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Vatican calls for atonement

Rome: The Vatican has called on Catholics to atone for the sex abuse scandals that have engulfed their church in recent years by taking part in what may be the largest global prayer initiative ever seen.

Cardinal Claudio Hummes told the Vatican’s official daily, L’Osservatore Romano, that every diocese in the world should name a priest to work full-time on the arrangements for the “perpetual adoration” of the eucharist. This would involve parishioners taking turns to keep a round-the-clock vigil in front of a consecrated host representing the body of Jesus.

The initiative has all the hallmarks of the thinking of Pope Benedict, and would certainly not have been launched without his support. Cardinal Hummes, head of the Ministry for the clergy, said a letter had gone out to “dioceses, parishes, rectories, chapels, monasteries, convents and seminaries” appealing to them to organise groups of “adorers.” He did not indicate how long he saw the adoration continuing. — © Guardian Newspapers Limited, 2008

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