Catholic Religious Australia (CRA) has released a prayer resource as Religious communities across Australia unite in prayer for the National Day of Sorrow and Promise on Sunday, 19 October 2025, for victims and survivors of sexual abuse.
Each year, CRA creates a prayer service which is prayed in local settings by Religious Congregations, as well as being shared more widely with their associates, parishes and ministries.
CRA’s National Executive Director, Anne Walker, describes it as an hour of solidarity, as “it is one hour together, on one day, across the nation – Religious, united in prayer for victims of sexual abuse and renewing their commitment to the safeguarding reforms of the Catholic Church”, she says. “This year, our theme rests on the holy year of the Jubilee with its emphasis on renewal, reconciliation and hope”.
Established in 2018, the CRA National Day of Sorrow and Promise stands as a symbol and annual summons to Religious and their associates to keep before them always the painful lessons of the past and to be continually vigilant to the work that is required to ensure the Church is a safe and lifegiving environment for children and vulnerable adults.
CRA President Gerard Brady CFC observes: “The sexual abuse crisis has been a devastating wake up call to Religious and to the whole Church, as Religious Institutes acknowledge what has occurred and put in place robust safeguarding commitments and full engagement in matters of compliance and pastoral responsiveness. The annual prayer hour reminds us that we are together in this path of repentance and recommitment”, he says. “Our prayer speaks as one voice that cries out to God and says ‘No’ to the sins of the past and ‘Yes’ to a culture of life and care for the vulnerable”.
The prayer resource for the 2025 National Day of Sorrow and Promise is accessible at CRA’s website and can be freely downloaded for use.
MEDIA ENQUIRIES: Emma Carolan | P: (02) 9557 2695| E: justice@catholicreligious.org.au