On Saturday, May 31st, the Archdiocese of Cincinnati’s Project Rachel ministry hosted a deeply moving Day of Prayer and Healing After Abortion, welcoming six courageous women who sought to encounter the mercy and love of Christ. This was more than just a retreat; it was a space where wounds were named, grief was honored, and hope was rekindled.
The day was guided by a committed five-person team, including a hospitality coordinator, a priest, a licensed mental health counselor, and a witness who shared her own story of healing after abortion. The structure of the retreat offered participants not only safety and support, but also a spiritual invitation to rest in God’s love.
Throughout the day, participants entered into prayerful meditations on the nature of God’s mercy, had the opportunity to share their stories, and spend time with God and their children. There was space to grieve, space to be heard, and above all, space to encounter the Divine Physician who comes not to condemn but to heal.
The women who attended received not only spiritual nourishment, but also sacramental grace. The day included Eucharistic adoration, the sacrament of reconciliation, and the holy sacrifice of the Mass. In these sacred moments, burdens were laid down and hearts began to open, perhaps for the first time in many years.
None of this would have been possible without our strong foundation of prayer support. Behind the scenes a team of intercessors signed up to hold individual Holy Hours during every hour the retreat was in session. Additionally, several parishes donated handmade prayer shawls which were gifted to each woman at the beginning of the retreat. These shawls were more than simple keepsakes. They were physical reminders that the body of Christ was praying with and for our retreatants, wrapping them in warmth, love, and spiritual solidarity.
This day was successful not because of any human strategy or perfect planning, but because of Christ who desires that we all be healed and brought ever closer to perfect communion with Him. It is in this spirit that we surrendered this good work to Jesus, asking Him to “make all things new” (Rev 21:5).
This retreat stood as a tangible marker along the journey of healing. Seeds of hope were planted and positive steps were taken in an effort to dedicate our futures to the God of second chances. We connected with those who understood our burden, and we rested securely in our identities as beloved children who can never be separated from the love of God.
Project Rachel is committed to walking with those wounded by abortion. We look forward to offering more one-day retreats, as well as support groups, spiritual accompaniment, mental health counseling, and weekend retreats in order to serve all persons affected by the aftermath of abortion. Let this retreat be a sign of hope, for those who came, for those still waiting to come, and for all of us who know that God’s mercy is real, healing is possible, and the Church is home to all those who seek peace.
If you or someone you know is carrying the hidden grief of abortion, please know you are not alone. The Church is not here to judge you but to walk with you. Christ’s mercy is deeper than your wounds, and His love is stronger than your silence. Reach out to Project Rachel via our confidential help line at 513-784-0531 or by emailing us at [email protected] or by going to ProjectRachelOhio.org.
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