On Wednesday, April 26 at 7:00 PM, the Diocese of Brooklyn, in partnership with survivors of sexual abuse by members of the clergy, will hold the third annual Mass of Hope and Healing. The bilingual Mass at St. Anselm Church, 356 82nd Street, Brooklyn is offered for all those affected by sexual abuse. The Most Reverend Nicholas DiMarzio, Bishop of Brooklyn, will be the main celebrant.
“This annual Mass is a way for all of us to come together to pray for healing and also to extend an invitation of welcome to victim-survivors so they know that they are not forgotten. The Church stands in solidarity with victims and wishes to accompany them as they journey toward wholeness,” said Bishop DiMarzio. “We want them to know that they have our support, that we will continue to work toward reparation, and that we continue to be committed to the protection of children.”
The Mass is planned by a group of survivors who, earlier this month, shared their stories as part of a video encouraging abuse survivors to come forward and seek support.
“As Catholics, healing must involve prayer and the sacraments,” said Deacon Franco, a survivor of abuse who will give the homily at this year’s Mass. “This Mass is a much-needed call to everyone in every stage of healing toward the light of Christ.”
The annual Mass of Hope and Healing is organized by 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, for their families, the Church, and for the continued vigilance toward the protection of children and youth.
Clergy, survivors, family members of survivors, and many others committed to the protection and safety of children will be in attendance. Healing Intervention team members will also be present for anyone wishing to learn about the services provided by the Office of Victim Assistance Ministry.
Media interested in covering the Mass must contact cerstad@desalesmedia.
New Evangelization Television (NET TV) will broadcast the Mass for Hope and Healing LIVE, which will also be LIVE streamed on www.netny.tv.
NET TV is a cable network featuring news and information with a Catholic point of view, which is available in the New York area on Spectrum, channel 97; Cablevision, channel 30; Verizon Fios, channel 48; and nationally on Verizon Fios On Demand. Viewers can also watch the programming live on NET TV’s website at www.netny.tv/watchnow.
Survivor’s video:https://bit.ly/2q7N3JH
Diocese of Brooklyn Office of Victim Assistance Ministry: https://bit.ly/
Mass of Hope and Healing: https://bit.ly/2pzhRmE
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