Reclaiming Our Children

Letter to Bishops from an Abortion Healing Ministry

This is a letter I felt called to write and send to Archbishop Gomez concerning the USCCB congratulatory statement to Biden. As someone who has both experienced abortion and worked with thousands of others who have also experienced it, I felt I could not stay silent in the face of what is going to be the most pro abortion administration we have ever had.

Dear Archbishop Gomez,

As we await the transition of power, if in fact Joe Biden is certified and becomes our next president, I felt in prayer a deep call to write to you and your fellow bishops.

As we know, Biden has already set in place executive orders to overturn many advances in limiting abortion which include, no moral or religious exemptions, the overturning of The Mexico City Policy, The Hyde Amendment, and the funding of Planned Parenthood just to name a few.

It is beyond devastating.

For the past twenty- five years I have been working in an organization named Entering Canaan. It is a ministry for those suffering from abortion that I co-developed and was originally published by the USCCB.  Over the years I have seen the devastation of abortion on mothers, fathers, siblings, and other family members. With over 60 million abortions in our country the negative impact on countless souls is immeasurable. I honestly do not think we would be able to survive if God allowed us to see the full devastation wrought by abortion

So it is with a heavy heart that I write this letter regarding your congratulatory statement on behalf of the USCCB to Biden. While I recognize you, as shepherds, are called to minister to all of your sheep and bring them into the flock, I felt compelled to tell you the harm your statement has had on people seeking God’s love, mercy and forgiveness for a past abortion. These are people fighting a spiritual battle every day as Satan attempts to have them despair of God’s mercy.

While I understand you want to reach out and leave an open door to everyone, the lack of admonishment is striking, as is the USCCB’s seeming support of a Biden administration considering his actions on life issues. I would like to ask some questions:

• How can we proclaim Biden as a “Catholic” who will “profess the faith” when he stands against so much of what the church holds true?
• In which ways is Biden upholding Catholic teachings on abortion, gay marriage, transgenderism, and religious liberty?

For those who have had to personally face the consequences of abortion, it’s confusing, contradictory and painful to see the church’s leaders ignore Biden’s support of unlimited abortion, especially those who have had to face the consequences of abortions lies.

How do we invite people back to the mercy and forgiveness of God if our very shepherds support a president who advocates abortion all nine months? How can people commit to the sanctity of life if our bishops support a politician who does not?

We’re not talking about a law or a policy disagreement – this is the very gift of life itself!

What do I say to the sibling mourning the loss of a brother or sister to abortion, or the father who found out too late that his child was aborted? How do I explain your stance to the women who live in silence and suffering for decades because society denies her feelings of regret?

Some prominent Catholics have argued that there are other issues to consider in a presidential candidate, but what’s more important than life itself? What could possibly take precedence over protecting innocent unborn children from slaughter?

I’ve also been told that we, as Catholics, don’t want to offend others, that we need to tread carefully lest we hurt their feelings. What about the feelings of the clergy and lay people who uphold the church’s teachings, who work tirelessly to promote the sanctity of life? What about the feelings of women and men who still suffer from the decision to abort a child?

Biden has tried to soften his stance by claiming he’s personally against abortion but doesn’t want to impose his beliefs on others, yet, he sees no problem with forcing taxpayers to fund abortion or forcing religious orders like the Little Sisters of the Poor to provide contraception and abortifacients in their insurance plans. Now we’re told the bishops have formed a committee to discuss how the Catholic Church will deal with the incoming Biden administration and Biden’s position on abortion and other policy issues.

Isn’t it a little late for that? The votes have been cast and counted, and now you want to discuss the anti-church positions of a candidate who was endorsed by some of your own bishops? That ship has sailed and only God knows how many lives will be lost because of it. It is heartbreaking.

I would like to close this with a personal experience. After reading your congratulatory statement to Biden, I was in turmoil for days. I was working with many who found the statement painful and so at first, I thought it was just dealing with this that made me feel as I did. Still my interior reaction seemed extreme for the situation. After days of bringing my unrest to Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament I was given the light to understand what I was feeling.

You see, I too have experienced an abortion. I was kicked out of my home as a teenager and coerced by my father to get an abortion. I saw my unborn son after the abortion, an image that is forever etched in my mind. We were betrayed and abandoned at a time when we needed love the most.

With Biden threatening to once again fund abortion with taxpayer dollars and remove restrictions, all those feelings from my abortion came back. Your statement, sadly, felt like another betrayal and abandonment. Thanks be to God I am in a place where I can rebuke those attacks of Satan because I know God’s love, forgiveness, and mercy.

