Novena for sexual assault survivors

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2infinity

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My niece survived a horrific attack and needs support. I told her mother that I would find a novena so we could say it together to help her. My niece has been devastated psychologically and she needs the healing love of God right now. Unfortunately, I can’t find a good novena. The St. Maria Goretti novena mentions the importance of chastity and how she died rather than be raped. This is not helpful. It is cruel for someone already devastated and feeling shame and humiliation. Can anyone give me some guidance for a good novena? Something that emphasizes healing and God’s love and embrace when one has been the victim of evil. Thanks in advance.
 
I am very sorry to hear about your niece. Will be praying for her.

You can actually pray any novena for this intention. I suggest to pray the Rosary, either the 54 day Rosary novena, or Mary Undoer of Knots novena. St. Anne’s feast i s coming up on July 26, so you can also pray a novena to her.

God bless you and your family.
 
Praying for the physical, psychological, emotional & spiritual healing of your niece.
 
**2Infinity: These prayers don’t make up a novena. But I do find them
helpful for people who have been victimized in this way.
May God heal this hurt in your niece and the rest of your family. **

Prayer of Healing for Victims of Abuse

Praise to you, Father of Our Lord Jesus Christ,
source of all consolation and hope.
By Your Son’s dying and rising
He remains our light in every darkness,
our strength in every weakness.

Be the refuge and guardian of all
who suffer from abuse and violence.
Comfort them and send healing
for their wounds of body, soul, and spirit.
Rescue them from bitterness and shame
and refresh them with Your love.
Heal the brokenness in all victims of abuse
and revive the spirits of all who lament this sin.

Help us to follow Jesus in drawing good from
evil, life from death. Make us one with You
in Your love for justice as we deepen our respect
for the dignity of every human life.

Giver of peace, make us one in
celebrating your praise, both now and forever.

Amen.

Prayer for Those Sexually Abused

Dear God, I can no longer bear this pain alone.
You know every feeling and secret locked in my heart.
It is time, Lord, to open my heart and share
my sufferings with those who can help me.
Even though I may not understand why this
has happened to me, may I take comfort in the fact
that I am not to blame, and realize that I am not
the only person who has been abused in this way.

Guide me to find the faith and help I need
to gain confidence in mind and body, develop trust
in others, and experience hope for a happy, healthy life.
Lord, I know that with Your love, my physical
and emotional wounds will be healed. Amen.

Mother Mary

One night as I lay trembling,
Overwhelmed with all my fears,
I said a prayer to Mary.
And I said it most sincere.
“Please help me, Mother Mary,
For I don’t know what to do.
So I’m writing down my worries,
And I’m bringing them to you.”
Then in my mind’s eye I saw,
Our Lady …
She looked at me with sadness,
As she reached her hand to mine,
So I handed her my worries,
Which she crumbled in her palm,
And I felt the trembling lessen,
As she helped restore my calm.
Then my Heavenly Mother
Opened wide her mantle blue,
She wrapped it all around me,
For protection, this I knew,
And though no words were spoken,
Mary managed to convey,
Whenever I would need her,
She was just a prayer away.

By Chris Gentile

:signofcross:

​
 
St. Dymphna fled Ireland, because her father, the kind, was trying to force her into marriage. She fled to Belgium, where her father tracked her down and murdered her. She is patron of the mentally ill and victims of incest.

Novena to St. Dymphna

FIRST DAY:

Dear St Dymphna, one of your parents was Christian but the other was not and you lived with two different views of the world. We pray for all families which are divided by religion. Intercede for them and bring harmony; help them to live together in love and respect. We pray especially for (mention your request).

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be.

SECOND DAY:

Dear St Dymphna, you lost your mother when you were a young teenager. We pray for all children who have lost one or both parents through death, divorce or other separation. We ask you to comfort them and help them to experience God’s love for them. We pray especially for (mention your request).

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be.

THIRD DAY:

Dear St Dymphna, your father was destroyed by grief. We pray for all those who grieve, especially those who do not know the hope of eternal life or those whose grief is affecting their sanity. Intercede for them that they can receive hope and comfort. We pray especially for (mention your request).

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be.

FOURTH DAY:

Dear St Dymphna, you had to flee your homeland. We pray for all refugees and those escaping from danger, especially danger in their own families. Intercede that they may find people to help and succour them. We pray especially for (mention your request).

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be.

FIFTH DAY:

Dear St Dymphna, you had to run away from home to avoid incest. We pray for all those who have been sexually abused, especially those who have been abused in their own families. We pray for the healing of their self-worth. We pray especially for (mention your request).

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be.

SIXTH DAY:

Dear St Dymphna, you are the patron of those with mental illness. We pray for those who suffer from mental illness and their families. We pray that they do not lose hope or sight of God. We pray especially for (mention your request).

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be.

SEVENTH DAY:

Dear St Dymphna, as the sick came to your shrine to be cured, people began to care for and look after them. We pray for all those who work with the mentally ill. We pray that they see in their charges the face of Christ, and always guard their dignity. We pray especially for (mention your request).

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be.

