Resources for Healing

Below are resources that have helped me in my journey of healing from sexual abuse and struggles with mental illness. Do not be afraid to to let Christ fill the cracks in your heart!

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“Pain and suffering have come into your life, but remember pain, sorrow, suffering are but the kiss of Jesus — a sign that you have come so close to Him that He can kiss you.”

St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta

Books and Other Writings

My Peace I Give You: Healing Sexual Wounds with the Help of the Saints

by Dawn Eden

Heaven’s Song: Sexual Love as it was Meant to Be

by Christopher West

The Catholic Guide to Depression: How the Saints, the Sacraments, and Psychiatry Can Help You Break its Grip and Find Happiness Again.

by Aaron Kheriaty MD

Apostolic Exhortation Familiaris Consortio

by Pope John Paul II

Consoling the Heart of Jesus: A Do-It-Yourself Retreat- Inspired by the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius 

by Fr. Michael Gaitley MIC

Emotional Virtue: A Guide to Drama-Free Relationships

by Sarah Swafford

Forgiveness: A Catholic Approach

by R. Scott Hurd

Be Healed: A Guide to Encountering the Powerful Love of Jesus in Your Life

by Dr. Bob Schuchts

33 Days to Morning Glory: A Do-It-Yourself Retreat Preparation for Marian Consecration

by Fr. Michael Gaitley MIC


Helpful Prayers

The Litany of Humility

O Jesus! meek and humble of heart, Hear me.
From the desire of being esteemed,
Deliver me, Jesus. (repeat after each line)
From the desire of being loved,
From the desire of being extolled,
From the desire of being honored,
From the desire of being praised,
From the desire of being preferred to others,
From the desire of being consulted,
From the desire of being approved,
From the fear of being humiliated,
From the fear of being despised,
From the fear of suffering rebukes,
From the fear of being calumniated,
From the fear of being forgotten,
From the fear of being ridiculed,
From the fear of being wronged,
From the fear of being suspected,
That others may be loved more than I,
Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it. (repeat after each line)
That others may be esteemed more than I ,
That, in the opinion of the world,
others may increase and I may decrease,
That others may be chosen and I set aside,
That others may be praised and I unnoticed,
That others may be preferred to me in everything,
That others may become holier than I, provided that I may become as holy as I should,

by Merry Cardinal del Val, secretary of state to Pope Saint Pius X from the prayer book for Jesuits, 1963

Daily Recitation of the Divine Mercy Chaplet

How to pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet: https://www.thedivinemercy.org/message/devotions/pray-the-chaplet

The Anima Christi

Soul of Christ, sanctify me. Body of Christ, save me. Blood of Christ, inebriate me. Water from the side of Christ, wash me. Passion of Christ, strengthen me. O good Jesus, hear me. Within Thy wounds hide me. Separated from Thee let me never be. From the malignant enemy, defend me. At the hour of death, call me. And close to Thee bid me. That with Thy saints I may be Praising Thee, forever and ever. Amen.

by St. Ignatius of Loyola

Suscipe

Take, Lord, and receive all my liberty,
my memory, my understanding,
and my entire will,
All I have and call my own.

You have given all to me.
To you, Lord, I return it.

Everything is yours; do with it what you will.
Give me only your love and your grace,
that is enough for me.

by St. Ignatius of Loyola

Daily Recitation of the Most Holy Rosary

How to Pray the Rosary: https://www.dynamiccatholic.com/rosary/how-to-pray-the-rosary.html

Search for a Spiritual Director!

The experience of abuse and the effects of sin can deeply cloud the ways we receive God’s calls. Having a third party assist me in my own discernment was a necessary part of my healing journey and continues to be.

For more information on spiritual direction: https://spiritualdirection.com/

Photo by Kat Jayne on Pexels.com

Other

  • Start your healing process. If you have been a victim of sexual abuse contact your local police department to file a report– If the abuse occurred within the Church, also file a report with the diocese it took place in and ask if there is a victim assistance coordinator. Inquire about diocesan support groups. YOU ARE NOT ALONE!
  • The National Sexual Assault Hot Line (800) 656-HOPE

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