40th Anniversary of Roe v. Wade

"What came to be through him was life, and this life was the light of the human race; the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it." John 1:4-5

On September 13, 2011, I learned I was pregnant with my son. I was absolutely elated and couldn't wait to meet him. As a result, I cannot pretend to understand the difficulty that goes into the decision to abort one's baby as well as the pain and grief in the aftermath.

Therefore, I will leave it at this. 

If you are a woman who has chosen abortion, please know that there are no unforgivable sins. You can still go to confession, seek FORGIVENESS, and receive ABSOLUTION from a Roman Catholic priest. In the words of Pope John Paul II in Evangelium Vitae 99, where he directly addresses those who have had an abortion:
"I would now like to say a special word to women who have had an abortion. The Church is aware of the many factors which may have influenced your decision, and she does not doubt that in many cases it was a painful and even shattering decision. The wound in your heart may not yet have healed. Certainly what happened was and remains terribly wrong. But do not give in to discouragement and do not lose hope. Try rather to understand what happened and face it honestly. If you have not already done so, give yourselves over with humility and trust to repentance. The Father of mercies is ready to give you his forgiveness and his peace in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. To the same Father and to his mercy you can with sure hope entrust your child. With the friendly and expert help and advice of other people, and as a result of your own painful experience, you can be among the most eloquent defenders of everyone's right to life. Through your commitment to life, whether by accepting the birth of other children or by welcoming and caring for those most in need of someone to be close to them, you will become promoters of a new way of looking at human life."
There is HOPE after abortion. 

There are others out there that understand your pain. There is a wonderful ministry called Rachel's Vineyard. They provide weekend retreats to help women find PEACE AND HEALING after an abortion. There are priests and trained professionals to help you process what you have experienced.

If you are on Long Island or the New York Metropolitan area, The Life Center of Long Island invites you to attend the next Rachel’s Vineyard Healing Retreat on the weekend of February 15-17, 2013.  It begins Friday evening and concludes Sunday afternoon.  This retreat is conducted in English. For more information contact:  Deacon Frank Gariboldi at (516)523-0586 or e-mail: fgariboldi@optonline.net. To learn more about Rachel’s Vineyard look online at: www.rachelsvineyard.org or call 1-877-HOPE-4-ME.

The Project Rachel website provides endless resources for grieving women seeking peace after an abortion. 

National Hotline for Abortion Recovery: 866-482-LIFE

On this day the 40th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, let us stand together in support of the lives lost as a result of abortion and the lives of those who struggle with day to day life after abortion. 

Thus says the LORD:

In Ramah is heard the sound of moaning,

of bitter weeping!

Rachel mourns her children,

she refuses to be consoled

because her children are no more.

 

Thus says the LORD:

Cease your cries of mourning,

wipe the tears from your eyes.

The sorrow you have shown

shall have its reward,…

There is hope for your future. …

 

–Jeremiah 31:15-17