LENT 2018: Archbishop Costelloe: We do need God to create new hearts in us
Perth Archbishop Timothy Costelloe has this week asked the lay faithful to set aside the first four days of Lent as days of fasting and reparation in sorrow for child sexual abuse. Photo: Joshua Low.
By Jamie O’Brien
Perth Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB has this week asked the lay faithful to set aside the first four days of Lent as days of fasting and reparation in sorrow for child sexual abuse and for the healing of victims and survivors.
The Archbishop made the special request as part of his 2018 Lenten Pastoral Letter which was released this week to the Perth Catholic community.
“The sexual abuse of children and young people has tragically brought great darkness to many people’s lives and for some has destroyed their ability to live life with any joy, hope and companionship,” Archbishop Costelloe said.
“While we must and will do everything we can to repair the damage which has been caused, we must also recognise that ultimately it is God who is the healer.
“This is why prayer and action must go hand in hand as we seek to respond as the Lord expects us to.
“We do need God to create new hearts in us.
“We do need to acknowledge our sins and the weakness and frailty which can blight our lives and the lives of others. We do need to repent and believe, really believe, in the Gospel,” Archbishop Costelloe said.
The call for the four days of fasting and reparation by Archbishop Costelloe was supported by the Australian Catholic Bishop’s Conference, who also provided a number of resources for use in Parishes.
Archbishop Costelloe has also asked that every parish and Catholic community in the Archdiocese set aside Sunday March 11, the Fourth Sunday of Lent, as a further day of special remembrance and prayer in our Archdiocese for all the victims and survivors of sexual abuse in the Church.
“On this Fourth Sunday of Lent when the readings will prompt us to reflect on how far some members of our Church have strayed from the path of fidelity, we should pray with great earnestness and sincerity for those who have suffered so much because of this infidelity.”
Read the Letter by Clicking Here