Reclaiming Our Children

Update on Book

Unfortunately, I was just notified that the book will not be in house at Marian Press until November 7th....

 

God's will.....

Meditations on Post Abortion Healing

"There is no greater voice in defense of the life of the unborn then the voice of the women (and men), who aborted their own child. The lies that defend or promote abortion are clearly made obvious through the terrible suffering of countless women and men who are as well “victims of abortion by the decision they once made to end the life of their unborn child.

Theresa Bonopartis speaks from her heart of her journey into the Heart of Christ where at last she found healing and peace. It is a journey that offers hope not only to individual men and women who carry the painful implications of their decision but also offers hope to our contemporary culture that seems to have lost its way.

A Journey to Divine Mercy is certainly “must reading” .The meditations that Theresa Bonopartis provides for us are a reminder of the words of Pope Francis, “We are all sinners but God heals us with an abundance of grace, mercy and tenderness.”

May we all journey into the Heart of Christ, through an experience of Divine Mercy.

Rev. Mariusz Koch, CFR

 Available through Marian Press November 7, 2016.

The Desperation to Keep Us Silent

 

As one person said, my article in The Federalist definitely hit a nerve. I only read a few of the over 400 comments (and responded to one or two) but most of them were angry, and frankly very sad.  I was left feeling very grateful for my healing and the grace of God.

There is an obvious panic as the rank of women who have been hurt by abortion and are speaking out is growing. It has taken a long time, but as more and more of us are healed, the trumpet is getting louder calling forth those suffering in silence, to hope and healing.

Women know abortion hurts them, but they are made to feel like something is wrong with them if it does. It is insinuated that they have no right to speak out against something it took so long to get, or as they would say, "If you don’t want an abortion don’t get one".

 Just take a look at the comment section of any articles post abortive women have written. No compassion there. They are bullied, degraded, insulted, chewed up and spit out, in spite of the fact that the pro aborts want us to believe they care about all women. They have in fact, embraced all the things they sought to avoid, enslaving countless numbers of women. The "chains" of mother hood they sought to avoid because of various reasons, has enslaved women in depression, anxiety, grief, and sometimes physical damage instead.

It is true that not all women speak in public because of different circumstances. Maybe their children or other family members don’t know about the abortion, or there is still a fear of being judged, but the word is spreading and reaching more and more of those living with the devastation. Instead of denying their feelings as the pro aborts continue to do, their experiences are being legitimized and healing is taking place. They are not alone anymore.

Yes, the left loves it when we are silent. They want us to stay hidden so that their fear of others hearing the truth is then minimized.  They are afraid. They know groups like Silent No More and Operation Outcry    are changing hearts.    They attempt to counter their impact by having their own witness speak of how abortion did not bother them. They ponder the wonder of their abortion stories, trying to convince the world it was the right decision and is no big deal. I never could understand that. I would never want to be the kind of person who could abort my child and not have it bother me. I think most women agree with that. No matter what the circumstances, it is most times, a heart wrenching decision made based on the lies and misconceptions fed to us by the abortion industry.

They go to great lengths to hide the truth of abortion and refuse restrictions telling us it would put an undue burden on women. However, I would bet anyone who has had someone die from abortion would love to have restrictions and regulations.

Truth be told, they are missing the whole point. They are blind, and by their rhetoric are trying to brain wash others, but it is not working. They can have women praising abortion and it still does not diminish the pain and suffering of the millions of women who are living with abortions impact. The family and friends that would not say abortion was wrong because they did not want to judge those they knew that had them now are having a change of heart as more and more families are dealing with the fallout of mothers, fathers and even the siblings of those aborted. After over 40 years of legal abortion the conflict is still as strong as ever.

Contrary to what pro aborts may think, this is not a contest to see who can get more people on their side, or shout the loudest or bully the best. It is about the truth. Yes, they want to silence us, because in their hearts they know we are speaking the truth and that countless numbers of women are out there hearing our messages who also know because of their own experiences.

