Stepping out “Go, pick up the pieces lest they be lost.” (Jn 6:12) With these words, John Cardinal O’Connor directed the Sisters of Life to a ministry of reverence for women and men who suffer following the tragedy of abortion. Since 1996, we have, with the help of Theresa Bonopartis, heeded that call through Entering Canaan: A Sacramental Journey to an Inheritance of Mercy for those Suffering Abortion. Post-traumatic suffering is the untold story of abortion. There are literally millions of women and men who, too often silently and alone, suffer some of the most serious psychological and spiritual consequences of contemporary society’s disregard for the sanctity of human life and the sacredness of human sexuality. Taking its name from the Exodus experience of the Jewish people from slavery and debasement into the Promised Land, Entering Canaan accompanies those who have suffered abortion on a Sacramental journey into the true Promised Land of the Heart of Jesus. Fundamental to this mission is the belief that each person, no matter what they have done or how they feel, is to be cherished and loved as a unique reflection of God’s love. Those who join this caravan of faith - hundreds thus far - find hope and confidence in the fact that regardless of how long their healing takes, regardless of the battles fought, won or lost, they have a community of people to whom they can turn in time of need, who will be there for them unconditionally, to help them on the way to true healing with patience and love.
Entering Canaan consists of the following:
• Beginning the Journey: Monthly Days of Prayer and Healing
• Fighting the Battles: Monthly Gatherings
• The Land of Milk and Honey: Hope and Healing Weekend Retreats
• Celebration: Special Gatherings
All retreats are led by Theresa Bonopartis and other women who have experienced both the suffering of abortion and the joy of healing in Christ; they are directed by faithful priests with a heart for those who suffer and are hosted by the Sisters of Life. They include witnesses of mercy, Scripture sharing, personal prayer and quiet time, opportunity for Sacramental Confession and the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.
UPCOMING RETREATS
Days of Prayer and Healing
Please contact: Sr. Mary Teresa, S.V. to register 718.325.9002
Hope and Healing Weekend Retreats
Please contact: Sr. Mary Teresa, S.V. to register 718.325.9002
"The process of formation and
development in the religious life has to be the process of the
clay in the hands of the potter, the Divine Potter, Who shapes
us uniquely to be filled with His Son, and yet each of us in a
different way... If God wanted every religious to be exactly
alike, then God would have created every human being exactly
alike." - John Cardinal O'Connor
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