Obviously something didn’t stick.
Since there is no way that anyone reading your posts can tell whether the fault lies with the priest or the “Catholic” parishioner—or both—then, as a Catholic I say that if these friends continue to believe in abortion, they are NOT Catholic. As for the priest-—who knows what he actually said to them, if they don’t divulge it.
Truth is truth-—and the truth is that they cannot be for abortion and remain Catholic. If they believe otherwise they are being deceived by the Evil One.
I know what you are saying. I can tell you this particular priest, since I have narrowed it down to one person, is very good to her and has been a great comfort to her and he has told her she has been forgiven as all sinners are when they repent. I understand your point about if she still believes in abortion. She herself would never have another one she says. And wishes she never had. But she would not make the choice for anyone else. It has taken her years to come to a peaceful place..or anywhere near a peaceful place and enable her to live with this. I have known her for almost 30 years and I can tell you this weighed heavy on her heart for those years.