Blue candles adorn the sanctuary of St. Stephen Cathedral in Owensboro as Bishop William F. Medley speaks at the ambo, during an April 16, 2024 ecumenical Taizé prayer service for protection and healing of victims of sexual abuse. RACHEL HALL | WKC
Ecumenical prayer service held to support survivors, healing
BY WKC STAFF
On April 16, 2024, St. Stephen Cathedral in Owensboro hosted an ecumenical Taizé prayer service at St. Stephen Cathedral in Owensboro for protection and healing of victims of sexual abuse.
This prayer service is sponsored annually by the Diocese of Owensboro. New to this year, organizers chose to utilize the Taizé prayer style in order to foster a more ecumenical atmosphere.
Musicians are seen during an April 16, 2024 ecumenical Taizé prayer service at St. Stephen Cathedral in Owensboro for protection and healing of victims of sexual abuse. RACHEL HALL | WKC
Fr. David Carletta of Trinity Episcopal Church in Owensboro proclaimed the Easter Gospel and read the Closing Prayer by Brother Roger of Taizé. Musicians ministering at the service included instrumentalists from local Episcopal, Lutheran, Methodist and Presbyterian, as well as Catholic, churches. The homily was given by Bishop William F. Medley.
Information about virtual support groups for victims/survivors of abuse can be accessed at owensborodiocese.org/support-group. Information about the Catholic Church’s commitment to safeguarding the vulnerable can be accessed at owensborodiocese.org/safe.
Janice Hendricks, Safe Environment Coordinator for the Diocese of Owensboro, extinguishes a candle at the end of an April 16, 2024 ecumenical Taizé prayer service for protection and healing of victims of sexual abuse. RACHEL HALL | WKC
Originally printed in the May 2024 issue of The Western Kentucky Catholic.
