Reclaiming Our Children: A Blog About Healing After Abortion

T BONOPARTIS

It is hard to believe that in 2026 the Entering Canaan ministry for those suffering from a past abortion will be 30 years old. During this time through thepatroness of Our Lady of Czestochowa thousands of people across the country have made the journey to
the Promised Land and the healing of Jesus Christ.

I can still vividly remember my discussion with John Cardinal ‘Connor over 30 years ago, about the need for outreach for healing from abortion and his promise to me that it would be an apostolate of the new order he was beginning, The Sisters of Life. The
rest is history.

From its beginnings with Mother Agnes, Sister Lucy and me, it has grown in countless ways. Through the help of many (including especially the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal, and artist/ musician Michael Corsini)we have specialized retreats not only for
women, but men, siblings and those who aborted diagnosis pregnancies,

Now in a number of locations across the country, it continues to invite those suffering to embark on a journey led by the Blessed Mother to the Heart of Christ and His mercy.
Although Entering Canaan addresses the dynamics of abortion healing on a psychological, emotional and spiritual level, I have come to recognize that it is not
primarily a ministry of post abortion healing but a journey to heaven for those who are post abortive guided by Mary, our patroness.

EC is a Catholic ministry which immerses itself in the power and gifts of the sacraments as is noted in its name, “Entering Canaan-a sacramental Journey to an Inheritance of Mercy”.

The journey begins with those seeking healing, providing an understanding of the dynamics of abortion as well as the path to beginning, and then developing a deeper relationship with Christ. There is no time limit or expectation. Different people need different things and only God knows – it does not end in a day or a weekend, but is a journey of the heart for life. Like the Israelites in the desert traveling to the Promised Land, different people go different distances, but further healing is always available to them.

In a time when we see more and more people calling abortion a “reproductive loss”, we
encourage an acknowledgment of the gravity of the sin which consisted in a participation in the ending the life of your child. We do not do this to judge, or to invoke shame or guilt but so they may come before God in truth and with true contrition in order to be open to, and receive His unfathomable mercy.

We do not look to ourselves for the strength to heal. We admit our brokenness and our
need of Him and invite His grace into our wounds and heart in order that He may live in us so we can heal. In lives that were often wrought with betrayal and abandonment by those we loved, He teaches us we can trust in His great love and mercy, His real Presence to us, and know He will never abandon us.

We do not look for quick easy fixes, or think healing means the pain will totally disappear, instead we learn to embrace the cross with the love of Jesus and Mary knowing the cross is the ultimate love and will lead us to heaven and our children
We come in time,, to welcome penance and reparation for our sin of abortion, not as a
punishment from God but as an act of love and gratitude to Him for dying on the cross for our salvation. We seek to comfort Him in His humanity as the sins of the world, especially the sin of abortion, are upon Him.

We pray for others who are silently suffering to come home to His mercy and love which
always waits for us, and offer prayers for the final battle of those who have had abortions
and anyone involved, including abortionists.

All this we do under the guidance of Our Lady of Czestochowa, who accompanies us on the journey. Who guides and protects and defends us in any battles that may assail us because of our sin and who keeps on the path, or brings us back to it if we stray.
Through our healing, in Gods perfect time and through His grace, if it is His will, we
become Penitents of Love journeying to the Promised Land inviting others lost because of the sin of abortion to join us on the way of Love, the Cross of Jesus Christ.
“There is no salvation except in the cross “ The only place with love great enough to conquer the sin of abortion.

May we embrace it with the love of Christ poured out for our salvation