CV NEWS FEED // In His deep mercy and love, God remains willing to forgive any sin that a person repents of, the chair of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Pro-Life Activities said in a Jan. 13 statement regarding the upcoming anniversary of Roe v. Wade.
Bishop Daniel E. Thomas of the Diocese of Toledo emphasized in the message that abortion not only harms society long-term, but more acutely harms families and individuals. He noted that some parents are pressured or coerced into abortion, and others “may feel they have no choice except abortion.”
“No matter the circumstances of the abortion, we must recognize the often-silent grief of parents for their child and their despair of being worthy of the love and forgiveness of God and others,” Bishop Thomas said.
“To the parents of children who have died by abortion, I am deeply sorry for your loss. Know that our Lord loves you as His daughters and sons no matter your actions,” he continued. “No sin is beyond His unfathomable Mercy. Jesus greatly desires our repentant hearts and invites us into an encounter with Him. For Catholics, the Sacrament of Reconciliation is always available for those seeking God’s forgiveness, hope, and peace.”
On the Jan. 22 anniversary of Roe v. Wade, the landmark case that led to the legalization of abortion nationwide, Bishop Thomas said he will fast and do penance with Catholics throughout the United States.
The U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe on June 24, 2022, immediately restoring pro-life protections in several states. However, abortion is still legal in many states across the nation. Bishop Thomas pointed out that there is still more pro-life work to be done.
“As we prayerfully continue the essential work of restoring full legal protection of all preborn children and supporting parents facing difficult pregnancies,” he said, “we also recognize our need for asking forgiveness and healing from the Lord for when we have given in to the culture of death.”
Bishop Thomas called for the faithful to pray for those suffering from wounds caused by abortion.
This year the Catholic Church is celebrating a Jubilee bearing the theme “Pilgrims of Hope.” Noting the significance of this, Bishop Thomas quoted Pope Francis, who invited everyone this year to encounter God’s charity, which “awakens in hearts the sure hope of salvation in Christ.”
Jesus Christ is the source of hope, which is offered to all who repent, including those who have turned from their involvement in abortion, Bishop Thomas said.
“Hope allows those who have been involved in abortion to turn to God and repent, confident that He will forgive,” the bishop said, “and make them whole.”
Confidential resources for help after abortion are available here.
