Sr Immanuel
In March of 2016 the Entering Canaan Ministry was blessed to host a pilgrimage for those who have had an abortion to Medjugorje. The way it came about was amazing. I had gone to Medjugorje by myself a few years before and met a man from Australia who happened to bepost abortive. I spoke to him about longing to bring a group of women who have had an abortion there for a pilgrimage/retreat. Not long after our return, this man donated a sum of money to make that pray come to life, and over 20 of us set out on pilgrimage . we were blessed to have both Fr Mariusz Koch, and Fr Conrad Osterhaut, of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal our spiritual directors for the trip as well as my friend Dave Reardon of Elliot Institute which does research on the harm of abortion, and was one of the first people I ever met that validated all I was feeling as a result of the abortion I had had as a teen. It truly was an amazing once in a lifetime trip that I, and all those who came, will always be grateful for.
Everyday, we would have talks and conferences on healing from abortion. One of those days Sr Emmanuel Maillard visited us. I had never met her before. It was a period of time where I was discerning if I should continue in ministry. Some things had happened that made it difficult and I was struggling and praying to clearly know His will, when Sister, who knew nothing, came up to me and said, "You are doing the will of God. Keep doing it." I will never forget that moment.
Anyway, here is a video I found where Sister speaks to those who have abortions. It is speaks to so much of what Entering Canaan says and does...she speaks about the seriousness of abortion, how abortion will cause the mother and father to suffer a lot in this life like a thorn in your heart, but that our children are not deasd but with Mary in heaven.
Mostly, I love how it speaks of us having to give our children to Mary, some thing we depict in our Entering Canaan painting...a surrender of our children to her, and her offering us her Son to love and comfort us.
God's mercy is there for the taking...may we each surrender our children and ourselves into her hands to lead us to the heart of her Son.
(hearts we left on cross mt with the names of our children)
