Pro-life committee to host third Rachel's Vineyard retreat

A program in support of individuals post-abortion underway next month. Hosted by a seemingly unlikely group—the Guam Catholic Pro-Life Committee. KUAM getting a glimpse into the upcoming Rachel’s Vineyard retreat. 

The Guam Catholic Pro-Life Committee, its leaders, and advocates may disagree with abortion,  with Monsignor Ruben Espeno, CPLC spiritual director, saying, “We can overcome the evil of abortion and repair the lives of those who were destroyed by this abortion." Beyond their conviction are efforts of support for individuals post-abortion–through a retreat called Rachel’s Vineyard, posed as a specialized retreat in recovery and healing after the procedure. 

Vince Pereda is a clinical social worker and licensed mental health counselor, making up the core care team seeking to offer emotional, psychological, and spiritual support for participants–open to women and men.   “It’s a very intense group-oriented program where women, men, or anyone who has been impacted by abortion can attend this weekend to process their experience with regard to abortion. Abortion affects everybody differently; it affects women differently, it affects men differently, it affects anybody who’s associated with abortion very differently," he said.

The weekend-long retreat, asserted to be a judgment-free and safe space, will take place in an undisclosed location for confidentiality from April 12th through the 14th.  

Those identified needing access to follow-up care will be assisted by mental health professionals post-retreat.