As important as it is to stand up against abortion and for life, our stance cannot be condemning of the women who have had an abortion, else we fail in charity, and hearts that might otherwise be open to God's love and forgiveness, could slam shut.
The women holding the signs that say, "I regret my abortion" are so brave to be there, and it is encouraging to see them treated with respect and dignity, and welcomed so wholeheartedly. The tears in their eyes at the love poured out to them speak their gratitude where words fail them.
These words of our dearly departed Pope John Paul II are beautiful:
“I would 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. You will come to
understand that nothing is definitely lost and you will also be able to ask
forgiveness from your child, who is now living in the Lord.”
“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.” — Pope John Paul IILet us pray that abortion ends in our country and the suffering of the innocent children and their mothers ends with it.
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