I would never leave the church. My faith is not in men but in Jesus Christ. However, many people we work with are not in that place yet and are struggling with staying in a church that supports the potentially most pro-abortion president in history.

I also recognize we need to pray for Biden, but I could never accept his actions or say he “professes the Catholic faith,” nor do I believe Jesus would. As He said, “Go and sin no more” (Jn 8:11).

Our faith proclaims the dignity of every human life. It is the beauty of all we are, to treasure each person as Christ does. I ask you: how can we say this is true if you our bishops congratulate a person who sanctions abortion all nine months? How can those we serve respect or believe anything we say?

I recognize that not every bishop was on board with this statement and I am eternally grateful to those who took a stand for the truth. I pray for the clergy everyday knowing how difficult it is to be the face of Christ in the world, but I also know He provides the grace if we are open to it.

One good has come out of this for me. Although I recognize writing this letter may launch me into a million attacks and fears, I truly trust in the mercy and forgiveness of Jesus, the love of God and the protection of Our Lady, who has led me to her Son who is Mercy Himself.

Respectfully,

Theresa Bonopartis
www.enteringcanaan.com
[email protected]

Living in the Heart of Jesus: Entering Canaan

 

Thanksgiving Proclamation

I always feel compelled to post Lincoln's Thanksgiving Proclamation each year. God's mercy is the same in all generations...may we all remember to thank Him for many blessings we have, especially for the gift of the mercy which he has shown us.

 

Thanksgiving Proclamation

by the President of the United States of America

The year that is drawing toward its close has been filled with the blessings of fruitful years and healthful skies. To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the Source from which they come, others have been added which are of so extraordinary a nature that they can not fail to penetrate and soften even the heart which is habitually insensible to the ever-watchful providence of Almighty God.

In the midst of a civil war of unequaled magnitude and severity, which has sometimes seemed to foreign states to invite and to provoke their aggression, peace has been preserved with all nations, order has been maintained, the laws have been respected and obeyed, and harmony has prevailed everywhere, except in the theater of military conflict, while that theater has been greatly contracted by the advancing armies and navies of the Union.

Needful diversions of wealth and of strength from the field of peaceful industry to the national defense have not arrested the plow, the shuttle, or the ship; the ax has enlarged the borders of our settlements, and the mines, as well of iron and coal as of the precious metals, have yielded even more abundantly than theretofore. Population has steadily increased notwithstanding the waste that has been made in the camp, the siege, and the battlefield, and the country, rejoicing in the consciousness of augmented strength and vigor, is permitted to expect continuance of years with large increase of freedom.

No human counsel hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy.

It has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, reverently, and gratefully acknowledged, as with one heart and one voice, by the whole American people. I do therefore invite my fellow-citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next as a day of thanksgiving and praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the heavens. And I recommend to them that while offering up the ascriptions justly due to Him for such singular deliverances and blessings they do also, with humble penitence for our national perverseness and disobedience, commend to His tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners, or sufferers in the lamentable civil strife in which we are unavoidably engaged, and fervently implore the interposition of the Almighty Hand to heal the wounds of the nation and to restore it, as soon as may be consistent with the Divine purposes, to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquility, and union.

In testimony wherof I have herunto set my hand and caused the seal of the United States to be affixed.

[Signed]
A. Lincoln

Meditation from Holy Hour

Wanted to share this short meditation from Holy Hour regarding our children in heaven.

 

Beware of Satan’s Ugly Head

No one can deny that these are tough times. It seems Satan is ruling the world. No matter where you look, he is scheming and plotting to keep souls from salvation.

It is hard enough when it comes from the outside world, with demise of morals and values, abortion enshrined, gay marriage, etc. but it cuts even deeper when we see what is happening in the church. It is heartbreaking.

Lately so many I know have been saying they are going to leave the church. I understand the hurt, and the confusion. Sometimes it is hard to know what exactly she stands for. It seems she has embraced secularism.  I understand the distress when it comes to the sexual abuse, the McCarrick report and yes, even seeming lack of courage in standing up for the unborn or speaking out about gay marriage or the problem within the church.

The thing that comes to mind for me is “Lord, where would I go?” So, I just want to say to those struggling, do not leave the church because of the sins and failings of others. Now is the time to stand at the foot of the cross with Mary comforting Jesus. Imagine how He feels. If we think we are seeing a lot, it is nothing compared to what He suffers, even from the sins we ourselves have committed.

It’s hard for sure. If it were not for the Sacraments, I would probably be saying the same thing, but I am not going to leave Jesus. I am also not going to leave the many good priests who sacrifice so much for us and speak the truth of the faith. I am sure they are suffering greatly. Instead, I am going to pray all the more for them and for the church and for us. I am going to trust, by His grace, despite what anything may look like, because I know Jesus and I believe in Him.

