Here is a prayer provided by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops for National Child Abuse Prevention Month, observed every April to raise awareness of child abuse and how to prevent it:
"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 labors. Grant that all harmed by abuse may find peace in justice. We ask this through Christ, our Lord. Amen."
The USCCB's Secretariat of Child and Youth Protection offers numerous resources to raise awareness of child abuse and how to prevent it at www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/child-and-youth-protection/resources/index.cfm. The site also includes the text of the U.S. bishops' "Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People."
