Praying for those who have suffered abuse

The annual Day of Prayer for those who have suffered abuse is observed in Scotland today (Friday 7 March).

The day offers Catholic communities and parishes the chance to pray for the healing of all those who have suffered abuse in the Church and elsewhere.

The annual Day of Prayer for those who have experienced abuse in the Church is observed in Scotland on Friday 7th March 2025. Resources are available to support specific prayers and liturgies in parish churches and faith communities in Scotland. #safeguarding pic.twitter.com/EwF6pB3Ys7

— SCSSA (@SCSSAComms) February 25, 2025

Resources are available here so that parishes can support the provision of specific prayers and liturgies in churches and faith communities across Scotland.

The Scottish Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency said: "We are grateful for the valuable contributions of some survivors of abuse towards the development of this resource."

Day of Prayer for abused

Each year the Catholic Church in Scotland sets aside a day to pray for those who have suffered any form of abuse.

It takes place in the Church's calendar on the first Friday following Ash Wednesday (4 March).

Archbishop Cushley said: “The Church is keenly aware of the pain and suffering caused by those who have experienced abuse. I’m encouraging parishes in the Archdiocese to host a service on 4 March using the liturgical resource provided by the Bishops' Conference where we can acknowledge the hurt caused and pray for healing in the lives of those affected.”

Pray

Please pray for children, young people and vulnerable adults whose lives have been scarred by the abuse they have experienced at the hands of those whom they trusted.
Pray also for all are engaged in the pursuit of peace, healing and reconciliation for the abused, the needy, the weak and the vulnerable.
Pray that the work of the new Scottish Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency will be guided by the Holy Spirit to help us all to meet our responsibility to respect and safeguard the dignity of all.

A liturgical resource is provided by the Bishops' Conference to encourage prayers in Churches and home. Click here. Safeguarding resources from BCOS can be found at bcos.org.uk/Safeguarding