Reclaiming Our Children: A Blog About Healing After Abortion

The Popes letter to priests concerning the year of mercy and its reference to abortion is causing quite a bit of ruckus in the media. The secular press has made it appear as if the Catholic Church is just now offering forgiveness for abortion in the Sacrament of Reconciliation, and even those of us who are Catholics became a little confused at what he was telling the clergy.

As someone who  works in post abortion ministry, my phone and email were busy yesterday as many women questioned the forgiveness they received in the sacrament, wondering, if in fact, they had been forgiven.

I am no theologian, but the letter as I understand it, is that Pope Francis has now given priests the ability to lift excommunication as a result of abortion which in some places only Bishops were able to do.

Now, just because you have had an abortion does not mean you were excommunicated. As with all mortal sin many factors come in to it. Did you know about the excommunication? Were you coerced or did you freely want an abortion and also know the seriousness of the sin? These are things that can be discussed with a priest, but chances are many women do not fit the mode of excommunication.

Here in New York, and across the country priests were given the faculty to lift the ban over 20 years ago, so if you have gone to confession with a contrite heart, no fears, your abortion has been forgiven!

There is a beautiful prayer of reconciliation in our church which says “God of love and mercy, you are always ready to forgive; we are sinners, and you invite us to trust in your mercy.”

December 8^th marks the beginning of the Jubilee Year of Mercy in the Catholic Church. Does that mean that the church will now forgive abortion for the first time as the secular press would lead people to believe?  Of course not! The mercy of God has always been there, inviting us to trust in His love for us. During this special jubilee year the church will be loudly sounding the trumpet calling people far and wide, inviting them back to the heart of Christ who is Mercy Himself!

If you have had an abortion and hear the invitation, do not be afraid, He is, as He has always been, lovingly waiting for you!