Reclaiming Our Children: A Blog About Healing After Abortion

On Holy Thursday this past year, Pope Francis urged the clergy to go out among their flock and know the people they serve like “shepherds living with the smell of the sheep."

“This I ask you," he said,  "be shepherds, with the odor of the sheep, make it real, as shepherds among your flock, fishers of men.”

I have been very blessed for many years to work with Father Mariusz Koch, CFR,  in many different capacities. From trainings for priests, to running postabortion retreats, to pilgrimages. He has been my friend, my co worker, and most importantly, my priest.

I have watched him as he ministers to others, whether it is a post abortive woman or man, a sibling, a priest at one of our trainings, his CFR brothers, his niece Natalie or before her death, his mom.

When Father had his health scare I was doing a retreat in IL and at the airport when I picked up the message from one of the brothers. I remember feeling paralyzed. Partly because of worry for him, and selfishly, I could not bear the thought of losing him. I cannot think of many who I love more than him. Why? Because I have witnessed him.

I have seen him treating sinners no different than saints.  I've witnessed him being the face if Christ to so many.  A genuine love projects from him, not because that is the way he should be, but because it is the way he truly is! Self giving, hard working, compassionate, and loving, never saying no to anything I ask of him (and believe me, I ask a lot) but being willing always to serve if it is possible, no matter who asks him.

So, here we are today, honoring him for his work with those post abortive whether it is with Lumina, at our Entering Canaan retreats, or Rachel’s Vineyard.  I know those who have been blessed to know him would all say the same.

 So, In Honor of Father Mariusz:

 “For always being a 'shepherd who lives with the smell of the sheep,' by your compassionate listening and constant reflection of the love and mercy of God. Thank you for bringing the healing power of Gods grace to those suffering from abortion.”