ in all its liberating force. Now you must ensure that where sin increased, grace will all the more abound (cf. Rom 5:20).
“So much pain, so much sorrow must lead to a holier priesthood, a holier episcopate, and a holier church.”