Reclaiming Our Children: A Blog About Healing After Abortion

The Perez family's agony and ecstasy: From abortion to ordination

By Doug Bean

When Victor (hereafter referred to as Vic) and Karen Perez’s son was ordained a Roman Catholic priest on June 4 in the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, Texas, the Perez family was all together and shed tears of joy at this blessed moment. Everyone, that is, except the oldest sibling. However, Vic and Karen believe that the child they named Joseph Manuel was with them in spirit, and that his presence filled the cathedral-and their hearts-with gladness rather than sadness.

Joseph is the child and sibling the Perez family never had the privilege of knowing on this side of eternity. Karen is convinced this baby was a boy. Thirty-seven years ago, his life was taken through an abortion, which his parents now deeply regret. But the resulting agony they suffered gave way to the ecstasy of watching another son become a servant of the Church.

Today, there is consolation in knowing that this child of God paved the way for a priest of God-his brother, Victor (named after their father). "I just know that Joseph is up there interceding, Karen said emphatically, from the family’s 64-acre farm near Katy, Texas. Joseph is a part of our family. It’s kind of a mystery how God has brought good out of it [the abortion], Victor reflected. I get strength from [Joseph] when I pray to him [ask for his intercession], and I have a sense that he’s praying for me."

read the rest here:http://www.clmagazine.org/article/index/id/OTA0MQ