Bishops dedicate themselves to prayer and fasting before their general assembly

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, Nov.5, through Sunday, Nov. 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 the 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.