Japan's bishops celebrated a Mass in Tokyo for the victims of sexual abuse committed by priests. (Photo supplied)
Japan's bishops have set the second Friday in Lent as a Day of Prayer and Penance for the Victims of Sexual Abuses, and celebrated a Mass for the victims on Feb. 21.
During the Mass, Archbishop Mitsuaki Takami of Nagasaki, president of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Japan (CBCJ), prayed, "Our God full of Grace … forgive the sin of sexual abuse by the church's priests."
"May the church accept the sadness and pain of the victims and their families. May it walk with them and become a home of comfort in which they can find Christ and healing," the archbishop continued.
Archbishop Takami was the main celebrant at the Mass that was attended by 15 bishops who held their plenary assembly in Tokyo Feb. 20-22.
Responding to a call by Pope Francis, the CBCJ last October set the Day of Prayer and Penance for the Victims of Sexual Abuses on the second Friday of Lent, and decided to celebrate the Mass with the intention of healing and penance for the victims of sexual abuse.
On Dec. 14, 2016, the CBCJ also issued a message that explained the basis and motive of setting the day.