Maria Goretti Network

Bishop Robert Barron wrote a "Letter to a Suffering Church".  He pledged that the proceeds from the book would go to help people affected by sexual abuse and exploitation.  Word on Fire chose the Maria Goretti Network as a charity to support with some of these funds.
MGN is very grateful to Bishop Barron for his generosity, but even more appreciative of his willingness to speak out clearly to the tragic reality of sexual abuse.  We wish more leaders would be as clear in confronting the evil of abuse.

1. MGN finds in Jesus Christ the source of true healing and forgiveness.
2. MGN recognizes that any form of abuse is evil.
3. MGN is a group committed to work for healing of individuals.
4. MGN encourages reporting all crimes of abuse to appropriate authorities.
5. MGN seeks to network all people of good will that can help in the process of healing the scars of abuse.
6. MGN feels division and bitterness are the fruits of sin, which can only be healed through love. We work with love to promote collaboration and respect with others who work to help the healing process.
7. MGN believes in justice for abusers. Forgiveness does not excuse the abuse, but encourages the abusers to accept responsibility for their actions and to change their lives.
8. MGN is an apostolate of committed Christian men and women. It is independently directed by its Board.
9. MGN is non-political and is committed to transparency and accountability.
10. MGN recognizes that the Church is established by Christ as His instrument for carrying the Good News to all people. This mission belongs to all people of God.

Archbishop Emeritus of Galveston-Houston, Joseph Fiorenza was a tremendous help to me twenty years ago when I first started ministering to victims of abuse. Those efforts led to the creation of the Maria Goretti Network/MGN. We are grateful!.........................Miguel Prats Mgr MGN

The Maria Goretti Network is an organization that addresses the needs of those who are victims of sexual abuse, domestic violence, or other forms of violence. It is based on the experience of the founder, Miguel Prats, a survivor of clergy abuse, and his search for spiritual, emotional, and mental wholeness after the abuse he suffered. To assist the healing process, he appealed to St. Maria Goretti, a young girl who was sexually abused by a neighbor. Before Maria died, she forgave the man who abused her. Maria Goretti’s example of forgiveness in a very tragic situation motivated Miguel to discover in forgiveness the healing he desired. The Maria Goretti Network and its ability to foster healing for victims of all types of abuse are fundamentally based on the gospel message of forgiveness. It is an organization that is structured to promote healing without lessening the harm done to victims or the grave immorality of those who perpetrate any form of abuse on others.
Arising from the teaching of forgiveness proclaimed by Jesus, MGN is suited for a parish organization or for several parishes located near each other. The victims of violence of all types will find the support needed to recover in an atmosphere of understanding and compassion.
The Maria Goretti Network/MGN has offered parishes a wonderful means of healing for victims. It is my hope that MGN will become as well-known as other organizations that assist victims.


                                                                Most Reverend Joseph A. Fiorenza
                                                   Archbishop Emeritus of Galveston-Houston

******************************************************************************************************************

Friends, last year, we published “Letter to a Suffering Church: A Bishop Speaks on the Sexual Abuse Crisis” (https://sufferingchurchbook.com) and since then, one million copies are now in print. 
Letter to a Suffering Church: A Bishop Speaks on the Sexual Abuse Crisis is for Catholics questioning their faith, searching desperately for encouragement and hope, this book will offer reasons to stay and fight for the Body of Christ.
All the profits from this book have been committed to trusted charities—vetted and approved by the lay members of the Word on Fire Board of Directors—that support the victims of abuse.

We’d like to share some information about one of them. 
..........................Bishop Robert Barron @BishopBarron

"The Maria Goretti Network (https://mgoretti.org): is a nonprofit organization that reaches out to abuse victims, their families, and supporters, “with God's love as witnessed in the life of Maria Goretti.”