Our Diocese is dedicating Friday, April 5th, as a day to express our stance against child abuse and to spread awareness about child abuse and neglect prevention.  One way we can do this is by wearing blue this day.

Bishop Libasci is calling us to a day of prayer and sacrifice for the intention: "May survivors of abuse experience God’s profound love for them, and receive comfort and healing."  Following is a prayer for healing victims of abuse:

God of endless love, ever caring, ever strong, always present, always just: You gave your only Son to save us by his blood on the cross.

Gentle Jesus, shepherd of peace, join to your own suffering the pain of all who have been hurt in body, mind, and spirit by those who betrayed the trust placed in them.

Hear the cries of our brothers and sisters who have been gravely harmed, and the cries of those who love them. Soothe their restless hearts with hope, steady their shaken spirits with faith. Grant them justice for their cause, enlightened by your truth.

Holy Spirit, comforter of hearts, heal your people’s wounds and transform brokenness into wholeness. Grant us the courage and wisdom, humility and grace, to act with justice. Breathe wisdom into our prayers and labors. Grant that all harmed by abuse may find peace in justice. We ask this through Christ, our Lord. Amen.

For more information about child safety, go to catholicnh.org/safety.