Reclaiming Our Children: A Blog About Healing After Abortion

"Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.” (John 6:68)

I pondered on whether I should address the clergy abuse report and cover-up that came out on Tuesday, August 14th. Then, I remembered very clearly the fears I had in coming back to the church and seeking healing from my abortion. All those feelings that overtake you, the shame, guilt, unforgiveness, and self-hate. I remember well thinking, “How could God ever forgive me?”

Now, I think, how could anyone, in the face of the report ever have the courage and trust enough to take a leap of faith into what seems like a hypocritical fire? How can they find hope during such despair? Who are these priests and this church to forgive me when they have done such horrific things themselves? All very understandable, but, at the same time, this is a tool of the devil to keep people from the mercy and forgiveness of Jesus Christ which is always there for each one of us despite the sins of the church.

I was blessed, when I sought out healing, to encounter a good priest, who opened my heart to the love of God. He was instrumental in my healing. Through the sacraments and his direction, I was able to come to know the love and mercy God had for me, which paved the way for the trust that was needed for me look at my abortion experience honestly and allow God to heal me. He led me into a relationship with Jesus Christ.

In the face of this horrific report on the church, one must wonder how anyone now would be able to come forward for healing or in trust. The answer is you can’t. It can only be done through the grace of God, but that grace is waiting for each one of you. In my over twenty years of doing post-abortion ministry I have been very blessed to see countless miracles of God’s mercy, as He slowly embraced those broken souls who came to us. His love and mercy are still there, waiting for each one of you, longing to heal you.

While the atrocities in the church are for sure damaging beyond comprehension, the love and mercy of God is even stronger. While hundreds of priests committed vile acts that we cannot even put into words, there are countless numbers of good holy priests waiting to lead you to God like the priest who assisted me. I have been blessed to work with many of them, who selfishly give of themselves for others. Their prayers and sacrifices have led many to the heart of Jesus and healing, and they too weep over the sins of the church.

My prayer is that each of you contemplating healing will move forward. I pray that you place yourselves in the arms of Mary and trust this Mother of Mercy to lead you to her Son. It is there, under the safety of her mantle, that you will learn about the love of God for you, the working dynamics of abortion and acquire the tools necessary to heal.

You do not have to stay in the prison of your abortion because of the sins of others. Don’t let this do that to you. Step out in the faith of Jesus Christ who longs to heal you. Our hope is in the Lord, who came to earth for our salvation. He is waiting for you.