Diocese of Brooklyn Announces Annual Mass of Hope and Healing

The Diocese of Brooklyn will celebrate the annual Mass of Hope & Healing on Tuesday, April 30, at 7:00 p.m. at St. Athanasius Roman Catholic Church, located at 2154 61^st Street in the Bensonhurst section of Brooklyn.  Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio will be the main celebrant of the Mass, and Father Jeffry T. Dillon will deliver the homily.

The Mass of Hope & Healing, now in its fifth year, is planned by survivors for survivors, those who love a Victim-Survivor and all those impacted by the sexual abuse crisis. This year for the first time, the Diocesan Survivors Advisory Committee will light the Easter Candle and pray for the victims of abuse who have entered eternal life this past year.

“Certainly, due to the heightened media attention around the sexual abuse crisis facing the Catholic Church, I believe this year’s Mass will be very important and significant for all those who participate. As we continue to learn even more about the abuse crisis, it becomes even more disturbing.  May we continue to pray for all those affected by the horror that is sexual abuse” said The Most Reverend Nicholas DiMarzio, Bishop of Brooklyn.

“The Mass of Hope and Healing was instituted because there was a need for something more, to let the survivors and victims know that the Church cares and is here for them. Each year, the members of the Diocesan Survivors Advisory Committee commit themselves to plan the specific details of this Mass, to make this a very special experience that is sensitive to survivors and that also speaks to survivors,” said Jasmine Salazar, the Vice-Chancellor and Victim Assistance Coordinator for the Diocese of Brooklyn.

All are invited to join together to pray for the healing of all those impacted by sexual abuse. The confidentiality of all in attendance will be strictly respected.