WASHINGTON, Sept. 1, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Cardinal
Seán P. O'Malley, OFM Cap., archbishop of Boston and chairman of the Committee on
Pro-Life Activities of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops
(USCCB), responded September 1 to
Pope Francis' letter allowing all priests worldwide "to
absolve of the sin of abortion those who have procured it and who,
with contrite heart, seek forgiveness for it."
"Recognizing the seriousness of the sin of abortion and the
implications this can have for those involved, Pope Francis is
making particular outreach to women, noting that many women were
under great pressure and felt that they had no choice," Cardinal
O'Malley said.
"For many years in the United
States, including in the Archdiocese of Boston, diocesan bishops have granted their
priests the faculty to absolve the sin of abortion. As part of the
outreach of the Year of Mercy, the Holy Father will now grant all
priests worldwide the faculty," Cardinal O'Malley said.
Cardinal O'Malley referred those in need of healing to the
Project Rachel post-abortion ministry website, saying, "My hope and
prayer is that all those carrying the burden of an experience of
abortion would turn to the Church and her sacraments and experience
the Lord's mercy and love."
The full text of his response follows:
Pope Francis has given the Church and the world a great gift in
his announcement of Jubilee Year of Mercy that will begin
December 8, the Solemnity of the
Immaculate Conception, continuing through to the Solemnity of
Christ the King in November of 2016.
The Holy Father today shared that there will be many occasions
for the faithful to experience the graces of the Year of Mercy,
including those who are confined at home or at a medical facility
and those who are incarcerated.
Recognizing the seriousness of the sin of abortion and the
implications this can have for those involved, Pope Francis is
making particular outreach to women, noting that many women were
under great pressure and felt that they had no choice. Under the
provisions of canon law, absolution of certain serious sins,
including abortion, was reserved to the diocesan bishop. For
many years in the United States,
including in the Archdiocese of Boston, diocesan bishops have granted their
priests the faculty to absolve the sin of abortion. As part of the
outreach of the Year of Mercy, the Holy Father will now grant all
priests worldwide the faculty "to absolve of the sin of abortion
those who have procured it and who, with contrite heart, seek
forgiveness for it." His words acknowledge the reality of
God's abiding mercy in the Sacrament of Penance, and that God
welcomes all with open arms.
My hope and prayer is that all those carrying the burden of an
experience of abortion would turn to the Church and her sacraments
and experience the Lord's mercy and love. Wherever a person might
be in their healing journey, please know that in the Archdiocese of
Boston and most dioceses in
the United States, Project Rachel
and other post-abortion healing ministries offer a compassionate
and understanding pathway to renewal. To find the nearest diocesan
healing ministry, go to the 'Find Help' map at
www.hopeafterabortion.com or www.esperanzaposaborto.com.
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SOURCE U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops