Sacrifice

  Jim
Rhode Island,  United States
 
  My name is James Gallipeau and I live in Newport, RI. I was born to a family that was not religious and, although I was baptized and confirmed in the Catholic Church, I neither understood nor applied the Church’s teaching in my life.  I grew up a member of the “me generation.”  I was self-centered and became involved with drugs and promiscuity at an early age. As a young man, my girlfriend became pregnant, and I didn’t take responsibility as a father. Because I didn’t support her desire to have our baby, she had an abortion.

I didn't think about the abortion again until years later after my infidelity in two failed marriages hurt many lives. After my second divorce, the realization of who I had become was overwhelming. I considered taking my life but in despair I cried out to God, and He answered me. I realized that I had left God but that He had never left me. In prayer, I asked God what He wanted me to do with the rest of my life and immediately I remembered the abortion. A series of events brought me to pray outside of abortion clinics in Providence. I attended a Rachel’s Vineyard Retreat where I received hope and healing.

After 45 years away from the Church, I made a profession of faith and a good confession.  I was absolved of my sins and reconciled with Jesus Christ and His Church. There has been beautiful reconciliation also with my family and children.

Abortion teaches that we should sacrifice others to satisfy our selfish desires. That is a lie, straight from the father of lies. I have learned by experience the truth that, as our Lord said, it is more blessed to give than to receive and that we should sacrifice ourselves, our selfish desires, for the good of others.

I tell my story in the hope that those who hear it will not make my mistakes and that those who have suffered from abortion might find hope and help in it. That is why I’m Silent No More!
   
   
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