Novena concerning the Sexual Abuse Scandal in the Catholic Church

International Team at Click To Pray (September 6, 2018)

On August 20, 2018, Pope Francis wrote a letter to the People of God.
In his letter, the Pope addressed the fathomable abuse scandal around former Cardinal Theodore McCarrick and several dioceses in the state of Pennsylvania (USA).
Pope Francis asks the whole People of God to be close to victims in solidarity. He also claims that we are called by God as His People. Thus, the wounded body of the Church can only change, if each and every cell is part of this healing process.

“Every one of the baptized should feel involved in the ecclesial and social change that we so greatly need. This change calls for a personal and communal conversion that makes us see things as the Lord does. […] To see things as the Lord does, to be where the Lord wants us to be, to experience a conversion of heart in his presence. To do so, prayer and penance will help. I invite the entire holy faithful People of God to a penitential exercise of prayer and fasting, following the Lord’s command. This can awaken our conscience and arouse our solidarity and commitment to a culture of care that says ‘never again’ to every form of abuse.”

In this novena, we want to respond to the Pope’s call. United in prayer, we ask God for change – in every one of us, and in his whole Church.

The Nine Days

1. “If one member suffers…”
2. “… everyone will.” (1 Cor 12:26)
3. “Nothing is covered that will not be uncovered.” (Luke 12:2)
4. Clericalism as a Disease
5. Standing Up Courageously
6. With Open Eyes and an Open Mind
7. Healing Together
8. He has Brought down the Powerful from their Thrones
9. Determined Actions