For over fifteen years, Lumina has been hosting “Entering Canaan” retreat days for men who are suffering because of a past abortion. Both Father Mariusz Koch, CFR, and I, have been truly humbled by their honesty, and moved by their willingness to share this deep sorrow they experienced through the loss of their children by abortion.
The decision to begin retreat days specifically for men came after seeing a need to give them a safe place where they could share all the dynamics they experienced without fear of hurting someone more (like the post abortive women). At the retreats they have the freedom to speak about the behaviors and feelings they are struggling with, with other men who understand.
All too often men get lost in the middle of this debate and it is only recently that more and more attention is being paid to the impact abortion has had on men. While it is good and necessary to bring men and women together at some point in the healing process, we have found that having their own place has been very beneficial to those we serve.
Some argue it is good for the women to hear the men, and so it may be, but as good as that may be, they are present for their own healing .
I am so proud of the men who have come to the retreats. They are reclaiming their fatherhood and not buying into the claims that they have no rights. They are courageously acknowledging ways in which they failed, or perhaps working to forgive those who took the choice of fatherhood away from them. Others are coming to gain an understanding of post abortion so that they can help a spouse or girlfriend who is suffering from a past abortion.
Men have just as much of a right to their children as women do. Some may have been selfish in the abortion decision , some may not have been given the opportunity to have their child, but all deserve to come to know the love and forgiveness of Christ who is Mercy Himself.
This coming November, we have two opportunities for men. November 3rd, in Paterson, NJ and November 10th in Stratford,CT. Please spread the word.
May we pray that all fathers of children of aborted babies feel the love of their children through the unconditional love of Christ who longs for their healing.
