THE VIGILS

In the Vigils, we bring the suffering of the world into the presence of the One who suffered and died. 

We pray particularly for those who have suffered abuse at the hands of clergy, members of their families or others charged with the trust of caring for them – seeing in Christ’s suffering something that speaks to the pain and humiliation and deaths they have endured. 

We pray for the redemption of their suffering – setting it into the great Paschal mystery at the heart of our Faith.

Bread - Wine and Loss draws its inspiration from the night of Holy/ Maundy Thursday. It was a time of utter desolation for Jesus. He suffered deep anguish of body, mind and soul. By reflecting on what Jesus experienced, we draw the suffering of those who have been and are being abused - for whom desolation and anguish are daily companions.

It could be used for personal or group reflection during the traditional Catholic time of Watching until midnight on Holy Thursday night. 

It is not limited to that evening, however. Where churches have periods of Exposition or are open for private prayer, the Vigil could be made available. Others may choose to use it at home - perhaps taking one section and praying that for a day before moving one to the next.

Listening to Words from the Cross uses the Seven Last Words of Jesus as the focus for reflection. These prayers could be made available by the Altar of Repose and can be used for personal prayer or, by including simple chants and saying the "God of all mercies..." prayers together, as a quiet communal prayer. It could be used between 12 noon and the 3 p.m. Solemn Liturgy – in the evening of Good Friday – or at any time as a Prayer before the Cross.

As with the Bread - Wine - and Loss Vigil, this could be used for personal reflection over a period of time - to deepen the prayer and sense of solidarity.

GROUP PRAYER

Praying for Healing is designed for use by groups - adaptable either for small house groups or larger gatherings in churches.

It has a simple format, requiring only a sheet for each person and a small candle or teelight. A simple setting would help to create a prayerful atmosphere. A cloth - lighted candle - a Bible - and, if appropriate, perhaps a child' toy if the focus is on children.

As it is possible that people coming may have been - or know someone who has been - abused, keep the tone very gentle and understated. If emotions do overflow, do not be too alarmed - this is sacred space and this is perhaps its gift. If the liturgy is within a small group, allow the liturgy to go on hold and focus love and prayer on the person for whom it has been a cathartic experience. Offering tea and sympathy might be appropriate. Resume the prayer when things are settled - and stress that it is not something to be discussed beyond the group.

In a larger setting, it might be worth having people alert to the possibility of people finding it difficult - to be present for them - perhaps taking them to a place where they can be quiet and offered tea, tissues and sympathy. Those left in the church could focus their prayer on the person affected - a moment or two of stillness honouring them.

Note: this is not an occasion for counselling - that is a specialised calling. Simply being alongside the person is enough - but it could be worth having contact details for any necessary longer-term support.

Contemplating with Mary the Suffering Face of Christ uses the Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary.

For many victims of abuse, especially sexual abuse, a feminine figure may seem more able to identify with their pain. Mary offers an image of one who has seen her beloved child suffer and die and may be seen to offer a pure maternal concern for one who has been abused.

The suggestion is to light a candle – a sign of the light being stronger even than the darkness of Vigil or at the foot of the Cross when all hope seemed to be failing. It is, however, optional. If not used, simply substitute: “We contemplate … an agony”

INDIVIDUAL PRAYER

The Blessing could be used on a Prayer card - its original intention. It could be offered by priests or others walking alongside someone who has perhaps become distanced from the Church who needs to know that the Church desires to be reconciled with them.

The Intercessions can be used in their entirety - or individually as appropriate.