Novena for our Bishops and Priests in Ireland - Day 8

For all those Priests who were and are falsely accused of abuse and who were slandered by the media and others. 

“When people wish to destroy religion, they begin by attacking the priest,  because where there is no longer any priest there is no sacrifice, and where there is no longer any sacrifice there is no religion.” ~ St. Jean Vianney, Patron Saint of  Priests ~

Prayer for those Priests falsely accused.

They cried out, "Crucify him! Crucify him!"

Pilate said to them, "I find no guilt in him.
Take him yourselves and crucify him." (John 19)
Jesus Christ, Lamb of God,
falsely and maliciously accused by the mob,
have mercy on us.
Jesus Christ, Lamb of God,
handed over to death by cowardly authority,
have mercy on us.
Jesus Christ, Sun of Justice,
vindicated by your Resurrection,
grant us justice.
Father of Truth,
send the light of your Holy Spirit into the darkness
of every false accusation and unjust condemnation.
Give strength to the innocent to stand firmly in truth,
as you gave to Jesus, in the face of torture and death.
Give courage to church and civil authorities
to grant justice and due process to the innocent,
in the face of the mob.
Father of Mercy,
deliver your innocent ones from evil;
grant them speedy justice and vindication,
in the name of Jesus Christ, our Victim and Savior.
Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on all
innocent victims: the abused and the falsely accused.

(Follow with Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be)

Pray the Chaplet of Mercy and ask Jesus to strengthen these Priests that He may help them to unite their sufferings with His own.