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You may have heard that the Knights of Columbus on praying a "special novena" for Pope Benedict XVI from April 11 to April 19, which is his fifth anniversary of being elected pope.
The National Survivor Advocates Coalition has taken notice of it.
A release from the coalition says that the organization "has a full appreciation of the value of prayer and respectfully raises this question to the Knights of Columbus: When will the Knights and their chaplain Bishop William Lori promote a novena for the survivors of sexual abuse by priests and nuns?"
The coalation "urges the Knights of Columbus as strong pro-life supporters, to recognize the life issue that is sexual abuse and use their considerable influence in the Church to promote not only prayer but justice for the survivors."
And the coaltion suggests the Knights distribute this prayer:
Good and gentle Shepherd,
Sweet Spirit of God,
Creator divine
In Your infinite tenderness comfort the survivors of sexual abuse by Roman Catholic clergy.
Deliver them from sorrow,
anoint them with hope,
sustain them with the Body of Christ.
Take to Your Sacred Heart those who have committed suicide.
Make of us ambassadors of Your justice,
Your lifting of the oppressed and Your desire for all of us to live and move and have our being in Your abundant grace.
~
Amen
– Kristine Ward 11/10/2003
