I’m still advocating for survivors of sexual abuse.

In May 2019, I met with the lay president of a Catholic university, the current provincial superior nuns associated with the university, and an elderly, retired provincial superior. We discussed how a response to a complaint of abuse has a tremendous impact on a survivor’s healing process or lack thereof. I shared that the response I received in the 1980’s was anything but healing.

I felt I was heard. The retired provincial superior who once failed to respond in a healing manner stated,”If I knew then what I know today, I would have acted differently.” I was touched by her genuine sorrow, and I accepted her heartfelt apology.

That makes forgiveness a much easier choice for me.