A Shepherd's Message - Nov. 13

November 13, 2018

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

I regret that my recent return from Rome for the Synod on Young People, the Faith, and Vocational Discernment and my pending departure to Baltimore for the upcoming USCCB General Assembly has prevented me from penning my usual column for the Texas Catholic Herald. Nonetheless, as I head into an important week of prayer and deliberation on the recent crisis of sexual abuse by clergy in the Church, I would like to let this local Church know of the spiritual commitment that I and my brother bishops have undertaken in preparation.

With my brother bishops across the nation, I have dedicated myself to seven days of intensified prayer and fasting, from Monday, Nov. 5, through Sunday, Nov. 11.

The intentions for this period of prayer and sacrifice are threefold:

• For the healing and support of all victims of clergy sexual abuse;
• For the conversion and just punishment of the perpetrators and concealers of sexual abuse; and
• 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.

Please be assured of my prayers for you, as well.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

 Daniel Cardinal DiNardo
Archbishop of Galveston-Houston