As we once again enter into the holy season of Lent, we will be signed with ashes and reminded to repent and believe in the good news of the Gospel. Last week in Rome, Pope Francis and church leaders ended the summit on sex abuse with a penitential Mass, acknowledging the evil of abuse, the too frequent cover-ups, failure to act on allegations of abuse and failure to believe and assist victims. The shared listening and recognition of the scope of evil and harm formed a necessary first step that will be followed by mandatory measures to protect children and to investigate allegations of wrongdoing. The healing and reconciliation process will take a lot longer. As Mother of Sorrows, Mary knew what it was like to witness her child’s pain. Let us this Lent follow her example and pray for those who have suffered abuse and let us pray for and support the many church leaders and personnel who seek to console and heal the anger and pain of the victims of abuse and of the church membership.