Dec. 7th 2009 - Mater Dei lights "Candle of Innocence"

On Monday the 7th of December the staff and students of Mater Dei set aside some time in the day to light a “Candle of Innocence” to mark the hurt caused by the sexual abuse carried out by members of the church.

A short prayer service and ritual was held at 10.45am in the foyer of the institute with the “Candle of Innocence” being lit as the Taize chant "Within our darkest night, You kindle the fire that never dies away" was sang.
There was a selection of reflections and prayers read, some of which are included below.
The "Candle of Innocence" was then processed to the college oratory as the choral sang "I am sure I shall see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living".

At 12noon staff and students gathered in the oratory to reflect and pray in the presence of the candle as a sign of solidarity with those who have suffered in any way because of sexual abuse or from the fall out form the Murphy Report.

Throughout the day, staff and students called into the oratory to send some time, gazing at the "Candle of Innocence", reflecting, praying and demonstrating a sense of support to those affected by sexual abuse within the church.

 

 

Opening Prayer Let us pray,
All say: God our rock and our strength on whom we lean,
help us to create an atmosphere of trust
which allows the unspeakable to be said.
Help us to live with our painful memories.
May we support each other and be safe places for each other.
We pray this in the name of Jesus, your compassion made flesh,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
now and for ever. Amen.
Prayer  
All say: Lord, we are so sorry for what some of us did
to your children: treated them so cruelly,
especially in their hour of need.
We have left them with a lifelong suffering.
This was not your plan for them or us.
Please help us to help them.
Guide us, Lord, Amen.
(Prayer sent to Archbishop Martin by a survivor of abuse)
Reading Jeremiah 33:15-16
In those days and at that time,
I will make a virtuous Branch grow for David,
who shall practise honesty and integrity in the land.
In those days Judah shall be saved
and Israel shall dwell in confidence.
And this is the name the city will be called:
The Lord-our-integrity.
Prayer Let us pray,
  That our eyes, ears and hearts may be opened to a new way of seeing, hearing and loving; we pray for restoration, for integrity, for peace, for reconciliation, that we may all live caring for our brothers and sisters and offering them the respect and dignity for which we were created.
We ask this, through Christ, Our Lord. Amen.
Song Stand Beside Me (Columba McCann)
Reflection For you, O Lord, my soul in stillness waits. Truly my hope is in you.
  If we listen carefully in the stillness and silence of this day
we can hear the cries of those who suffer as a result of abuse.

Maybe they are crying out with relief because they have been heard at last.
Maybe they are crying out because of a hurt inflicted some time ago but still aching as if it was done today.
Maybe they are crying out for justice and restoration, for dignity and peace.
  Advent is a season of hope and new beginnings for the Church.
  May the structures that facilitated so much suffering to be inflicted on the vulnerable be washed away with the winter floods.
May those whose neglect added pain to pain learn from their mistakes.
May those who are suffering now find comfort and peace at last.

 

 

The following numbers provide help line services for those affected by sexual abuse

  • HSE Helpline (National) - Shared Resource of HSE, One in Four, Dublin Rape Crisis & Faoiseamh
    Tel: 1800 670 700
    Mon-Fri: 8.00am to 2.00am
    and Sat-Sun: 11.00am to 2.00am

  • Child Protection Service
    Dublin Diocesan Offices, Holy Cross Centre, Clonliffe Road, Dublin 3
    Tel: 01 836 0314
    Website: www.cps.dublindiocese.ie
    Email:
    Designated Person: Ms Sinéad McDonnell.
    Tel: 01 836 0314

  • Faoiseamh Helpline
    A Caring helpline for people who have been abused
    From the Republic of Ireland. Telephone : 1800 33 1234
    From Northern Ireland. Telephone: 0800 973 272
    Co-ordinator: Miriam Monks ()
    Website: www.faoiseamh.com
    Email:

  • Connect - National Counselling Helpline Service (HSE)
    Connect is a free out of hours confidential Service available
    Wednesday to Sunday from 6.00pm to 10.00pm
    Tel (ROI): 1800 477 477
    Tel (if calling from the UK): 00 800 477 477 77

  • One in Four
    Address: 2 Holles Street, Dublin 2
    Telephone: 01 662 4070
    Fax: 01 611 4650
    Email:
    Website: www.oneinfour.ie

  • The Samaritans
    Samaritans provides confidential non-judgmental emotional support,
    24 hours a day for people who are experiencing feelings of distress or despair.
    112, Marlborough Street, Dublin 1.
    10:00am - 9:00pm. Seven days a week
    No appointment is necessary 1850 60 90 90 lo-call
    or (01) 872 7700 Dublin branch only.
    Email:
    Note: This email address is for emotional support requests only.
    We do our best to respond within 24 hours

  • Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (ISPCC)
    29 Lower Baggot Street, Dublin
    Tel: 01-676 7960

  • Childline
    A free 24 hour, direct access listening service, offering telephone,
    text messaging and web-based services
    Freephone: 1800 66 66 66