The Primate of All Ireland, Archbishop Eamon Martin of Armagh, has sent a video message to mark the annual Day of Prayer for Victims and Survivors of Abuse in Ireland. An initiative of Pope Francis, the Catholic Church in Ireland first marked the Day of Prayer in 2017. "I am sorry for what happened to you," Archbishop Martin tells victims in his message. "I am sorry for the terrible failures and crimes that happened in your Church, and I want to do my best to ensure that no one else suffers in the way that you did.”"They need to hear from Church leaders like me," Archbishop Martin says, saying also that it is “no wonder" so many victims of abuse find it difficult to forgive or to trust the Church. Archbishop Martin insists that he and other Church leaders "realise the harm that has been done to them." "We are sorry for that, and that we want to make atonement," He says. A centrepiece of the Day's events is the lighting of a Candle of Atonement, which Irish bishops have blessed and dedicated for use in their cathedrals and parishes. A prayer accompanies the candle-lighting:
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Primate of All Ireland on Day of Prayer for Victims and Survivors of Abuse
the primate of all ireland, archbishop eamon martin of armagh, has sent a video message to mark the annual day of prayer for victims and sur...
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