The Australian Catholic Bishops Conference (ACBC) has nominated the first four days of Lent as a time of fasting and reparation in sorrow for child abuse and for the healing of victims.
Now that the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse has concluded, the country and church have entered into a new moment, the ACBC said.
'We are calling upon the Catholic community in Australia to embrace this new moment by beginning the penitential season of Lent with four days of fasting and reparation (14-17 February). These are spiritual practices which express our desire for God’s reconciling and healing grace.
'Through fasting, we stand in solidarity with the victims and survivors of abuse whose much deeper hunger is for healing and peace in their lives. Through reparation, we make amends for the sin of those in the Church who abused children or failed to listen and act when they should have.'
The ACBC said since the tragedy of child sexual abuse within the Catholic community became known, the Church has committed to policies, procedures and structures to respond better to survivors of abuse and their families, to establish professional standards for all ministers and Church workers, and to safeguard children and vulnerable people.
'Australia’s bishops and other Church leaders have often expressed their sorrow and have offered their apology for what has occurred – the harm suffered by victims and survivors, the instances of cover-up, the failure to believe survivors’ stories and to respond with compassion and justice, and the distress that many still experience.
'Our apologies have, at times, seemed too little – not because they were insincere, but because trust has been broken. We stand firm in our resolve to ensure that the abuse of children never happens again in the Catholic Church and to build new bonds of trust.'
The ACBC said the days of fasting and reparation in sorrow for child sexual abuse and for the healing of victims and survivors will be marked by prayer in homes and in Catholic communities.
A number of resources have been prepared, including prayers for use at home.
'Please take to heart the importance of these days in preparing the Church to respond to the recommendations of the Royal Commission and to make the journey from Ash Wednesday to Easter. We cannot undo the past. With God’s help, we can make the future better.'
Click here to access the resources.