Last weekend I travelled to Auckland, and I had the privilege of being the priest at Rachel's Vineyard retreat, which is for women who have had abortions, their partners or concerned family members. Today's secular society often sees abortion as a normal way to get rid of an unwanted baby. Only last night a close friend told me how an expectant mother was shocked when she went to get an ultrasound to determine the gender of her soon to be born baby. The GP told her that if the gender was not what she wanted, she could have an abortion. She now has a second much-loved baby girl.
But there are many women who suffer for years with the memory of an abortion, which causes deep grieving and guilt and a traumatic feeling of loss. It is for these people that Rachel's Vineyard offers an opportunity for compassion, understanding and healing.
A key part of the retreat is the telling of the stories that have so affected the lives of the participants. Response comes in the form of living scripture exercises where gospel readings are re-enacted, helping all to experience the reality of Jesus in an intimate way and responding to him. Then follow a number of rituals with symbols that touch the heart. The sacrament of Reconciliation is available for those who wish, and the retreat ends with Mass, where the presence of all the unborn babies with God in heaven is celebrated.
I came from the retreat with two deep impressions. One was that we can never really know people unless they have the courage to express the feelings that they carry in the depths of their hearts. The second feeling was of gratitude for the way I saw the Holy Spirit working to bring healing to lives where there had been so much suffering. The process has begun in a most fruitful way, and I pray that it will continue to bring pardon and peace to those who truly need it.
Fr Don Hornsey lives and works in Aotearoa/New Zealand.
Related links
- Read more from the current Columban eBulletin
