Reclaiming Our Children: A Blog About Healing After Abortion

"It is a well-known fact that Dorothy Day procured an abortion before her conversion to the Faith. She regretted it every day of her life. After her conversion from a life akin to that of the pre-converted Augustine of Hippo, she proved a stout defender of human life. The conversion of mind and heart that she exemplified speaks volumes to all women today on two fronts. First, it demonstrates the mercy of God, mercy in that a woman who sinned so gravely could find such unity with God upon conversion. Second, it demonstrates that one may turn from the ultimate act of violence against innocent life in the womb to a position of total holiness and pacifism. In short, I contend that her abortion should not preclude her cause, but intensifies it."(John Cardinal O'Connor)

Today is the anniversary of the death of John Cardinal O'Connor, who obviously holds a special place in my heart. He had great love for those suffering from a past abortion and if it were not for him, our "Entering Canaan" ministry may not exist.

I will never forget a conversation I had with him about my sons and the impact my abortion had on them. Until then he said, he had never even considered those implications. Most people, especially then, did not. He was an advocate for our cause and did all that was in his power not only to reach out to those suffering, but to bring the issue to a public awareness. I always appreciated how he listened when I spoke to him about the pain and suffering.

Thank you  Cardinal O'Connor for your always courageous witness to the sanctity of life, and also for your deep love and support of those of us who have participated in abortion. Thank you also for knowing and believing that as with Dorothy Day, it can become a means for our sanctification.

Rest in peace Your Eminence…you are missed but I know you are with us!