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Writer's pictureProfiles in Catholicism
Feb 12, 202013 min read

February 15, 2020 Profiles in Catholicism



A Message from the Editor


We are failing to protect our children from clerical sexual abuse... Be sure to check our web Clerical Sexual Violence Against Minors.


In this issue, we feature an interview with a woman who was sexually abused as a minor by a priest, a man who was abused as a child by a priest who was a family friend, and an article by a sexual abuse survivor who details his abuse by a priest and the impact that it has had on his life and family, and an interview with Father Hans Zollner, SJ, the Vatican’s expert of preventing sexual abuse of minors.


A Quote to Remember


"Before God and his people, I express my sorrow for the sins and grave crimes of clerical sexual abuse committed against you. And I humbly ask forgiveness. I beg your forgiveness, too, for the sins of omission on the part of church leaders who did not respond adequately to reports of abuse made by family members, as well as by abuse victims themselves. This led to even greater suffering on the part of those who were abused, and it endangered other minors who were at risk"

by Pope Francis


Special Prayer


A Prayer for Those Who Have Suffered Abuse by the Clergy


God, in your providential love you comfort those who are wounded and afflicted.

Hear our prayers for those who have suffered abuse by those in their families or by those entrusted with their care. In a special way, we pray for those who suffered abuse by clergy who betrayed a sacred trust and who were meant to stand for your loving presence in their lives. May those who have been hurt find support and encouragement in communities of faith, hope, and love. May they discover healing in genuinely loving and caring relationship. May they reclaim hope for themselves. May they be strengthened and confirmed in their resolve to set things aright. May they rest in you who make all things work for the good.

Amen

by Father Louis Cameli Profiles in Catholicism


A Prayer for Michael Nnari


THE BODY OF CHRIST

Michael Nnari

Flipping through the news the name catches my eye.

What kind of name is that? How would I ever pronounce it?

Still, it did catch my eye.

A martyr. A martyr?

Martyrs are from the first century.

The time of the Caesars.

Or perhaps, the ugly times of the Reformation.

But today? A martyr?Yes.

Michael Nnari, A martyr

O Lord, open my eyes to see and my heart to feel

The pain and suffering your body still endures.

Yes, even today.

Michael Nnadi. A martyr

Today I must ask again and again

Today I must pray:

O Lord, open my eyes to see and my heart to feel

As you suffer for the sins of all.

As you still suffer and die for us.

by Father David O. Brown, O.S.M. Profiles in Catholicism



Lord, it has recently been reported

that 138 people, and possibly many more,

who sought refuge in the United States

from violence in their homeland

have been brutally murdered.

We pray for the victims, their families and their friends.

We pray that El Salvador and other Central American countries

may see a lessening of gang violence,

from which they fled

and which has caused their tragic deaths

and likely the deaths of countless others.

We pray that the United States,

instead of simply returning refugees

to a place in which they will die,

will find the conscience and the will

to help countries such as El Salvador

create safer societies.

We pray that the United States

will live up to the inscription on

the Statue of Liberty

which defines the mission and purpose

of the United States as a place of refuge for those in need.

Oh Lord, the vast majority of us Americans

are descended from immigrants

who were themselves refugees

from poverty or violence,

or often both,

in their homelands.

Lord, may we Americans do unto others

what earlier Americans did unto our ancestors,

saving them, and us, from the dire circumstances

from which they fled

to find in our country

a safe and welcoming haven.

Prayer for El Salvador Victims

by Dr. Eugene J. Fisher Profiles in Catholicism


A Prayer for the Soldiers Who Suffered Traumatic Brain Injury in Iraq


God, ever-faithful and true,

you walk with your people,

especially when they are most in need of your healing presence.

We lift to you

our troops in Iraq who have suffered traumatic brain injury,

while serving us and the people of Iraq.

Confirm their mission of peace in that troubled country.

Bring healing, hope, and consolation to them.

Help the nurses, doctors, and others responsible for their care.

Enable us to care for those who have cared for us. Amen

by Father Louis Cameli Profiles in Catholicism


Interviews



General Articles/Commentaries


by Dave Hrbacek Crux



by John L. Allen Jr. Crux



by Dr. Adam A. J. DeVille The Catholic World Report



Link to Forgiveness





by Cerith Gardiner Aleteia


Link to Autism








by International Catholic Migration Commission



by UCAN News Reporter UCAN News.com





Please support one of our organizations and people who need help



Book Reviews/Commentaries



Film Reviews/Commentaries


Reviewed by Antonio D. Sison National Catholic Reporter



Reviewed by Joe Leydon Variety



Reviewed by Eve Tushnet America



Commentary by Christopher White Crux



Television Reviews/Commentaries


Reviewed by Sr. Rose Pacatte National Catholic Reporter




Music Reviews/Announcements


  • Inferno Announcement by Lucia Ronchetti


Feasting with the Saints



Prayers


I Am Becoming a Catholic


He called me...At first it was a tiny call and I said:

"Well I am listening" He called again and again I said:

"I am listening"

Sometimes His voice is strong and clear,

other times I can hardly hear Him,

Sometimes He calls me when I am looking at a beautiful sunset,

Sometimes He calls me when I am helping to serve the homeless,

sometimes He calls me when I am out to dinner with friends.

I am still listening

He wants me to follow Him now and always.

He wants me to follow Him in joy and solitude.

He wants me to follow Him when others are in need.

He wants me to follow Him when I have chosen to hurt Him

and then say I am sorry.

He is after me night and day.

He is after me at the dawn of a new day.

He is after me when daylight disappears.

His never ending loving call is for ME!

I want to belong to Him and His Church.

I want His presence to become stronger in my everyday life.

I want Him to love me now and forever.

I say YES and again YES.

He hugs me with a strong embrace.

He and I are together with the rest of His followers.Now and forever. by Holy Name RC(A Committee Profiles in Catholicism


A Prayer to End Gun Violence


Lord Jesus, as you approached the city of Jerusalem, Before your passion, As your people waved palms in your honor, You saw the city and wept over it because you Loved it.

You knew of the violence and chaos you would suffer In that beloved city still you loved it and wept over it. Lord Jesus, look upon our cities, weep over them, Love them and protect them. Weep over us and strengthen us as we suffer Violence and chaos. Weep over us and love us. Lord Jesus, weep over us and love us. (See Lk 19) by Father David O. Brown, O.S.M.. Profiles in Catholicism


A Prayer for Migrant Children


Good Lord, who said “Whoever receives one of these little ones, receives me,” bless the little ones who are caught in the struggle of migration, separation, and abuse. Give all those adults who are responsible for them and for their welfare the wisdom and courage to do the children justice and to protect them. Make our hearts more,loving and willing to do the right thing by them. May we see in all people young and old your image and so reverence their great dignity. We make our prayer through you who came among us as a child and who was forced to flee the threat of violence Amen by Father Louis Cameli Profiles in Catholicism


Videos


Award winning photographer, punk-rocker, gives up everything to become a Catholic priest


Caught on camera a rare footage - humble reaction of Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle


John Paul II miracle 2006


The Power the Miraculous Medal [a true life story]: Sermon by Fr Linus Clovis. A Day With Mary

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