Statement of Archbishop Allen Vigneron on preparations for USCCB Fall General Assembly

The Department of Communications shares the following message from Archbishop Allen H. Vigneron as he enters a seven-day period of prayer and reparation leading up to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) 2018 Fall General Assembly, which takes place November 12-14 in Baltimore, Maryland.

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

The U.S. bishops are joining together in a commitment of prayer and reparation leading up to the bishops’ general assembly, where we will be making critical decisions in response to the clergy sexual abuse crisis. With my brother bishops across the nation, I will be dedicating myself to seven days of intensified prayer and fasting, from Monday, November 5, through Sunday, November 11. 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 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 me in praying for these intentions.

I would also be grateful for any prayers for me and my brother bishops 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.

In sending you this letter, these words of St. Paul come to mind: “Bear one another’s burdens, and so you will fulfill the law of Christ” (Gal 6:20). It is my solemn duty as Archbishop to assume in prayer the burdens of our wounded Church. Thank you for your willingness to consider praying with me and for me as I join my brother bishops in this nationwide effort of prayer and reparation. Please be assured of my prayers for you, as well.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

The Most Reverend Allen H. Vigneron

Archbishop of Detroit