No, we aren’t afraid of you and you will not silence us any longer. We may be ignored by the media, or you may try to make it seem like we are the ones who are crazy, but it will not work anymore. This is about the truth of abortion which kills babies and hurts women, and in case you have not heard, the truth always sets us free.

My Two Cents

Here is an article I wrote after the last presidential debate that was published in The Federalist today.

As much as we have progressed over the years, (and we have), I always end up feeling we are still in many ways separating the mother from the baby. Hillary spoke to women in that debate, Trump spoke of the babies. How powerful would it be if he had spoken of the babies as well as the harm abortion has done to women, this way reaching out to that base that is suffering in silence and their families.

Anyway, just my two cents....

Hillary Needs To Meet More Women Who Have Had Late-Term Abortions

Many of the suffering sat on their couches during the presidential debate waiting for a word spoken to them. Sadly, not one was heard.

October 24, 2016 By Theresa Bonopartis

“Trump did great. He is going to appoint pro-life Supreme Court justices.” “Hillary spoke to women.” These were sentiments voiced on social media following the latest presidential debate’s exchange on abortion, but as I sat watching, I felt angry and frustrated. The soundbites were filled with the usual lies and certainly missed opportunities. Although Hillary Clinton may have been speaking to women, she certainly did not speak to all women.

I am a post-abortive woman. I minister to women suffering from a past abortion. Our small program serves about 200 new women every year who seek help from the devastation of a past abortion. Most have suffered in silence, alone, because they do not want anyone to know of their abortion. Many of the suffering sat on their couches during the debate waiting for a word spoken to them. Sadly, not one was heard.

the rest i s here

Prayerful Remembrance

Looking for something to do in your community ? Check out an "Afternoon of Prayerful Remembrance and Intercession." A way for everyone to join together in prayer , petition and healing from the scourge of abortion.

 

Review from October 2016:

Theresa as others have noted in their reviews….all of our Bethesda family, affiliates, retreat attendees, priests and seminarians were deeply moved by the most beautiful Inspired “Afternoon of Prayer and Intercession”. On my part, the residual graces continue to flow into my spirit and the joy of having shared and received this gift

Through you remains a treasure to me and to us all. Thank YOU for saying “YES” to Jesus Christ and being open to the Holy Spirit. We so wish you lived closer that

These few holy hours in the presence of our Eucharistic Lord and all components of your retreat could be repeated in parishes throughout Columbus. You have been so kind and gracious to not only share with us…but travel to be with and to guide us through the journey of family healing. Thank you.

Judy Schlueter
Bethesda Healing Ministry

 

For more information contact Theresa 877 586 4621

 

 

Denying the Loss of a Sibling

“ This is Pregnancy and Infancy loss awareness month, but hardly anyone is counting our losses”  SG

Unfortunately, there is a disconnect when it comes to acknowledging the feelings often experienced by siblings of aborted babies.  As the above mentioned sibling was told when she sought to remember her aborted brother in a prayer vigil, her  loss “was intentional”, and so she could not include him in the service. This left her feeling crushed, as her loss was just as significant as those who had lost a child any other way.

It is not unusual to find this reluctance to acknowledge the dynamics surrounding siblings and abortion. In the comment section of one article I wrote on the topic, a mom who had told her children about her two abortions stated:  “ I had two abortions, one illegal and one legal..and my two born kids don’t care a bit…they love each other and don’t think they have dead brothers or sisters they have to grieve, so enough with this fake emotional stuff.”

This “fake” emotional stuff is often hidden from parents who have had abortions.  Surviving children feel a responsibility to keep the secret and support their parents for a variety of reasons. One may be to protect the parent from harm and hurt, another may be the fear of being rejected by someone you knew to protect you, but then found out participated in the death of another sibling. It is all very confusing, and they are often fearful to allow their feelings to be known.

