A rosary specific to the healing of survivors of sex abuse is permanently available here on the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston’s web site.

“We know that many survivors of sex abuse, for various reasons, are not always receptive to participating in public gatherings or displays. It can be difficult for them,” said Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston Bishop Mark Brennan. “This rosary will be permanently housed on the diocese’s web site for anyone to participate from any place where they have an internet connection and feel moved to engage in prayer.”

Dating back centuries, the rosary is an integral part of prayer life in the Catholic Church. It focuses on the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. The rosary consists of four sets of Mysteries, which are prayed on certain days of the week. The Joyful Mysteries focus on the incarnation of Jesus. The Sorrowful Mysteries focus on His death. The Glorious Mysteries focus on His resurrection, and the Luminous Mysteries focus on His life and ministry. The primary rosary prayers include the Sign of the Cross, the Apostles Creed, the Our Father, the Hail Mary, the Glory Be, the Fatima Prayer, and the Hail, Holy Queen. The repetitive nature of the rosary is meant to foster an atmosphere of meditation and peace.

Members of parish rosary groups as well as employees of the Chancery gathered at the Bishop’s Chapel in Wheeling to pray all four sets. Various students throughout West Virginia also gathered in their Catholic schools to pray all four sets for their peers who have survived abuse.

“There is immense power in group prayer,” Bishop Brennan said. “Knowing that you are not alone, and, in fact, that many people are praying with you for your physical, mental, and spiritual well-being, can have a profound impact for a person seeking healing.”

The rosary for healing that will be housed on the diocesan web site was designed by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) and specifically includes prayers and meditations for the healing of survivors of sex abuse and their families and loved ones.

“Prayer can be transformational,” said Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston Deacon Doug Breiding, who leads the rosary for healing from the Bishop’s Chapel. “Repetitive, meditative prayers, particularly the rosary, are a direct line to the life of Jesus, the ultimate healer.”

The diocese enlisted Deacon Breiding to preside over the rosary for healing because of his history with the Office of Safe Environment and his special connection to the rosary.

In 2002, the USCCB issued the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, a document that mandates sex abuse prevention and accountability measures for the Catholic Church in the United States. The Charter mandates that dioceses across the U.S. must establish Offices of Safe Environment, which are responsible for sex abuse policies, awareness training, and background checks for employees and volunteers relative to child prevention and protection. Deacon Breiding oversaw the establishment of the Office of Safe Environment for the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston and served as its coordinator for 10 years, before moving on to the role of Director of Cemeteries.

Also, in his spare time, Deacon Breiding makes and repairs rosaries as a manifestation of his deep and abiding reverence and affection for the Blessed Virgin Mary as well as his own family. He received his first rosary kit from Our Lady Rosary Makers in the mid-1980s and has made them ever since. He credits his parents for this gift. “I am blessed to use these skills to honor Our Blessed Mother. I consider it a special gift, working with my hands to make something, passed down from my parents. For me, this is a ministry.”

In planning for this particular rosary, the diocese was deliberate in choosing Deacon Breiding to lead it. “We wanted to be very thoughtful regarding who would preside over the rosary for healing. Knowing Doug’s deep love of the rosary, as well as his connection to Safe Environment, it was a natural conclusion that we would ask him. Anyone who participates in this particular rosary may do so with the knowledge that Doug has reverence for the rosary, as well as a compassionate heart for survivors of sex abuse,” Bishop Brennan said.

“I’m humbled to have been given this opportunity,” Deacon Breiding said. “My hope is that there are survivors out there who will find peace and healing from this rosary. Our prayers remain constant for healing for those who have suffered abuse, not only in the Catholic Church, but throughout all the world.”

“If you are a survivor of sex abuse, we want you to know that we are praying for you. We invite you to join us, from wherever you are. The link to this rosary is one way for us to connect and unite in prayer and meditation. You are not alone,” Deacon Breiding said.