Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo speaks Nov. 15, 2011 on the importance of Project Rachel's post-abortion healing ministry
Posted on 11/16/2011 6:05:59 AM PST by NYer
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Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo emphasized Nov. 15 how important the Church’s post-abortion counseling ministry Project Rachel is and said that it must play a role in the New Evangelization.
“Project Rachel Ministry is at the heart of the Church’s mission at this time in her history,” Cardinal DiNardo said at the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ fall general assembly, which is being held in Baltimore Nov. 14-16.
Cardinal DiNardo, who is chairman of the bishops' pro-life committee, told the gathering that he believes Project Rachel must play a central role in the New Evangelization.
He explained that many women who have had abortions despair of ever being forgiven by God, and consider abortion an unforgiveable sin.
The Church must reach out to these discouraged women and encourage them to seek forgiveness, he said.
Vicki Thorn, founder of Project Rachel, said that the report shows the bishops’ commitment to working towards healing for those who are suffering from a past abortion.
She told CNA that the U.S. bishops worked closely with her from the time that she initially began Project Rachel in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee in 1984.
The involvement of the bishops grew as the ministry rapidly expanded, she said.
Several years ago, Thorn turned over Project Rachel’s service mark—a trademark used for services—to the bishops, who had greater resources to continue its work. The ministry is now available in more than 110 dioceses across the country.
“It really is a ministry of the Catholic Church,” she said.
In a Nov. 15 press conference highlighting the work that Project Rachel does, Cardinal DiNardo explained that abortion affects more people than just the woman who has one.
Rather, he said, the fathers who lose their children are also harmed, along with the doctors who perform abortions and the friends and family who may influence the decision.
“There are millions of women and men who struggle, often for years, with profound grief and with remorse and with guilt,” he said. Many of them also suffer trauma-related symptoms, including flashbacks, nightmares and panic attacks.
Isolated and ashamed, fearing that they can never be forgiven, “many then become trapped in despair.”
“But that is not God’s plan for us,” Cardinal DiNardo insisted.
Rather, he explained, God longs to draw humanity to his loving heart, healing and renewing all who are wounded.
Through Project Rachel the Church offers a way “out of the darkness of despair over a past sin” and into “a new life of hope, joy and peace.”
The Committee for Pro-Life activities held a one hour media conference yesterday, during which they provided testimonials on Project Rachel. It should be interesting to see if and how the media spin that information to the public.
My Knights Council supports the Boston branch. They’re a very quiet group.
Great ministry and great words from a great man.
I had the honor of driving Cardinal DiNardo from Dallas Love Field to the cathedral downtown for the ordination of two bishops. He is absolutely hillarious! Very down to earth. Easy to speak with. What an honor it was to escort him and two other bishops that day. I even got lucky and was able to attend the Mass and ceremony in the cathedral.
Thank you, Al, for sharing that personal experience. EWTN provided live coverage of the Bishop's Fall Conference and Cardinal DiNardo was front and center on this topic.
Having an opportunity to spend time with the bishop provides some insight into the individual. Shortly after Archbishop Timothy Dolan was installed in NY, he met with then Governor Paterson at the State Capitol. I was working on the governor's floor at that time and was able to see Dolan exit the meeting. After meeting with a group of reporters, he turned down the hall where I was standing. I called out to him and he immediately came over, broad smile on his face, to shake my hand. It was a quick conversation but worth the effort. Sometimes we need to remind ourselves that bishops are not celebrities; they are people like you and me, with different burdens and responsibilities. Cardinal DiNardo probably enjoyed that opportunity to relax with you and share some humor. God bless you!
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