Annual prayer service for victims and survivors of abuse held in Saskatoon at start of Lent

By Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News

An annual diocesan Stations of the Cross and candlelight prayer service for all victims and survivors of abuse was held Feb. 20, 2026, at the Cathedral of the Holy Family in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon, led by Bishop Mark Hagemoen and members of the Diocesan Safeguarding Committee.

The Vigil of Prayer for Victims and Survivors of Abuse on the first Friday in Lent again included the Stations of the Cross, with reflections from the perspective of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Prayers for healing, justice, conversion, and outreach were part of the traditional Lenten prayer.

A time of Eucharistic adoration followed the Stations of the Cross, with those in attendance invited to bring up candles and offer prayers before the Blessed Sacrament. As well, the bishop was available to pray with anyone who came forward.

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.

Bishop Mark Hagemoen and Fr. Joe-Nelo Penino at the opening of the prayer vigil. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

Diocesan Safe Environment Coordinator MaryLynn Kemp and Diocesan Safeguarding Committee member Diane Cote led reflections. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

(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 shared at the prayer service:
“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

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Kiply Lukan Yaworski is the communications coordinator for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon: rcdos.ca.

Communications and Catholic Saskatoon News are supported by gifts to the Bishop’s Annual Appeal: dscf.ca/baa.