Archbishop Nuzík will pray for the forgiveness of past sins and for the victims of abuse.

"We will meet in the jubilee year and in the midst of Lent, which is also a time of penance, to reflect together on the past and present, express regret for the evil committed, and show compassion for all its victims, while also seeking a way to healing," says Archbishop Nuzík. He especially wants to remember the victims of abuse not only in the church. "Everyone who feels affected by this difficult topic is welcome, because prayer can be the first step on the path to healing this pain in the body of the church," he adds.

The Holy Mass will include a penitential rite with an expression of regret and a plea for forgiveness for all failures and injuries that have occurred in the church and especially in the Olomouc Archdiocese. "This is the beginning of a shared penitential journey that we want to undertake during the Holy Year – perhaps during deanery pilgrimages," points out Archbishop Nuzík and adds, "The presence and prayer of each of you are immensely important to create a space for reconciliation and hope together."

Meeting with the victims

Archbishop Nuzík repeatedly and long-term remembers the victims of abuse. On Saturday, April 12, the fourth meeting will take place, to which everyone who has experienced any form of abuse in the church is invited. The program at the premises of the Archdiocesan Charity Olomouc will start at 1:00 PM with the Stations of the Cross and adoration before the Blessed Sacrament, followed by Holy Mass at 2:00 PM. After it concludes, there will be a meeting with Archbishop Nuzík in the adjacent premises.

"The topic of abuse in the church and the protection against this evil still resonates in the public space. It is important for me to hear the voice of the victims directly as well. These individuals carry deep pain within them, and I feel it is my duty to listen to them, be close to them, and help them seek paths to healing," says Archbishop Nuzík and concludes: "It is not just about the past but also about ensuring that such things never happen again: we discuss this during these meetings, and people who have experienced abuse help us create a safe environment within the church." More about Archbishop Nuzík's meetings with the victims of abuse can be found here.