By Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News
Once again on a Friday evening in Lent, Bishop Mark Hagemoen led a prayer service at the Cathedral of the Holy Family in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon to pray for victims and survivors of abuse.
The annual prayer service on March 14, 2025, began with the bishop leading the Stations of the Cross, with readings and reflections from the perspective of the Blessed Virgin Mary witnessing her son’s passion and death, proclaimed by members of the diocesan Safeguarding Committee.
A time of Eucharistic adoration followed, with those in attendance invited to bring forward candles as a tangible image of their prayers. Bishop Hagemoen was available to pray with all those who came forward. The evening concluded with Benediction, followed by a social gathering in the hall.
Establishing the annual diocesan day of prayer for all victims and survivors of abuse was a recommendation of the diocesan Safeguarding Committee and the College of Consultors.
“Praise to you Father of Our Lord Jesus Christ, source of all consolation and hope. By Your Son’s dying and rising, He remains our light in every darkness, our strength in every weakness. Be the refuge and guardian of all who suffer from abuse and violence. Comfort them and send healing for their wounds of body, soul and spirit. Rescue them from bitterness and shame and refresh them with Your love. Heal the brokenness in all victims of abuse and revive the spirits of all who lament this sin. Help us to follow Jesus in drawing good from evil, life from death. Make us one with you in your love for justice as we deepen our respect for the dignity of every human life. Giver of Peace, make us one in celebrating Your praise both now and forever, Amen.”
– Prayer by Bishop John F. Kinney, Bishop of Saint Cloud, MN ©2002, Diocese of St. Cloud, included in the prayer booklet for the service held March 14 in Saskatoon.
Bishop Mark Hagemoen led the Stations of the Cross during the annual diocesan prayer service for victims and survivors of abuse March 14. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
Members of the diocesan Safeguarding Committee participated in the prayer service. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
Stations of the Cross opened the prayer service for victims and survivors of abuse. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
Eucharistic adoration followed the Stations of the Cross. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
Candles were brought before the cross during the prayer service March 14 at the Cathedral of the Holy Family in Saskatoon. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
Bishop Mark Hagemoen prayed with those who came forward to place a candle during the prayer service March 14. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
Prayers before the Blessed Sacrament were part of the service March 14. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
Find the diocese’s safeguarding commitments and policies online at: Safer Church, Stronger Communities
Prayer for Healing for Victims / Survivors of Abuse:
“God of endless love, ever caring, ever strong, always present, always just: You gave Your only Son to save us by the blood of His cross. Gentle Jesus, Shepherd of Peace, join to your own suffering the pain of all who have been hurt in body, mind and spirit by those who betrayed the trust placed in them. Hear the cries of our brothers and sisters who have been gravely harmed, and the cries of those who love them. Soothe their restless hearts with hope, steady their shaken spirits with faith. Grant them justice for their cause, enlightened by your truth. Holy Spirit, Comforter of hearts, heal Your people’s wounds and transform brokenness into wholeness. Grant us the courage and wisdom humility and grace, to act with justice. Breathe wisdom into our prayers and labours. Grant that all harmed by abuse may find peace in justice. Through Christ, our Lord. Amen.” – www.USCCB.org