November 19 is the International Day for the Prevention of Sexual Abuse of Children, and November 20 is the International Day for the Rights of the Child. For this reason, Regnum Christi is invited to dedicate November 19 to a special day of prayer for victims of sexual abuse.
Catalina Gallego Barbier, international director of Safe Environments for the Legionaries of Christ, shares about this day of prayer:
«We are aware that the phenomenon of abuse is a painful matter, and for this reason we wish that this day continue to be lived in a good spirit since, as servants of the Church, we are called to welcome and accompany with love and charity. Pope Francis reminds us of this:
Let us not forget so many children and adolescents whose dignity has been wounded. This phenomenon is emerging all over the world (...) We are all called to act responsibly to prevent all kinds of abuse and to ensure a serene growth for our young people (Words of Pope Francis during his visit to East Timor, October 2024).
Therefore, we exhort you that on that day the community celebration of the Holy Mass, and the Eucharistic hour of the 21st, be the scenarios for prayerfully commending all the people who have suffered because of sexual abuse, the victims, their families, those who have caused harm and those who have been unjustly accused», comments Catalina in a letter sent to the territorial directors and coordinators of safe environments of the Legionaries of Christ.
Let us unite in prayer for all those who have been affected by abuse and especially for minors. The following prayer from the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors is also offered for this purpose.