Satan is relentless in these times of turmoil on so many fronts, but Jesus has already won the victory. Keep your eyes on Him.

Entering Canaan Mercy Retreat

The journey to Canaan continues all of our lives until we are united with Jesus and our children in heaven.

In the Entering Canaan Ministry, once each year, a “Mercy Retreat” takes place. It is a time  for deeper healing, to refresh and renew ourselves in the Lord. Each years retreat carries with it a different theme, and is open to all those who have gone through healing from Entering Canaan as well as other ministries. The retreat is an opportunity to spend time with Our Lord, and deepen our  faith through conferences, adoration, and the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.

While abortion continues to be addressed, the focus is on growing spiritually in a relationship with God, not only in regard to abortion, but in all areas of our lives. A new retreat is written each year, and women from the ministry share in giving the conferences along with the priest who is the Spiritual Director for the weekend.

The following is a reflection from  a participant in this years "Entering Canaan" Mercy Retreat the weekend of November 7th in the Diocese of Arlington VA

Open Wide the Door to Christ

I recently attended a yearly renewal retreat which I have been doing since my first abortion healing retreat several years ago. I realize that healing is ongoing and to continue to grow in my faith is essential in that process. Each retreat has not only helped me discover who I am (a beloved daughter) but where I long to be.

My journey is one of stumbling and falling, opening some doors and closing others, learning to trust and abandon myself completely to God's will, and to discover our Mother and falling in love with her Son. This year the theme of our "Entering Canaan" Mercy Renewal Retreat was "Open Wide the door to Christ."

During this silent retreat we were called to entrust our life and healing to Him. Silence being the most critical component as it gives the opportunity to turn off the noise and distractions of the world. The silence then allows me to enter into the mystery that is God and to hear His voice. During the weekend I was reminded that I am dependent o God and being dependent, I become open to His love and mercy. Bringing my heart to Christ, I invite Him to help me. I reach for His hand and allow Him to walk with me in my journey.

Yes, I will stumble and fall along the way, but I cannot give in to discouragement and despair. The enemy is always lurking around the corner waiting to whisper in my ear that I am not worthy, he likes when I struggle in my sinfulness and abandon the thought of mercy. But it is in that moment of acknowledgment of my sins that I open myself to God's mercy and allow Him to look upon me with His love.

I walked in to the retreat with my mind cluttered with the craziness of life, and walked out refreshed and rejuvenated alive in the Spirit and love of God! -Andre Pearson Mev

 

 

We Have a Father Forever

It is so often the case in healing from abortion, that many do not have the experience of a Father's love.  This can make it difficult to trust in the unconditional love of God the Father and the fact that He longs to offer His healing and forgiveness.

 Here is the Pcoco a Poco Podcast of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal on the Father's love.

We have a Father (forever!!): The Foundation and Fullness of the Good News

In this week's episode we talk about the reality of our heavenly Father. The God of heaven and earth is passionately pursuing you right now. No matter how close you are to him, he is knocking on the door of your heart, asking to come in and meet with you once again. He’s not knocking just to fix you. He’s not knocking just to make you do something for him. He simply wants to meet with you. He simply wants to love you.

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/we-have-father-forever-foundation-fullness-good-news/id1508820894

Walk of Faith in Healing

“I have fought a battle with the spirits of darkness over one soul. How terribly Satan hates God’s mercy! I see how he opposes this whole work!” (Diary 812)

 

Suppose someone told you that it is a matter of life or death that you must walk through a tunnel of darkness in order to come to the light of life on the other side. The only other option would be to live in pain and destruction with no escape.
No one you could see or feel could walk through it with you, but you are promised this person would be at your disposal. You would be able to speak to them and they would help you combat any obstacles you may face. It would take a lot of trust in that persons love and care for your welfare to begin the journey. Maybe you do not know that person well, perhaps, you’ve heard of them in a superficial way and know that they have aided others, but you have no personal relationship with them.

So, how do you trust? One step at a time. As you slowly move through and learn, through each step, that the person can be trusted, you begin to trust more to take the next step and the next. Soon, even though walking through danger, you come to believe you will, with the help of that person come out of the other side safely.

Walking in a tunnel of darkness is a difficult thing for anyone. Our senses are off balance and we have no control over our fate. Every step is full of fear. We are afraid of imminent danger. We don’t know what is before us. We imagine all the possibilities we are most afraid of creeping up on us and destroying us. There may be something ahead that causes us to fall, or more frightening there may be ghosts of our past lurking in the distance waiting to do us harm.

