Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Sligo |
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The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Sligo, in the west of Ireland, is organising a 24 hour Vigil of Atonement and Healing beginning on Friday 24 February at 8am. This 24 hour vigil will take place in collaboration with the town parishes of St Anne's and St Joseph's. The purpose of the vigil is to pray forgiveness for the suffering caused by clerical child abuse. An invitation to join the vigil has been extended to all who wish to pray healing for those who have suffered, but in particular to the people of Sligo and to the faithful of the Diocese of Elphin.
Giving his blessing to the initiative, Bishop Christopher Jones, Bishop of Elphin, said: "I warmly welcome this important liturgical event. In 2011, on the first anniversary of the publication of Pope Benedict's Pastoral Letter to the Catholics of Ireland, the Bishops of Ireland published a pastoral response to the Holy Father's Pastoral Letter. Our pastoral response, called Towards Healing and Renewal, contained a number of key commitments to help address the needs of survivors and amongst which was the need to pray intensively for all those affected by abuse. I wish to commend the priests of the Cathedral and all who will assist them for undertaking the organisation of this timely pastoral event here in Sligo, and I pray for its success."
Father Tom Hever said: "We are fortunate that our very own Sister Marianne O'Connor, Director General of the Conference of Religious of Ireland, has agreed address us as our keynote speaker. Sister Marianne's reflection and witness will no doubt prove to be immensely interesting and the highpoint of our vigil. I would also like to thank the members of the coordinating committee for all their time and planning efforts invested during the preparation of what will no doubt turn out to be a very significant liturgical event in the life of our local faith community."
For more information see: http://www.sligocathedral.ie/events
Source: Irish Catholic Media Office |
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