Victims’ lawyers are accusing Pope Benedict of being ultimately responsible for an alleged cover-up of sexual abuse of children by priests. The New York Times reported the Vatican and Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, now Pope Benedict, were warned about Murphy but he was not defrocked. The Vatican is denying any wrongdoing in its handling of the abuse of 200 deaf boys in the United States by Reverend Lawrence Murphy from 1950 to 1974.

It seems a dark day for Catholics, and for Christians in general. But Good Friday is indeed a “dark day.” Let’s pray for Sunday!

“God, we pray today for the Catholic Church and for true Christians of all expressions. We pray for truth to prevail in the midst of their present clergy abuse crisis. We ask you for the gift of humility, transparency, justice, and yes, mercy. Bless the victims of this abuse. They trusted their spiritual leaders and were betrayed. We also pray for those responsible for perpetrating and enabling the abomination. Where correction and retribution are necessary, may it be swift and right. And in return bring a new purity in the hearts of all Christians through this terrible blight. Bring integrity in the human structures that make up the Church of Jesus Christ. May this deep and gaping wound bring about a renewal in Christian faith. That seems impossible now, but God, you can do anything, when we walk in humility. Miracles happen because you are God! In Jesus we pray…”