Some parents actually feel it is not the business of other children. They are blind to the fact that it can greatly influence their lives, as it raises questions of “wantedness”, a sense of knowing someone is missing,  if their name would even be the same, or if they would they even be here if their sibling was born? Many parents tend to belittle and downplay these feelings, often boasting how their children a “fine with it”.

It is really no different than the denial of the impact of abortion on moms and dads, but, if we as a society continue to deny their pain, how can we move to understand and heal the wounds of the living children?

Siblings of aborted babies  often feel isolated and alone in their feelings  with no one to speak to about them. An experience like the one above only serves to draw them into further isolation if it happens to someone who has received no prior healing.

Thank goodness, the person mentioned above, though crushed, had been to a healing retreat and was able to process what had happened as a lack of understanding.

In the past seven years of Lumina holding “Entering Canaan” sibling retreats, women and men have participated from across the country. The need for them to unite and know they are not alone in their feelings or experiences reflects the damage abortion has done to countless siblings and the bond they may feel.

Abortion kills unborn children, but also damages women, men, siblings and countless others who come in contact with it.

Let us listen carefully to the cries of these people and prayerfully offer compassion and understanding for the losses they suffer which, through the dignity of each life, are just as valuable in the eyes of God.

Afternoon of Prayer Remembrance

Afternoon of Prayerful Remembrance & Intercession
October 23, 2016
Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend
Contact: Allison Strum
[email protected]

What is the Day of Prayerful Remembrance & Intercession?

The truth that the wounds of abortion impact each of us in our respective communities manifests itself anew and in an ever more vigorous way far beyond those directly involved in the act of abortion itself. Whether it be one’s co-worker, one’s neighbor, friend, relative, fellow parishioner, – we have all been affected by the loss of each child aborted and the often hidden suffering of their post-abortive parents.

An Afternoon of Prayerful Remembrance and Intercession (APRI) is, as its name suggests, a prayer service created in the spirit of the New Evangelization, for the entire local community. Acknowledging abortion’s universal impact through reflections and testimonies offered as part of the day, the prayer service offers the opportunity for all of us to come together in an extended period of prayer, contemplation, and intercession in the context of the Church’s Sacraments, seeking forgiveness and healing for our entire nation. This day of prayer includes an opportunity for the Sacrament of Reconciliation, a period of silent Eucharistic Adoration, and concludes with the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.

For information on how to bring the service to your diocese contact Theresa: 877 586 4621

Amazing Ana!

 

God works in mysterious ways and you never know how He is going to use you or who He will be sending your way. I am humbled and grateful to be doing this work, and for the wonderful people God sends my way. I pray daily to be doing His will and to help those He sends to the best of my ability.

Oftentimes people connect with me from my testimony which they somehow have come across in one way or another. Such was the case with  a woman from Croatia, Željkica , who was suffering from a past abortion.

We began communication, and she made plans to join us on our pilgrimage to Medjugorje last year, however, she later  she found out she was pregnant again  with a high risk pregnancy. Like is often the case, Željkica  was afraid she was being punished for her abortion. In her words:

"It was most difficult for me during my fifth pregnancy because I was alone
most of the day.I thought God will take away my unborn child and something 

will happen to my other children. I prayed a lot. 

One day I found your life story translated into the Croatian language and I felt better knowing you turned 
your tragedy into helping others. As the days gone by I was prepared to accept Gods will,but he gave me beautiful healthy girl.
After one year I went back to work but I knew I wanted another child.I got pregnant again,but I felt bad from the first day.
I decided to name my unborn girl child Ana after Jesus grandmother and I prayed to her, but I was
afraid again that God will take her away from me.

My whole pregnancy was like a dream,every day I woke up with pain in fear.I spent most of the time in
the hospital and in bed away from my family but knowing I am fighting for my child.
Your prayers  and messages,Theresa helped me a lot and my Ana was born after many difficult days.

