Hope & Healing After Abortion

“For so long I defined myself by my abortions. It affected all my thinking. After confession and the Day of Prayer and Healing, I learned that I am defined by God’s infinite love for me.”
Eileen

God has a unique and beautiful plan of healing for you. You don’t need to suffer alone.

Abortion can leave many women and men suffering from deep guilt, shame, pain, anxiety, depression, fear, and feelings of isolation from God and others, sometimes for many years.

Experience the peace and healing that comes when you are able to share your burdens with another. We are here to meet with you, in-person or over the phone, as you walk the journey of healing. We offer a safe, confidential, and non-judgmental environment that can allow you to enter into Jesus’ healing embrace.

Nothing – absolutely nothing – is beyond the love and mercy of Jesus Christ. No sin is too big for Him, no darkness too great. Your abortion is not the end of the story.

We invite you: step into His mercy. Receive a new beginning.

Hope & Healing for Women

We are here to walk with you on your journey of healing after abortion. We offer a safe, non-judgmental, welcoming environment to encounter the mercy of the Lord Jesus.

For more information or to connect with us, contact us at:

USA & INTERNATIONAL

866-575-0075

hopeandhealing@sistersoflife.org

CONNECT WITH US

All conversations are confidential.

CANADA

416-463-2722

toronto@sistersoflife.org

CONNECT WITH US

All conversations are confidential.

ACCOMPANIMENT

Many who are suffering alone begin to experience a new peace as they are able share their burdens with another. We are available to meet with women individually in-person or over the phone as they walk the journey of healing. Accompaniment usually begins with a phone call, email, or an in-person meeting. Ongoing accompaniment is suited to each woman’s needs and may include Days of Prayer and Healing, monthly gathering, and weekend retreats.

Events and Gatherings

We host Days of Prayer and Healing, monthly gatherings, and special events. These are all opportunities to experience the loving mercy of God in a safe and sacred space.

All retreats (using the Entering Canaan retreat format) are led by the Sisters of Life and women who have experienced both the suffering of abortion and the joy of healing in Christ. The retreats are directed by faithful priests who have a sensitivity and a heart for those who suffer. They include testimonies, group sharing, personal prayer, an opportunity for Sacramental Confession, and the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.

VIEW EVENT DATES

Frequently Asked Questions

about Days of Prayer and Healing

Will I be judged for what I have done?

Absolutely not! We all deeply desire that you experience hope and are able to embrace the mercy of God.

What if I have not been to confession? Will there be an opportunity to confess my abortion(s)?

Yes, there will be priests available for confession. The priests who assist on the Days of Prayer and Healing have a heart for this mission. They are sensitive to the fear and pain you may be experiencing and simply wish to be instruments of God’s mercy. If it has been a long time since you have been to confession and have forgotten how to do so, do not fear. The priest will assist you and guide you through confession. Saint Pope John Paul II spoke to women who have had abortions and encouraged them, “If you have not already done so, give yourselves over with humility and trust to repentance. The Father of mercies is ready to give you his forgiveness and his peace in the Sacrament of Reconciliation.” (The Gospel of Life, #99)

What if I’ve had more than one abortion?

God’s mercy is infinite, and He never tires of forgiving us. Jesus said to St. Faustina, “The greater the sinner the greater right he has to my mercy.” We stake our lives on the truth that God is merciful. He is a loving Father who never rejects anyone who comes to Him.

I am not Catholic. Can I still attend a Day of Prayer and Healing?

Yes! All are welcome.

I have been to confession for my abortion(s) but I don’t feel forgiven. Is there hope for me to move beyond this?

Yes, you have cause for great hope! God can do immeasurably more than we can ask or imagine. The journey of healing normally takes time. Attending a Day of Prayer and Healing or another retreat is an opportunity to experience deeper healing. Retreats often allow the space and opportunity for profound encounters with God’s mercy.

What if I have never told anyone about my abortion? Is it confidential?

The day is completely confidential. We do not discuss the day outside of the gathering. We ask all who participate to honor this confidentiality. It is a very safe and healing environment.

Is it possible for me to find forgiveness and peace after my abortion(s)?

Peace often comes in surrendering ourselves to God’s loving care. God desires for us to experience His mercy and forgiveness. Through confession and the retreat program, it is our hope that you will find the peace you have sought. “A contrite, humbled heart, O God, you will not scorn.” (Psalm 51:19)

I am afraid I may become very emotional. Should I still come?

It is completely normal and healthy to feel deeply, to cry, and to show emotions in the context of the Day of Prayer and Healing. The days are designed so that you will feel safe and free to show emotions. You may want to speak to a Sister about this when you register.

Is there a fee for the day? Are meals provided?

There are no fees, and lunch and refreshments are provided.

How do I find out the time and location of the Day of Prayer and Healing?

The day begins at 9:30 a.m. and concludes at 5:30 p.m. Since the days are hosted at different locations, the Sister will let you know the location for the date you would like to attend.

What if I'm not ready to share my story at the Day of Prayer and Healing?

That is completely fine. There is no pressure to speak. There is much to be gained by being part of a group and listening to others.

I don’t know if a group setting is best for me. Are there other options for healing?

Every journey of healing is as unique as each individual soul. The Sisters are able to help each woman discern and discover a plan for healing. The Sisters are also available to meet individually with women or to speak over the phone on a regular basis.

After I attend a Day of Prayer and Healing will there be more opportunities for healing?

Yes, we also host monthly gatherings and other special events and opportunities. We are also available for regular follow-up phone calls and meetings.

TESTIMONIES OF HOPE

“For so long I defined myself by my abortions. It affected all my thinking. After confession and the Day of Prayer and Healing, I learned that I am defined by God’s infinite love for me.”
Eileen

“I was able to go to confession for my abortion for the first time in more than 30 years. I finally found the healing mercy of God.”
Jane

“I am no longer alone. After 29 years of silence, shame, fear, regret, and pain, I reached out. The Day of Prayer and Healing marked a new beginning in my life.”
Allison

“Once I had the courage to call, my journey of healing began. I found more peace and joy than I ever could have imagined possible. I want anyone who is suffering to know that His mercy is much bigger than our mistakes.”
Anna

“Before that first retreat, I felt lost and hopeless with the gravity of my sin, but sharing with other women who understood what I was feeling, coupled with the love from the Sisters, gave me hope that I hadn’t felt before.”
Margaret

“Hope is the assurance that He will use all for good – our pain, our suffering, our darkness, our mistakes, our fear, and anxiety. In difficult times, I imagine clinging to Him with all my strength. It has helped me to take my crucifix off the wall and hold onto it during my prayer time. He wants only good things for me and those I love.”
Xavierie

“I have learned to simply pray ‘Lord, give me the strength’ when I feel hopeless. I also tell myself that I do not have to have it all figured out because Mary knows the way to her Son’s Heart, and all I need to do is focus on holding her hand through it all.”
Rafqa

“Every time I read the promises of God in the Bible I find hope. And once I made my first ever confession at 55 years of age, I was set free, healed, and saved. Hope is very liberating.”
Maria

“I am and will always be His beloved daughter. Hope is knowing I will always have a welcome home in His Heart.”
Robin

“I found hope the day I was able to give all my broken pieces to the Lord – all the shame I had been holding onto for so many years. He replaced all those fears, doubts, and sins with His merciful love. I found hope through my children in heaven who didn’t want me to live in fear and suffering anymore. I found life in the Lord Jesus…He was with me all along.”
Patricia