May 25 | 
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‘Healing stone’ unveiling at Eucharistic Congress in Dublin is to help acknowledge abuse victims
A granite ‘healing stone,’ evocative of Celtic crosses and the stone that covered Jesus’ tomb, will be unveiled at the opening ceremony of the International Eucharistic Congress in Dublin in June.
The stone is design to acknowledge the victims of clerical abuse.
“In our Christian tradition, the stone which covered the tomb of Jesus, symbolises both the end of His earthly existence and the fact of His Resurrection,” Fr Kevin Doran, secretary-general of the congress said. “We are conscious of the fact that, for many who have experienced abuse, either themselves or to a member of their family, the pain of abuse can sometimes be like a stone weighing heavily on them. It is a stone that, in some way or other needs to be rolled back so that they can be set free.
“It is planned that after the congress, the stone will be given a more permanent home on an accessible site, where people can pause and pray, and so that there will be a permanent public reminder of our need never to take safeguarding for granted.”
The following prayer will be recited during the congress’s opening session: “Lord, we are so sorry for what some of us did to your children, treated them so cruelly, especially in their hour of need. We have left them with a lifelong suffering; this was not your plan for them or us. Please help us to help them; guide us, O Lord.”
As part of the congress, Thursday June 14 has been set aside for exploring the challenge of Restoring Communion through justice and reconciliation. Speakers on that day include Cardinal Peter Turkson, president of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace.
The event organisers have also announced a series of congress activities that will encourage positive interaction between the Church and young people as part of the Chiara Luce Youth Space.
The Youth Space will feature a rich mix of interactive catechesis, workshops, drama, dance and music, and is open to all adults between 17 and 25.
“I am really excited to be involved in the Chiara Luce Youth Space at the International Eucharistic Congress,” Anna Keegan, Youth Programme officer, said. “It gives young people an opportunity to learn more about their faith by discussing and questioning international speakers and celebrating the Eucharist together.”
— http://www.iec2012.ie/
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