Healing Mass Held For Victims Of Church Sex Abuse
By Justin Udo
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - As they work to end abuse in the Catholic Church, the Archdiocese of Philadelphia hosted a healing mass Saturday at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul for victims of clergy sexual abuse.
About 200 people took part in the mass, and a sentiment from many who attended was that this is something that is long overdue and is much needed.
"It's about time the church recognized what happened and actually tried to do something that's right, rather than sitting there trying to hide it in the past," this churchgoer tells KYW Newsradio.
Archbishop Charles Chaput celebrated the mass. He says this is a time for the Church to stand in solidarity with victims of abuse:
"I hope that all of us here will entrust the suffering to those who have been abused by priests in the church to God's provident care. He will do what we can't do which is to bring them peace and to bring them healing."
The church also streamed the service online so victims who may not feel comfortable coming out could also join in.