By Katie Vasquez
A procession of priests and bishops walk into St. Pancras church in Glendale, offering hope to victim-survivors of sexual abuse, and the people who support them.
“Religious are playing an important part in that healing and vigilance and, to see so many parishioners, people, standing up to be together with each other,” said Brooklyn Bishop Robert Brennan.
Bishop Robert Brennan celebrated the annual mass of hope and healing, the liturgy a request from survivors to help them heal from the scourge of abuse, and possibly gain back trust in the church.
With readings in both English and Spanish, everything about this mass is planned by victim survivors, for victim-survivors. Anthony Hughes was comforted by the sight of all the clergy here to show their support.
“A lot more God related. It’s like God was here with us this evening. I actually felt that, and I appreciate it,” said Anthony Hughes, a victim-survivor.
When he was 13, Anthony was abused by a priest.
“When I was growing up, we were extremely poor, and he came into our life like he was our lord and savior, but he had other intentions, obviously. So here I am today, and I’m a much better person, and I forgive him,” said Hughes.
The abuse he faced, led Anthony to question his beliefs.
“I did lose faith. I lost faith last year. I have not gone to mass a lot in the last year,” said Hughes.
But with the support of the church, Anthony holds on hope that recovery is possible
“I believe people can get that. you have to believe, you have to put yourself with good people. I think that’s the real big benefit of being around great people and having a strong support team,” said Hughes.
Bishop Brennan assures all victim-survivors, the Diocese of Brooklyn is committed to ending abuse.
“We need always to be vigilant, and you see it in many areas in life where when people get removed from an experience, the guard starts to go down and we become complacent and we can never be complacent, never,” said Bishop Robert Brennan.
The Mass of Hope and Healing is just one way the Diocese of Brooklyn is trying to combat abuse and help victim-survivors. Some other ways include creating the Office of Victim Assistance to help individuals who come forward with allegations of abuse. The office provides supportive initial counseling, therapy referrals and pastoral resources for victim-survivors.
Every employee of the Brooklyn Diocese, including students, undergoes mandatory background checks and training, designed to spot the signs of abuse and how to stop it. And of course, as we’ve mentioned, the yearly Mass of Hope and Healing, where the faithful come together and pray.
There’s also a confidential diocesan line to report abuse. Reports are automatically sent to law enforcement and there isn’t any church involvement to ensure compliance. That number is 888- 634-4499. If you know anything, please give it a call.