Annual Day of Prayer for Survivors & Victims of Abuse in the Catholic Church in Ireland

21 Feb 2026

Dear Parish Safeguarding Representatives,

Please find attached a letter from Archbishop Eamon and Stephen Sherry, Director of Safeguarding, along with supporting documents.

Kind regards,

Pierce Fox

Pierce Fox KM, PSD

Administrative Officer

Dear Father, Deacon, Parish Safeguarding Representative,

Annual Day of Prayer for Survivors & Victims of Abuse in the Catholic Church in Ireland

For some years now the Irish Episcopal Conference has designated the first Friday of Lent as an annual

Day of Prayer for survivors and victims of abuse in the Catholic Church in Ireland. This year that date

falls on Friday 20th February. In previous years many of you lit Candles of Atonement in your

churches to mark the day, and I ask that you participate in this important moment of prayer and

reflection again this year.

In recent years we have also availed of the opportunity to brief the faithful of the diocese on the

safeguarding arrangements that are in place in all our parishes, on the weekend before the Day of

Prayer. The date this year will be Sunday 15th February. A Safeguarding Briefing will be circulated

next week. We ask that this briefing be read out by yourself or the Parish Safeguarding Rep.

To assist with all these matters, please find attached some liturgical resources, including a Resource

Pack and a Mass Booklet, which you may find useful.

We would also like to take this opportunity to thank you and your parish team for your continued

vigilance and dedication to safeguarding both children and vulnerable adults in all our parishes.

Together with your volunteer Parish Safeguarding Representatives you are making an important

contribution to our ongoing mission.

With kindest regards,

Yours sincerely,

Eamon Martin Stephen Sherry

Archbishop of Armagh Director of Safeguarding

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