Željkica and I forged a friendship from different continents. I pray one day we will be able to meet, and that I will get to meet Ana, and her other children. In spite of our distance, God 
brought us together. .Who can ex[plain His goodness and his desire for our healing? There is no limit to His mercy and to the way He works if it is His will.

I am grateful to God for the gift of Željkica and Ana....Jesus , we trust in you!

Dear Wormwood

HT to FB..this is perfect!

 

"My Dear Wormwood,
Be sure that the patient remains completely fixated on politics. Arguments, political gossip, and obsessing on the faults of people they have never met serves as an excellent distraction from advancing in personal virtue, character, and the things the patient can control.

Make sure to keep the patient in a constant state of angst, frustration, and general disdain towards the rest of the human race in order to avoid any kind of charity or inner peace from further developing.

Ensure the the patient continues to believe that the problem is "out there" in the "broken system" rather than recognizing there is a problem with himself.

Keep up the good work,

Uncle Screwtape. ~1942"

From "The Screwtape Letters" C.S. Lewis - 1942

The Good of a Crazy Election

All this election stuff can drive you nuts. It tests my patience, it tests my anger, it tests my compassion and forgiveness. Not easy, and I have to admit there are times when I am ashamed of myself. So,I have been making an effort to avoid the news, and just keep praying.

It is not really hard to understand how we have come to a choice such as this. Our country has been heading down the road of moral decay for years now. Between the lies, the media bias, the focus on things other than the  issues, the hypocrisy, etc etc, it is no wonder we have come to this point. What I find more puzzling is why anyone would be surprised at Trumps comments considering the sexual nature of our society. Not excusing him, but just sayin'.

I try to just keep reminding myself that God is in charge when I begin to get crazy, and whatever the outcome, trust that He has our best interests a heart. We may not like what happens, but in the end, I trust it is all for the good of souls.

That does not mean to say I do not have my moments, or the thought of a extreme pro abortion president in office who will be appointing out next Supreme Court Justices does not upset me, but I do know all I can do within my power, and after, that I need to let go and TRUST. Not in this world, but in the God who loves, and healed me. I do not doubt His love.

But, being FAR from perfect, when I heard of Joy Benar calling the women who have accused Bill Clinton of sexual abuse " tramps" I became angry. Anyone with any knowledge of sexual abuse can for sure understand the delays in time, or the fact that they kept silent. It is nothing unusual, and frankly, it is not as if he has not done it before, so it would be hard for us to believe.  What amazing me is that he has gotten a pass, and may actually be living in the White House again. How terrible it must be for those women, to live with the abuse all these years knowing your abuser is so powerful you can do nothing. Then ,when you finally get courage to go public, have someone call you a tramp. Inexcusable.

Now, Joy is known for her outrageous comments, her support of abortion and Hillary, so it was really no surprise. Still, it is just another example of the lack of compassion for women who do not hold their beliefs and stand in the way of their extreme agenda. Every time I hear them say they are for women it makes my blood boil.

Surprisingly, (and I am sure she did not expect it),  Joy got backlash (is anyone calling for her job?)for her comments, and yesterday issued an apology.

"I want to apologize," Behar said . "I never, ever intend to belittle sexual assault and the women who are victims of it ever. ... I made a joke. ... I'm sorry."

My first thoughts were not charitable as I heard myself saying , "Yeah, here is the person who shows no mercy for anyone asking for mercy." My second thought stopped me dead in my tracks..."show the mercy shown".

Now, I know that Joy Benar could care less about me excepting her apology, but I do. Not because of her, but because of the mercy I have been shown by Jesus Christ. I also pray that Joy remembers this experience the next time she is quick to condemn and judge others for their feelings or actions. Then, I thought of the apology of Trump and how, I pray he too has learned a lot during this election and his heart has been moved.

It all left me wondering if maybe, just maybe, this crazy election is a major catalyst for changing hearts. Not just Joy's or Trumps, but mine as well.

Jesus , we trust in You!