The third Catholic Religious Australia National Day of Sorrow and Promise will be held on Sunday, October 25, offering a national response from Catholic Religious across the country to recognise survivors and all who have been harmed from abuse in the Church and to commit to a safer future.
CRA National Executive Director Anne Walker said that while the day is an initiative of Religious, other Church entities such as Public Juridic Persons (PJPs) and dioceses, or anyone else are welcome to take part.
“With COVID-19 meaning some people might not be able to gather, travel or connect face-to-face this year, the ritual for the National Day of Sorrow and Promise will feature the burning of incense and the placing of grains of incense on the burner, as a symbol of cleansing and purification,” she said.
The theme for the day is ‘Out of the Depths’, drawn from Matthew’s account of Jesus walking on the water (Matt 14:22-23).
“Like Jesus, we are called to go out into the storm and reach out to the individual and save that one person, as Jesus saved Peter,” Anne said. “This evokes the image of Jesus’ strong hand lifting Peter up from the stormy waters. Jesus is our salvation.”
CRA has prepared a liturgy booklet as well as music suggestions, social media resources and a promise statement which can be used to mark the day.
The statement reads:
As Catholic Religious of Australia, we are stirred by sorrow for the failings of the past. We encounter the depth of pain endured within our midst.
WE promise to listen to and support those who have been harmed by abuse
WE promise to act to prevent abuse, respond with compassion and justice and put the protection of children and the vulnerable at the heart of all our ministries
WE promise to support all those walking courageously with the abused and those working fearlessly for the prevention of abuse
WE promise to work tirelessly and humbly to build a culture in our Church which is loving and answerable to the wider community
WE promise to partner with those who have been abused, with governments, civil agencies and society at large to continue to learn and work towards a safer, more respectful and accountable Church
WE promise to be people of action, to embed prevention and safeguarding practices and governance reforms throughout our Church
WE promise to remember and to be forever changed.
For more information on the National Day of Sorrow and Promise, click here.