VIDEO: Mass in Queens Offers Support and Hope to Clergy Abuse Survivors
FLUSHING — For survivors of clergy sexual abuse, the road to healing can be long. But for those who gathered Oct. 29 at Mary’s Nativity Church in Flushing, the Diocese of Brooklyn’s annual Mass of Hope and Healing offered a reminder that no one has to walk that journey alone.
The Mass brought together survivors, clergy and members of the community for an evening of prayer, support and reflection. Bishop Robert Brennan celebrated the liturgy, emphasizing the strength that comes from gathering in faith.
“We’re all flawed and limited, and we’re doing the best that we can,” Bishop Brennan said. “And, on a night like this, when we can gather and be together, it’s a source of great strength and inspiration.”
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Since April 2015, survivors of clergy sexual abuse have partnered with the Diocese of Brooklyn’s Office of Victim Assistance Ministry to organize the annual Mass. The tradition grew out of the collaboration between survivors and the diocesan office, providing an opportunity to pray for survivors, their families, the Church and the continued protection of children and young people.
Elizabeth Harris, the diocese’s victim assistance coordinator, said she hopes the gathering helps survivors feel supported and welcomed.
“I truly hope and pray that it does help, that it just gives them that support and that they really do feel that this is a place that they can come to find healing,” Harris said.
Father Jeffrey Dillon understands the importance of that message both as a priest and as a survivor of clergy sexual abuse. He said the Mass offers an opportunity for survivors to recognize that they are not alone in their experiences.
“It’s certainly an opportunity for people to come together and to recognize that they’re not alone, that there’s a community of faith that supports them and journeys with them,” Father Dillon said.
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For Gene Doyle, a survivor from Queens, the annual liturgies have become an important part of his personal healing journey.
“I’ve found these liturgies to be very helpful. I was glad there’s more focus these days on reconciliation,” Doyle said.
This marked the fifth time Bishop Brennan celebrated the Mass. He said the Diocese of Brooklyn must remain committed to creating safe environments, addressing past failures and supporting those who have been hurt.
“We’re really trying to work hard to provide safe environments, to address where things are wrong, to be instruments of healing and peace when we can,” Bishop Brennan said.
For those who attended, the evening served as an opportunity to find strength in community and hold on to the possibility of healing, even after profound hurt.