Ireland to begin Year of Prayer for renewal

(Oct.27,2010) Irish Bishops are encouraging the faithful to observe a Year of Prayer to support the process of spiritual renewal of the Church in Ireland, after recent sexual abuse scandals. The year will open on Nov. 28, the first Sunday in Advent, and will be an opportunity for all to avail of a Scripture-based prayer, to guide the renewal of the Church in Ireland at this time," stated a communiqué of the Irish Bishops' Conference.
During the Year for Prayer, the faithful are invited to recite the prayer for the Church in Ireland, included in the Pastoral Letter to Ireland's Catholics written by Pope Benedict XVI last March 19. The faithful are also encouraged to follow the Pope's invitation to take part in Eucharistic adoration, in the sacrament of reconciliation and Friday penance. The communiqué also made reference to the preparation of the forthcoming apostolic visit to some dioceses, seminaries and religious congregations of Ireland. It expressed the hope that the visitation will assist in purifying and healing of the Church in Ireland and will help to restore the trust and hope of the faithful in the country