Mass of Reparation remembers victims of clergy abuse

By RENEE WEBB
Content and Design Coordinator

A Mass of Reparation and Healing was offered on April 8 at the Cathedral of the Epiphany for the victims of clergy abuse in the Diocese of Sioux City.

To underscore the solemn nature of the liturgy, the bishop was not adorned with the symbols of the office such as miter and crosier. He processed into the sanctuary in silence and after reverencing the altar, prostrated himself before the altar.

This is the second consecutive year Bishop Nickless has presided at the Mass which was concelebrated by 15 diocesan priests – a representation of both active and retired. A few deacons also vested for the service and members of the Conduct Review Board were present.

As the bishop began his homily, he reflected on the responsorial psalm for the liturgy which was “O Lord, hear my prayer and let my cry come to you.”

He pointed out that the Mass is intentionally held in April as it is Child Abuse Prevention Month.

“We pray that God will hear all of our prayers tonight for forgiveness and healing that is so needed,” said Bishop Nickless. “Many been hurt by the abuse of children by people they should have been able to trust – priests and deacons – of our holy Catholic Church.”

Through abuse, he said trust has been betrayed, innocence stolen and lives have been ruined.

He referenced the worship aid for the liturgy that contained an explanation of what reparation means that was compiled by Father Andrew Galles, diocesan director of worship. The guide stated: “In the Catholic tradition, to make reparation means to offer to God an act of atonement or making amends for our individual sins or the sins of others against Christ and his church. The act serves as a way to repair his heart, which has been wounded by sin.”

Bishop Nickless said diocesan priests and deacons joined with him in prayer and in petition to God that the heart of the Christ and the church which has been wounded could be repaired by the love and mercy of God.

“When one suffers, we all suffer,” stressed the bishop, adding, “We all suffer even if we ourselves are not guilty of the sin.”

Referring to the first reading, Numbers 21:4-9, he reminded the congregation that Satan, the serpent, continues to bite people with venom of bitterness, unforgiveness, revenge and malice.

“Our only remedy is a faith-filled look at Jesus high on the cross. Gazing at Jesus crucified is our only hope of healing,” said Bishop Nickless.

He explained to the faithful that when he was prostrate before the altar and crucifix it was a visible sign of penitence, asking God for grace to be poured out on those hurt by the sins committed by clergy.

“We beg for forgiveness as I apologize for the sins of many,” said Bishop Nickless. “We join with the sinless offering of Jesus on the cross to atone for these sins.”

In the worship aid, further explanation about reparation stated that some ask why Catholics should pray and fast in reparation for sins they did not commit.

“We must remember that Christ offered himself even though he was innocent from our sins,”

Clergy and the congregation knelt in prayer as the liturgy came to a close.

 stated Father Galles in the worship aid. “It is his love and obedience to the Father that makes up for our disobedience. Therefore, we can join in the sinless offering of Jesus, through the Mass, to atone for the sins of others.”
He pointed out that the Catholic Church in the United States has made great strides to protect children and vulnerable adults.

“To victims among us, may these words of apology be seen in our actions,” said the bishop. 
Following Communion, all knelt including the bishop to offer Prayer for Healing Victims of Abuse.

“Hear the cries of our brothers and sisters who have been gravely harmed, and the cries of those who love them. Soothe their restless hearts with hope, steady their shaken spirits with faith. Grant them justice for their cause, enlightened by your truth,” the clergy and congregation prayed.

As with the procession, the clergy recessed from the church in silence.