In a recent statement regarding abortion, Pope Francis conceded "to all priests for the Jubilee Year the discretion to absolve of the sin of abortion those who have procured it and who, with contrite hearts, seek forgiveness for it." Priests in the Diocese of Charleston have long been delegated this authority by the bishop so those absolutions were completely valid. Our parish priests have and will continue to offer God's mercy to those contrite hearts who seek His forgiveness for the sin of abortion.
The pope's statement has provided yet another way to open the door of mercy to those who are truly repentant but feel their sin is beyond forgiveness. As we know from the Gospel, Our Lord is waiting like the father in the parable of the prodigal son, for his child to come home rejoicing upon their return.
If you have been waiting to seek forgiveness for your involvement in abortion, now is the time to seek the sacrament of reconciliation. Our Heavenly Father waits for you with open arms and an open heart.
The Diocese has Project Rachel, a post abortion ministry, which offers a Rachel's Vineyard Retreat to help heal the hurts that abortion has caused you or a loved one. For more information, contact
graceforhealing@gmail.com or visit the national website
www.rachelsvineyard.org or call
877 HOPE 4 ME
(877-467-3463
).
Note: In countries where abortion is extremely rare, bishops may not have delegated the forgiveness of abortion to every priest. Pope Francis' permission affects those countries.