Praying the Rosary with and for Abuse Survivors

On Tuesday, October 18, the Feast of St. Luke, a group of 30 lay people and clergy members from across the United States gathered on Zoom to pray a rosary with and for survivors of sexual abuse. 

This prayer service used the Glorious Mysteries, inviting participants to reflect on the reality of abuse in light of God’s promise of resurrection and new life. Each decade of the rosary was led by a different survivor of abuse in the Catholic Church, who offered an intention based on their own experience.

After this simple 25 minute service, Awake received several messages of gratitude from those who participated, including survivors who expressed a sense of peace and healing during the prayer.

The mysteries and intentions are listed below, if you would like to offer your own rosary in union with these prayers. You can also pray along with the recording of the event, which is available below.

Awake Rosary Intentions

First Glorious Mystery: The Resurrection
For all survivors, especially those who are marginalized in our Church and society.
– Jerry

Second Glorious Mystery: The Ascension
For victim-survivors that were abused as adults, that we would find healing and that the bishops would take the necessary steps to protect all Catholics, children and adults alike.
– Esther

Third Glorious Mystery: The Descent of the Holy Spirit
For all survivors who would love to move on from their trauma and its effects; may we find peace in the justice that we so truly deserve.
– Kathy

Fourth Glorious Mystery: The Assumption
In reparation and sorrow for the horrendous act of sacrilege that is sexual abuse in the context of holy spaces and in the Sacraments.
– Emily

Fifth Glorious Mystery: The Crowning of Our Lady as Queen of Heaven
For the healing of spiritual wounds from sexual abuse, in victim-survivors and the whole Church.
– Jessica