# A Prayer for Holocaust Remembrance Day
*2015-04-15*

> Bill Young shares a moving prayer discovered on a scrap of paper at the liberation of Ravensbrück, reflecting on forgiveness and the fruits of suffering, and mentions survivor Irene and her work.

## Remembering a Survivor

I recently had the privilege of meeting Irene, a Holocaust survivor whose story is featured in the documentary *The Last Days*. She has written a book, *The Fifth Diamond*, which recounts the unimaginable horrors she endured as a fourteen‑year‑old. This week Irene will travel to Poland for Holocaust Remembrance Day, fasting with the community and helping children understand what happened.

## A Prayer Found at Ravensbrück

The prayer I want to share was found on a scrap of paper at the liberation of Ravensbrück concentration camp in Germany:

Lord, remember not only those of good will, but also those of ill will. Do not recall only the suffering they inflicted upon us. Remember rather the fruits that have grown from this suffering—our companionship, our loyalty, our humanity, our humility, our courage, our generosity, the greatness of heart that has emerged. And when they come to judgment, let the fruits we have borne be their forgiveness. Amen.

## The Challenge of Forgiveness

This prayer is a powerful reminder that forgiveness, especially toward those who committed such evil, is difficult to grasp. Yet it points us to the mercy of God, who calls us to transform suffering into virtues and to offer forgiveness even when it seems impossible.

*Even in the darkest history, God invites us to let the fruits of our suffering become a testimony of forgiveness.*