Maine Bishop Holds Day of Prayer for Abuse Victims

NECN
March 28, 2012

http://www.necn.com/03/28/12/Maine-bishop-holds-day-of-prayer-for-abu/landing_nation.html?&apID=393ef2fc9ef742cba4585e0c9e721533

PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — The leader of Maine's Roman Catholics is holding a day of prayer and penance for harm done to the victims of clergy sexual abuse.

Diocese of Portland Bishop Richard Malone will celebrate Mass on Wednesday at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Portland.

Malone says he hopes through prayer and reflection Catholics can become even more committed to healing the wounds of the past and preventing sexual abuse in the future.

The annual Mass of prayer and penance was first held in 2002.

The bishop is also re-emphasizing his policy of encouraging victims and survivors of priest sexual abuse to contact the diocese's Office of Professional Responsibility or police.

The Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests commended the bishop for holding the Mass and stressed continues vigilance.