Survivors of sexual abuse by members of the clergy have partnered with the Diocese of Brooklyn to sponsor a Mass of Hope and Healing on Wednesday, April 15th at 7 p.m. at the Cathedral Basilica of St. James, 250 Cathedral Place, Downtown Brooklyn.

The Most Reverend Nicholas DiMarzio, Bishop of Brooklyn, will be the main celebrant and homilist.

“There has been much darkness in the past regarding this issue, but it must come out into the light,” said Bishop DiMarzio. “We must own up to past mistakes and seek to heal those who have been abused, and I must take this opportunity to publicly thank those who have come forward to help us shed light into the darkness of this most serious issue. These survivors have shown us that there is hope for healing and have helped us to identify the pastoral resources which our Diocese makes available to assist them on their journey.”

The Mass originated from the work of the diocesan Office of Victims Assistance Ministry and a group of survivors who have come together to pray for the ongoing healing of sexual abuse survivors, their families, and the Church, and for continued vigilance toward the protection of children and youth. Attendees will include clergy, survivors, family member of survivors, and many others committed to the protection and safety of children.

Healing Intervention team members will be present for anyone wishing to speak to someone in regard to the services provided by the Office of Victim Assistance Ministry.

Bishop DiMarzio’s recent column on the Healing Mass, which includes more information, can be found here. His published paper, “From Shadow to Light and From Scandal to Healing: the Experience of the Diocese of Brooklyn with the Sex Abuse Scandal,” can be read here.

Media interested in covering the Mass must RSVP to SGutierrez@DeSalesMedia.org by close of business day Tuesday, April 14th. There will be specific guidelines for photography and filming of the Mass participants.

New Evangelization Television (NET TV) will broadcast the Mass for Hope and Healing live and it will also be streamed on www.netny.tv. NET TV is a cable network featuring news and information with a Catholic point of view, and is available in the New York area on Time Warner Cable, channel 97, Cablevision, channel 30, and nationally on Verizon FiOS on Demand.