The bishops of the Archdiocese of Denver announced this weekend that they will participate in a nation-wide week of “intensified prayer and fasting” beginning on Monday, Nov. 5, to prepare for the bishops’ meetings next week in Baltimore. Below is the letter from Archbishop Samuel Aquila and Bishop Jorge Rodriguez that was read at Masses throughout the archdiocese on Nov. 3/4.
October 31, 2018
To All the Faithful of the Archdiocese of Denver:
In preparation for the upcoming bishops’ General Assembly, we wanted to let you know that the U.S. bishops are joining together in a commitment of prayer and reparation as we prepare to make critical decisions in response to the clergy sexual abuse crisis. With our brother bishops, across the nation, we will be dedicating ourselves to seven days of intensified prayer and fasting, from Monday, November 5th through Sunday, November 11th. The intentions for this period of prayer and sacrifice are three-fold:
- For the healing and support of all victims of clergy sexual abuse.
- For the conversion and just punishment of the perpetrators and concealers of sexual abuse.
- For the strength of the bishops to be holy shepherds in protecting and leading our sheep from all harm.
If you feel called to do so, you are welcome to join us in praying for these intentions. We would also be grateful for any prayers for our brother bishops and for us during our General Assembly, that we may follow the guidance of the Holy Spirit in responding to the tragedy of clergy sexual abuse in the Church.
As we have stressed to you before, thanks to the decades of diligent work of so many people, we are confident that the Archdiocese of Denver continues to promote truth, accountability, and an upholding of the Church’s teachings. We promise to remain transparent and to speak up for this to all the bishops at the General Assembly.
Thank you for your trust in the Lord, and please be assured of our prayers for you.
Sincerely in Christ,
Most Reverend Samuel J. Aquila, S.T.L.
Archbishop of Denver
Most Reverend Jorge H. Rodriguez, Ph.D.
Auxiliary Bishop of Denver