EIGHTH DAY:

Dear St Dymphna, you lost your mother to death but your father to mental illness and abuse. We pray for all those who have lost their parents to mental illness and addiction, and for all whose parents have treated them badly. Intercede for them that they may be able to forgive. We pray especially for (mention your request).

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be.

NINTH DAY:

Dear St Dymphna, we ask you to intercede for us all, that we might be cured of our delusions and misconceptions whether about ourselves or others. We pray for a healing of our family history. We pray especially for (mention your request).

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be.

​
 
I’m very sorry for what happened to your niece. I pray now in Jesus’ name that Jesus blesses and strengthens her and helps her to heal from what happened, also helps her to connect with the right counselors and victims’ advocates here on earth to help her process her feelings and feel better.

Regarding a novena:
Saint Mother Theresa of Calcutta prayed what she called the “Express Novena”. She would say nine Memorares for her petition and then a tenth one, to give thanks. So just say ten Memorares in a row.

Memorare

Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thine intercession was left unaided.
Inspired by this confidence I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my mother; to thee do I come, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petition ( to help physically and mentally heal the OP’s niece who has been through a terrible crime and trauma), but in thy mercy hear and answer me. Amen.
 
Saint Michael, the archangel, defend us in battle, be our defense against the wickedness and snares of the devil, may God rebuke him, we humbly pray. And do you, O’ Prince of the Heavenly host, by the power of God thrust into Hell Satan and all the other evil spirits who prowl about the world for the ruin of souls.

Amen.

†

Our Father who art in Heaven, hallowed be thy name.

Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread.

And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

Amen.

†

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee.

Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb Jesus.

Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death.

Amen.

†

For Help in Trials

Most holy apostle St. Jude, faithful servant and friend of Jesus, the name of the traitor who delivered your beloved Master into the hands of His enemies has caused you to be forgotten by many. But the Church honors and invokes you universally as the patron of hopeless cases–of things despaired of. Pray for me who feels so hopeless. Make use, I implore you, of that particular privilege accorded to you of bringing visible and speedy help where help is almost despaired of. Come to my assistance in this great need, that I may receive the consolations and succor of heaven in all my necessities, tribulations and sufferings, in particular (2infinity’s niece), and that I may bless God with you and all the elect throughout eternity. I promise you, O Blessed St. Jude, to be ever mindful of this great favor, and I will never cease to honor you as my special and powerful patron, and to do all in my power to encourage devotion to you. Amen.

†
 
Prayers for your niece …

Divine Mercy Chaplet

O Blood and Water, which gushed forth from the Heart of Jesus as a fountain of Mercy for us, I trust in You!
O Blood and Water, which gushed forth from the Heart of Jesus as a fountain of Mercy for us, I trust in You!
O Blood and Water, which gushed forth from the Heart of Jesus as a fountain of Mercy for us, I trust in You!

Our Father, Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name; Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, Amen.

Hail Mary, full of grace. The Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou amongst women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death, Amen.

I believe in God, the Father almighty, Creator of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried; He descended into hell; on the third day He rose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty; from there He will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen.

Eternal Father, I offer you the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Your Dearly Beloved Son, Our Lord, Jesus Christ, in atonement for our sins and those of the whole world.

For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world.
For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world.
For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world.
For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world.
For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world.
For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world.
For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world.
For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world.
For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world.
For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world.

Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One, have mercy on us and on the whole world.
Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One, have mercy on us and on the whole world.
Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One, have mercy on us and on the whole world.
 
My Lord Jesus, lead all souls to heaven, especially those most in need of thy mercy.

Our Father…Hail Mary x10
Glory Be…Fatima Prayer
Amen!
 
Praying for your niece. I found this prayer to St. Maria Goretti that perhaps is more sensitive to the situation?

Prayer to St. Maria Goretti for Survivors of Abuse

Dear God, we ask you to help us find healing and peace in our life. Grant us hope in these times of trial. May Maria Goretti who was strengthened by Your Grace join with us in prayer for healing of all victims of abuse, particularly those abused as children or young adults. Fill us with your Love so that as Maria prayed for her attacker, we too might have the courage to pray for the true conversion of our abusers: that they might seek Your Mercy through prayer and penance. Loving God, pour into our hearts and lives your healing Spirit, that the sacredness of every human person might be respected and protected as the precious image of God. Help us to live in the peace which Maria Goretti had found in Christ and in the love of his mother Mary. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
 
Saint Michael, the archangel, defend us in battle, be our defense against the wickedness and snares of the devil, may God rebuke him, we humbly pray. And do you, O’ Prince of the Heavenly host, by the power of God thrust into Hell Satan and all the other evil spirits who prowl about the world for the ruin of souls.

Amen.

†

Our Father who art in Heaven, hallowed be thy name.

Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread.

And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

Amen.

†

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee.

Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb Jesus.

Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death.

Amen.

