For most women, the decision to have an abortion is agonizing. The choice is marked by confusion, wracked by despair, plagued by helplessness, and crippled by anxiety.
How do we care for such women? Pope John Paul II, in his encyclical Evangelum Vitae (The Gospel of Life), addresses women who have had abortions: “The Church is aware of the many factors which may have influenced your decision, and she does not doubt in many cases it was a painful and even shattering decision,” the Pope writes.
“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 definitively lost and you will also be able to ask forgiveness from your child, who is now living in the Lord” (99).
In short, Divine Mercy is the answer.
Marie Romagnano, RN, founder of Healthcare Professionals for Divine Mercy, an apostolate of the Marians of the Immaculate Conception, has developed a set of guidelines for providing care in this oft-misunderstood health crisis, which is also a profound spiritual crisis.
“Mothers who have experienced abortion are catastrophically emotionally injured and do not recognize this injury to their soul,” Nurse Marie says. “They can recognize physical injury but avoid the deep, interior pain of the loss of the child within them. There is no natural recovery from this wound. Only the mercy of God can intercede. God’s mercy is endless, boundless, and has no limits.”
What should you do if a suffering mother approaches you?
“Be available to talk,” Nurse Marie advises. “Be supportive and assist wherever possible with food, shelter, and safe harbor. Mercy in action is the best possible intervention to initiate healing. Encourage this suffering mother to place great trust in the mercy of God, for there is no sin that cannot be forgiven.”
For the woman who has not had an abortion but is considering one, Marie advises to pray The Divine Mercy Chaplet with her. If that’s not possible, then pray the Chaplet for her. You can also discuss the mercy of God with her.
“Tell her how Jesus, The Divine Mercy, will directly intervene to assist her in her situation, no matter what the circumstances are, in preserving the life of her child,” Marie says. “Jesus will give her the grace to bring the child safely into the world.”
This act of mercy can save two lives: the physical life of the child and the spiritual life of the mother. As Jesus tells us, “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful” (Lk 6:36).
OPEN HOURS
Tuesday, 4/5/16 – 1 needed at 1p; 2 needed at 2p; 2 needed at 3p and 1 needed at 4p.
Wednesday, 4/6/16 – 1 needed at 8a; 2 needed at 9a; 1 needed at 10a; 2 needed at 11a; 2 needed at 12p; 2 needed at 1p; 2 needed at 3p; 2 needed at 4p and 2 needed at 5p.
Thursday, 4/7/16 – 2 needed at 9a; 2 needed at 10a; 2 needed at 11a; 1 needed at 12p and 1 needed at 3p.
Friday, 4/8/16 – 1 needed at 2p.
To sign up for hours go to: vigilforlife.org/calendar/monthview or e-mail info@vigilforlife.org or call Gwen Finnegan at (608)393-8545.
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PROTEST PLANNED PARENTHOOD RALLY – Join Madison Students to Save a Life and Vigil for Life as we join in the National Day of Protest at PP on Saturday, April 23, 2016 from 9:30a – 11:30a at 3706 Orin Rd. in Madison.
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On Sunday, May 1st, 2016, there will be a Rosary March starting at 2:00 p.m. at Holy Redeemer Church. (120 W. Johnson Street- Madison). It will be led by Fr. Eric Nielsen After the May crowning ceremony, all will proceed outside to walk around the block- perhaps twice- enough distance to complete most of a 5-decade Rosary. For more information, please call Clarke Ross at (262)255-6665 X1127
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REMINDER: Please do not park in the Women’s Care Center parking lot. We must park on the street.
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PSALM 51
Have mercy on me, God, in accord with your merciful love;
in your abundant compassion blot out my transgressions.
4
Thoroughly wash away my guilt;
and from my sin cleanse me.
5
For I know my transgressions;
my sin is always before me.b
6
Against you, you alone have I sinned;
I have done what is evil in your eyes
So that you are just in your word,
and without reproach in your judgment.c
7
Behold, I was born in guilt,
in sin my mother conceived me.
8
Behold, you desire true sincerity;
and secretly you teach me wisdom.
9
Cleanse me with hyssop,* that I may be pure;
wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.
10
You will let me hear gladness and joy;
the bones you have crushed will rejoice.
11
Turn away your face from my sins;
blot out all my iniquities.
12
A clean heart create for me, God;
renew within me a steadfast spirit.f
1
Do not drive me from before your face,
nor take from me your holy spirit.g
14
Restore to me the gladness of your salvation;
uphold me with a willing spirit.
15
I will teach the wicked your ways,
that sinners may return to you.
16
Rescue me from violent bloodshed, God, my saving God,
and my tongue will sing joyfully of your justice.h
17
Lord, you will open my lips;
and my mouth will proclaim your praise.
18
For you do not desire sacrifice* or I would give it;
a burnt offering you would not accept.i
19
My sacrifice, O God, is a contrite spirit;
a contrite, humbled heart, O God, you will not scorn.
