Tom Hoopes on Praying and Fasting for the Abuse Crisis

"Feelings are raw with regard to the sex abuse crisis, and I am in no mood to fast for it. I will anyway. . . .

"I have spoken with many people who are too angry at the bishops to fast for them. I felt that way, too. But a friend of mine convinced me to relent. Here is how: 

"First, she said, we fast because the Church needs its credibility back.

"In August, when Pope Francis suggested Catholics fast and pray for the abuse crisis, I had a conversation with two friends about it.

"The first, a new dad, responded - understandably - 'no way.' . . .

"The other friend, a mother of four, was just as passionate.

"'I literally do not understand how a Christian could have that response,' she said. 'What do we think Jesus is doing except hanging on the cross making himself a willing victim for precisely these crimes? The Church's credibility is shot. Part of the Church's penance right now is to hang our heads and absorb the blows, out of love for the people punching.' 

"She said we fast because when the Church crucifies Christ anew, it needs to suffer with Christ anew."

In a recent commentary, Tom Hoopes (writer in residence at Benedictine College, Atchison, Kansas) reflected on the importance of prayer and fasting for the Church during its current crisis.

To access Mr. Hoopes' complete essay, please visit:

Catholic Digest: Pray and fast for the abuse crisis, even if it makes you mad