A Message to Women

A special word from Saint Pope John Paul II to women who have had an abortion:

The Church is aware of the many factors which may have influenced your decision and she does not doubt that in many cases it was a painful and even shattering decision. The wound in your heart may not yet have healed. Certainly what happened was and remains terribly wrong. But do not give in to discouragement and do not lose hope. Try rather to understand what happened and face it honestly. If you have not already done so, give yourselves over with humility and trust in repentance. The Father of mercies is ready to give you his forgiveness and his peace in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. You will come to understand that nothing is definitively lost and you will also be able to ask forgiveness from your child, who is now living in the Lord. With the friendly and expert help and advice of other people, and as a result of your own painful experience, you can be among the most eloquent defenders of everyone's right to life. Through your commitment to life, whether by accepting the birth of other children or by welcoming and caring for those most in need of somone to be close to them, you will become promoters of a new way of looking at human life.

Encyclical Letter The Gospel of Life
Evangelium Vitae #99

Burden of Silence

With the loss of a child from the womb, grief naturally follows. Yet ofen times the mother and father are not allowed to express this sadness and loss. A death not properly grieved leads to much pain and can show itself in depression and other psychological symptoms. When society devalues the life of the unborn, it makes this pain common among parents who have lost children to miscarriage or abortion. Time does not necessarily heal the pain of loss, but mourning and remembering the dead can bring about healing and help in coping with death. 

Throughout our country, millions of women and men who have chosen abortion are experiencing unresolved grief. This pain often increases with time and life changes. So often those who suffer from abortion carry this alone and keep their "secret" in silence, afraid of being judged or abandoned by family and/or friends.

Abortion Support

If you or someone you know is suffering after an abortion, please reach out to the various support groups through the Toledo Diocese. The Project Rachel Ministry offers help for all who seek God's mercy, healing and love. The Joseph Ministry is a post-abortion healing ministry for men. See more support options by clicking the "Additional Resources" button below.

Inscription Request

Anyone who is suffering from the loss of an unborn baby is welcome to have the child's name inscribed on the Memorial for the Unborn. Please contact Deacon Charlie McDaniel, Cemetery Director to request an inscription: mcdaniel@saintroseonline.org  |  419-874-4559 ext. 212