Our Christian Duty
PULL THEM IN
Photo By: Flickr/55Laney69
January 22, 1973 is one of the darkest days in history. On that day, the Supreme Court legalized abortion and since its inception, one in three women have had at least one.
As I scan parishioners at Mass, I wonder: Is she one? What about her?
How many Catholic women sit in the pews, suffering in silence with guilt and remorse, having never confessed this transgression accept the Eucharist? Now don’t get me wrong, I’m not condemning them. I understand.
Being involved in post-abortion healing, I have heard it time and time again. Fear of disclosure through the sacrament of reconciliation great. Thus, the consequences of taking communion in the state of mortal sin go by the wayside. Harboring “the secret” creates spiritual havoc and diminishes any joy of being in full concert with God.
What is the answer? What can we do as a Church community?
At some pro-life events, I have overheard people saying, along these lines: “How can a woman kill her child”. I’ve even heard it from key-note speakers. I am post-abortive and praise God, received healing, but hearing those denigrating remarks still hurts. What do you think it does for the woman still shrouded in secrecy?
Be cognizant of the one-in-three. As they say, “Speak out against the sin, not the sinner.” Let’s not push them further way from the confessional … PULL THEM IN. While fighting for the unborn, also acknowledge the spiritual and emotional struggles of post-abortive women. Proclaim the infinite mercy and grace of God and give them hope.
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About the Author
Patti J. Smith is a devoted Catholic and pro-life advocate. She shares her journey from a life of sinful excess to redemption across the country, including pro-life conferences, to members of Congress, at the March for Life in Washington, D.C., and the Walks for Life in San Diego and San Francisco. She has been a guest on several radio shows, including Immaculate Heart Radio and Radio Maria. She also appears in two documentaries, "The Sidewalk Chronicles" and "Hush."
Patti writes Christian devotionals. One of them, "Redeemed – Rosary Meditations for Post-Abortive Women," is used at healing retreats and written in a way to be used by all denominations. Her most recent release is "And God Still Loves Me – A Story of Hope and Healing." She has also had articles published in the National Catholic Register, Life News, and the Southern Cross.
She is a retired background investigator, has a son, step-daughter, eight grandchildren and one great-grandson. She lives with her husband, Michael, in Defuniak Springs, Florida.