This walk is especially difficult for those post abortive that have oftentimes experienced complete isolation and abandonment. It takes a courage found out of desperation, a belief that it is worth the risk to come to the end of the pain. A trust in the merciful love of Jesus Christ our Savior and guide through the journey.

It is frightening, but what is the choice? Do we proceed, or do we choose to live out our lives in pain and the agony we have been experiencing? To do so would be to live our lives without love. Take a risk, one step at a time…He will not abandon you!

“The Lord is good and his faithfulness never abandons us because he is always ready to sustain us with his merciful love. With this confidence, the psalmist yields to God's embrace: “Learn to savor how good the Lord is,” Pope John Paul II (General Audience, January 8, 2003)

Excerpt from "A Journey to Healing Through Divine Mercy" 

He wants You!

When I feel hurried, or distracted, or too much demand from "out there", I remind myself of this quote from the beautiful Eucharistic meditation book, "Amazing Nearness" by Tadeusz Dajczer.

  "St Augustine’s purification was severe. Hippo, into which he had put so much loving effort, had collapsed. What had taken years to build was destroyed...such was the fate of one of the greatest saints and church fathers". (pg37) "Humanly speaking, everything was destroyed. Yet, God never looses; maybe the destruction of Hippo was necessary so St Augustine would find deeper union with God. Christ did not shed His Precious Blood for Hippo, He did it for His beloved Augustine."

I pray I always remember the true meaning for it all, union with God who died for my sins. Who does not want my good works, but wants me. Who purifies me sometimes very painfully, because I begin to stray without even knowing it. Who desires me to belong totally to Him and never lose sight of why I began doing this work, to bring others to Him through  His mercy and love.

"Lord, may I each day, keep my eyes on You no matter what others ask of me. May I prayerfully consider each thing I do making sure it is not my will or another's but Yours. I thank you for the grace of my healing and my experience of you that night long ago, which sustains me and gives the courage to continue.  Jesus, I trust in You!"  Amen

Remembering Joshua – The Gift of Our Faith

When I was a teenager I was pressured into an abortion by my dad.  Having hidden my pregnancy for over 4 months my baby was fully formed by the time I underwent a 2nd trimester saline abortion, alone in a hospital room.

With no information about my baby’s development or what I was going to go through, I spent hours in labor before giving birth to a burnt dead baby boy lying in the bed next to me. To say it was a life altering experience is an understatement. My life was taken away with that of my son. I will always remember looking down at him, seeing his tiny fingers and toes, and wondering how in the world it was possible to do something like this.

I don’t know why, but I named my son Joshua. It just seemed fitting, that even though I participated in his death, I should name him. My relationship with Joshua, however, was anything but peaceful. Just the thought of him caused me to become overwhelmed with terror. Every reminder condemned me to hell, and I would have visions of him accusing me before God, pointing his finger at me as he pointed out who was responsible for his death. Having done post abortion work for years now, I know that is the experience of countless women and men. There is a terror that exists at the thought of forming a relationship with their unborn children.

I am not sure when this changed for me; although I know it was once I knew the love of God. It made sense that if my child was “living in the Lord” (The Gospel of Life; John Paul II), he would desire my salvation, and instead of condemning me would be praying for my conversion.

Little by little I forged a relationship with him through prayer. It took time to develop and overcome the guilt and shame, but I knew inside I needed to repair the relationship. I needed to allow myself to love my son and for him to love me in spite of my human feelings of being unforgivable. Most importantly, I knew that was God's desire.

In time, I learned to meet Joshua in the Blessed Sacrament where Jesus united us through His body and blood. Joshua soon became as alive as my sons here on earth.

Years later, God showed his their guidance in my work. Having developed a post abortion ministry with The Sisters of Life, we were praying for a name for it. Before the Blessed Sacrament one day, I felt Jesus telling me “Entering Canaan” would be the name. As I went home and read the story of the Israelites journey into Canaan, The Promised Land, I recognized the parallels to healing from abortion, but most striking was that they reached the Promised Land in the book of Joshua.

I know Joshua is leading many into Canaan these days. I know he has an army of aborted babies up in heaven interceding for their parents healing. We are united in our work and each day I still share my heart with him and Jesus in my daily communion praying for those who come to us.

Now, I never remember Joshua as that dead baby lying in the bed next to me, but as a soul living in the Lord who taught me what true love is.

A living soul totally united to Christ, interceding for me. An advocate before the throne. A gift of our faith. Through my worst sin, I have come to know God and He has shown me His unfathomable mercy. No one can take that away.