St Benedict of Nursia (480-547) is a Saint whose intercession is invoked for many reasons, including to protect and comfort those suffering spiritual abuse – so he is one of our ‘Safeguarding Saints’.

A short prayer to St Benedict for protection:

Through your intercession may we be delivered from temptation, spiritual oppression, physical ills, and disease. Protect us from drug and alcohol abuse, impurity and immorality, objectionable companions, and negative attitudes. Admirable Saint and Doctor of Humility, you practiced what you taught, assiduously praying for God’s glory and lovingly fulfilling all work for God and the benefit of all human beings. You know the many physical and spiritual dangers that surround us today, often caused or occasioned by human inventions. Guard us against poisoning of the body as well as of mind and soul, and thus be truly a ‘Blessed’ one for us.
Amen.

Spiritual abuse can happen in families or communities and in many ways: to find out more, visit the Diocese of Leeds Safeguarding website and the website of the Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency (CSSA)

Safeguarding is Everybody’s Business – so EVERYBODY is invited to share their thoughts with us about Safeguarding in the Diocese of Leeds, in confidence, using our website’s Safeguarding Feedback Form!

St Benedict: pray for us.