The 5th National Day of Sorrow and Promise will be held on Sunday 23 October 2022.

The National Day of Sorrow and Promise offers a national response from Catholic Religious to recognise all who have been harmed from abuse in the Church and to make a commitment to a safer future.

“Naming the abuse, pain and suffering helps us to ensure that such abuse does not occur again. Through prayer, we open ourselves to the movement of the Holy Spirit amongst that pain and suffering,” says Anne Walker, CRA Executive Officer.

Others, such as those in PJPs or dioceses, are welcome to participate.

This year’s theme is the gift of Listening. Listening to the voice of God:

… In ‘the cry of the poor’ and especially in those who have been abused,

… In the Holy Spirit’s movement within our own hearts,

… In the sacred texts of our faith tradition,

… In the world around us.

Participants are invited to create a sacred space that includes the Scriptures, and a symbol of ‘listening’.

A symbol of ‘listening’ might be one that represents a gentle sound from the natural environment, such as a seashell, or windchimes. Or, as an audio-symbol such as a recording of ocean waves or running streams as people gather - there are many ‘environmental’ soundtracks available online.

The downloadable Liturgy booklet for the 2022 National Day of Sorrow and Promise, has been designed to be printed as an A5 colour booklet. Suggestions for music are in the booklet.

Click here to read the Promise Statement.