Diocese of Syracuse to Hold Healing Mass For Sexual Abuse Victims

The Diocese of Syracuse plans to hold a healing mass for victims of sexual abuse on April 29. Close to 400 sex abuse claims involving the diocese have so far been filed.

“One victim of sexual abuse is too many,” Bishop Douglas Lucia of Syracuse said in an April 19 letter to his diocese.

He said the mass will be held at the end of National Child Abuse Prevention Month, adding that he “will particularly pray for the gifts of healing and fortitude for all victims of crime and oppression.” 

 “And so, to see the number ‘371’ is particularly disheartening and of the greatest concern for me because of the damage done both directly and collaterally,” he said of the 371 claims that had been filed under the state’s Child Victims Act.

“We seek to make amends for the wrong and sinful behavior perpetrated against you and cannot apologize enough for the failure to protect you from your abusers,” the bishop said.

Sexual abuse victims have until August 14, 2021 to file their claims. The victims have so far filed over 100 lawsuits against the Diocese of Syracuse.

Lucia said they will now hold a meeting with insurance companies with the aim of compensating the victims.

“Over the course of the coming months, I ask you to pray with me for the guidance of the Holy Spirit as both Advocate and Consoler for this work, so that it may bear much healing and fruit for those involved,” said Lucia. 

“Particularly, I seek a reasonable way to assist the victims of child abuse in the Diocese of Syracuse which fosters restoration and renewal in their lives as children of God,” he said.