One of my parishioners, who survived childhood incest, asked me, “How do I forgive?” I was appalled that I had no answer for her; although I talk about forgiveness, I could not say how to forgive. That question began my five-year program to learn about the process of interpersonal forgiveness and to develop my skills as a counselor.

Now one of my ministries as a Roman Catholic priest is to assist the recovery of survivors of childhood trauma and people whose marriages have fallen apart.

My degrees are in counseling psychology and Catholic Church canon law, but they are only instruments to help bring healing and justice to those who are in deep pain. In the process I also uncover more of my own pain and need for healing. Fortunately others have been there to help me with my confusion, my pain and my losses. That makes me want to share those gifts with others more than ever.