The Archdiocese of Philadelphia
has come under intense heat in recent weeks following the release of a
grand jury report that exposed allegations of sexual abuse against
children within the church and by some clergy.
Earlier last week, 21 priests were suspended amidst allegations of misdeeds within the Catholic Church.
On Friday night the church
reached out to try and heal the wounds of child abuse with a special
Stations of the Cross service at the Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul
in Center City.
"We remember once again, the
grave offense to God and the great harm to innocent victims of the evil
of sexual abuse of minors, especially by members of the clergy," said
Cardinal Justin Rigali at the service.
In a letter sent to various catholic churches before the service Rigali spoke more in depth about the need for forgiving prayer.
“We will pray for forgiveness of all sins and for reconciliation with God and in the community. In our petition we will ask for the healing of all victims, that through the power of God's grace sexual abuse will be prevented, and that young people will always be respected and protected and be able to live the full measure of their human dignity as children of God without being abused by anyone.”
Rigali asked God for forgiveness Friday night.
"As I express in the name of
the Archdiocese renewed sorrow for this evil afflicted on children and
young people, I ask God to forgive those who have committed this sin,"
he said.
Some of those victims participated in the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests
held a candlelight vigil outside the Basilica while the service
happened inside. SNAP held the vigil for all the victims of sex abuse at
the hands of clergy members, they said.