The Sacrament of Reconciliation is a Sacrament of Healing. Sin leaves ugly scars on the person who commits serious sin. These scars can be emotional and psychological with even physical effects. Most frequently people seek the help of a doctor, a psychiatrist or psychologist. A full stay in a hospital is sometimes required. Yet, the healing of that person remains incomplete. The Sacrament of Reconciliation administered within the context of prayer for healing in conjunction with the benefits of science and skills of the doctor are often enough just the right prescription. Both are God's gifts to us for healing. 

In recent years the big emphasis in "wellness" programs, even for priests, has dealt heavily on modern psychological programs, personality profile testing, exercise regimens and, yes, even Zen meditation. One would be led to believe that the priest can be "made whole" by following these practices. When we see an almost overwhelming instance of this among clergy and religious, we also see little attention given to the working of the Holy Spirit in our lives among which is the forgiveness of sins. "Receive the Holy Spirit, whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained." "Wellness" even in the priesthood is envisioned as though the priesthood were solely a physical phenomenon. When this filters down we see little emphasis on prayer and confession. 

I am certain that there are many beneficial elements in modern science and shame on the ones who ignore it, but shame, too, on those who ignore prayer, the Sacraments and the workings of the Holy Spirit, the gift of the Father. 

I would strongly recommend that anyone involved in the spiritual, physical, psychological and emotional well being of people read Chapter 38 of the Book of Sirach, the entire chapter. It begins "Hold the physician in honor, for he is essential to you, and God it was who established his profession...Give the doctor his place...He who is a sinner toward his Maker will be defiant toward the doctor." However, it also states in verse 9, "My son, when you are ill, delay not, but pray to God, who will heal you." Both are essential in seeking healing. The Sacrament of forgiveness of sins is a powerful element in the process of healing. 

What I am describing is especially true in bringing about healing after an abortion, which does leave very bad scars. I have personally witnessed a situation where a woman who had an abortion received, ten years later, extensive hospital treatment and psychiatric care to no avail. Not once did she reveal to the doctors or mention her problem even in group therapy. This person was actually catatonic. 

When this person came, our first questions were regarding her treatment and her results. She was asked whether she had told her problem to the doctors and responded negatively. We began by praying with her and then lovingly stated, "Now you will tell me your problem, won't you?" A simple "yes" was followed by, "What is it?" "I had an abortion." Then I inquired about the age of the child and was told seven months. We immediately began to instruct her and assisted her to ask forgiveness of the child, to forgive herself and most importantly to ask God's forgiveness through Sacramental Confession. In less than an hour the grace of God put the finishing touches on more than a month of hospitalization. Several weeks later she was doing fine. I haven't seen her since. 

For me, the priest, the gift of God's mercy and love, the gift of healing through prayer and the Sacrament of Reconciliation was, or as young people say it today, an awesome experience.