sexual abuse

Man and Woman He Created Them: A Saint Blesses Our Bodies

Before Pope Leo’s Magnificent Humanity Encyclical there was Pope John Paul II’s Man and Woman He Created Them. As someone whose boundaries were violated by a childhood coach, I have much body shame and find it next to impossible to know who I can trust. By the grace of God and with the help of 40+ years of therapy (the last two in recovery from addiction) I am “coming to believe” I can trust the Holy Spirit in me. I now have great hope in Christ that I need no longer be held captive by the shame that was inflicted in me. God gives me the spiritual discernment to be protected from the powers and principalities in the world that seek to do me harm. Within the Body of Christ, I find safety to grow in grace and live in love.

Man and Woman He Created Them: A Saint Blesses Our Bodiestonyroberts2026-06-08T09:45:20-04:00

Protect and Preserve: St. Charles Lwanga and His 21 Fellow Companions

From Franciscan Media Saint Charles Lwanga and Companions’ Story One of 22 Ugandan martyrs, Saint Charles Lwanga is the patron of youth and Catholic action in most of tropical Africa. He protected his fellow pages, aged 13 to 30, from the sexual demands of the Bagandan ruler, Mwanga, and encouraged and instructed them in the Catholic faith during their imprisonment for refusing the ruler’s demands. Saint Charles Lwanga first learned of Christ’s teachings from two retainers in the court of Chief Mawulugungu. While a catechumen, he entered the royal household as assistant to Joseph Mukaso, head of the court pages. On the night of Mukaso’s martyrdom for encouraging the African youths to resist Mwanga, Saint Charles Lwanga requested and received baptism. Imprisoned with his friends, Charles’ courage and belief in God inspired them to remain chaste and faithful. For his own unwillingness to submit to the immoral acts and his [...]

Protect and Preserve: St. Charles Lwanga and His 21 Fellow Companionstonyroberts2026-06-08T09:44:24-04:00

Sisters of the Little Way: Building a Safer Church Together

I learned some time ago of this Catholic mission headquartered in Mt. Sterling, KY. This morning I pledged my steadfast prayers and financial support. I included this note with my contribution — “I first learned of the ministry of Sisters of the Little Way from your Mary Queen Stories podcast interview. Having friends and faith family members who have been victims/survivors of clergy abuse, I know all too well what can happen when a predator infiltrates the flock. I pray God bless your holy calling — that St. Michael defend you, that the Blessed Virgin Mother Mary comfort you, and that the Spirit of Christ Jesus our Good Shepherd empower you to faithfully do your purify His beloved bride.”

Sisters of the Little Way: Building a Safer Church Togethertonyroberts2026-05-17T03:35:12-04:00