†

For Help in Trials

Most holy apostle St. Jude, faithful servant and friend of Jesus, the name of the traitor who delivered your beloved Master into the hands of His enemies has caused you to be forgotten by many. But the Church honors and invokes you universally as the patron of hopeless cases–of things despaired of. Pray for me who feels so hopeless. Make use, I implore you, of that particular privilege accorded to you of bringing visible and speedy help where help is almost despaired of. Come to my assistance in this great need, that I may receive the consolations and succor of heaven in all my necessities, tribulations and sufferings, in particular (2infinity’s niece), and that I may bless God with you and all the elect throughout eternity. I promise you, O Blessed St. Jude, to be ever mindful of this great favor, and I will never cease to honor you as my special and powerful patron, and to do all in my power to encourage devotion to you. Amen.

†
 
Prayer to St. Henry II

Dear St. Henry, we humbly and urgently ask for your prayers on this, your feast day. As the ruler of the Holy Roman Empire, you chose to be a good and gracious leader. You ministered to the poor, listened to your people’s pleadings, administered justice, and followed God’s will for your reign. Although many of us will never have the kind of authority you did, we could all use your prudence in leading our own small corner of society- in our places of work, in our families, in our parish communities. St. Henry, I place before you today all the intentions posted on this forum. Please pray and intercede for each and every one. Help us to pray and discern the will of God as you did, and to be living examples of Christ in our interactions with people this day. Thank you for hearing my prayer, St. Henry, and do not cease commending us to God. Amen.

St. Henry II, pray for us!
 
My Lord Jesus, lead all souls to heaven, especially those most in need of thy mercy.

Our Father…Hail Mary x10
Glory Be…Fatima Prayer
Amen!
 
Tagging the intention for all sexual assault survivors and especially the one mentioned by the OP for my Fatima rosary devotions tonight. May God bless, comfort, strengthen, and be with all of them. May the Blessed Mother hold their hand and remove their anxieties and fears and traumatic memories. In Jesus’ Name I pray. Amen.
 
Saint Michael, the archangel, defend us in battle, be our defense against the wickedness and snares of the devil, may God rebuke him, we humbly pray. And do you, O’ Prince of the Heavenly host, by the power of God thrust into Hell Satan and all the other evil spirits who prowl about the world for the ruin of souls.

Amen.

†

Our Father who art in Heaven, hallowed be thy name.

Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread.

And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

Amen.

†

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee.

Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb Jesus.

Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death.

Amen.

†

For Help in Trials

Most holy apostle St. Jude, faithful servant and friend of Jesus, the name of the traitor who delivered your beloved Master into the hands of His enemies has caused you to be forgotten by many. But the Church honors and invokes you universally as the patron of hopeless cases–of things despaired of. Pray for me who feels so hopeless. Make use, I implore you, of that particular privilege accorded to you of bringing visible and speedy help where help is almost despaired of. Come to my assistance in this great need, that I may receive the consolations and succor of heaven in all my necessities, tribulations and sufferings, in particular (2infinity’s niece), and that I may bless God with you and all the elect throughout eternity. I promise you, O Blessed St. Jude, to be ever mindful of this great favor, and I will never cease to honor you as my special and powerful patron, and to do all in my power to encourage devotion to you. Amen.

†
 
**Hail Mary,
Full of Grace,
The Lord is with thee.
Blessed art thou among women,
and blessed is the fruit
of thy womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary,
Mother of God,
pray for us sinners now,
and at the hour of death.
Amen.

Hail Mary,
Full of Grace,
The Lord is with thee.
Blessed art thou among women,
and blessed is the fruit
of thy womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary,
Mother of God,
pray for us sinners now,
and at the hour of death.
Amen.

Hail Mary,
Full of Grace,
The Lord is with thee.
Blessed art thou among women,
and blessed is the fruit
of thy womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary,
Mother of God,
pray for us sinners now,
and at the hour of death.
Amen.**
 
Saint Michael, the archangel, defend us in battle, be our defense against the wickedness and snares of the devil, may God rebuke him, we humbly pray. And do you, O’ Prince of the Heavenly host, by the power of God thrust into Hell Satan and all the other evil spirits who prowl about the world for the ruin of souls.

Amen.

†

Our Father who art in Heaven, hallowed be thy name.

Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread.

And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

Amen.

†

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee.

Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb Jesus.

Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death.

Amen.

†

For Help in Trials

Most holy apostle St. Jude, faithful servant and friend of Jesus, the name of the traitor who delivered your beloved Master into the hands of His enemies has caused you to be forgotten by many. But the Church honors and invokes you universally as the patron of hopeless cases–of things despaired of. Pray for me who feels so hopeless. Make use, I implore you, of that particular privilege accorded to you of bringing visible and speedy help where help is almost despaired of. Come to my assistance in this great need, that I may receive the consolations and succor of heaven in all my necessities, tribulations and sufferings, in particular (2infinity’s niece), and that I may bless God with you and all the elect throughout eternity. I promise you, O Blessed St. Jude, to be ever mindful of this great favor, and I will never cease to honor you as my special and powerful patron, and to do all in my power to encourage devotion to you. Amen.

†
 
My Lord Jesus, lead all souls to heaven, especially those most in need of thy mercy.

Our Father…Hail Mary x10
Glory Be…Fatima Prayer
Amen!
 
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