By Sr. Paula Byun, Korea (Province of Northeast Asia)
This October, our sisters in Korea marked the 15th anniversary of the Post-Abortion Reconciliation Retreat. Rooted in the motto “One person is more precious than the whole world,” the retreat has been a place of healing and reconciliation for women carrying the burden of guilt and pain after abortion.
The retreat began in May 2010 through TeenSTAR Korea Korea (Sexuality Teaching in the context of Adult Responsibility), under the leadership of Sr. Mary Jean Bae. Listening to the stories of women wounded by abortion inspired Sr. Stella Rhee to design this program of reconciliation. The first retreat was launched thanks to TeenSTAR Korea receiving seed funding from The Mystery of Life Awards, which encourages academic research that promotes the value of life and supports activities aimed at protecting it. Since then, thanks to benefactors and life-centered organizations, the program has continued to be offered free of charge.
Over the past 15 years, the retreat has welcomed women of all ages, backgrounds, and life experiences. As of October 2025, 122 retreats have been held, with more than 1,000 participants. In sharing their grief for the babies they could not protect, women have found solidarity, understanding, and new hope. Many testify to becoming renewed bearers of life through this journey.
The program, first led by Sr. Stella Rhee, is now directed by Sr. Paula Byun, with the dedicated support of partners-in-mission — Ms. Marianna Yong (since 2016) and Ms. Rosa Ahn (since 2023). Their presence has enriched the retreat with compassion and depth.
The retreat unfolds over three days, beginning with reflection and reconciliation with oneself, followed by a day dedicated to dialogue with the child lost and the sharing of forgiveness, and concluding with the Sacrament of Reconciliation and Mass, which lead participants into a sense of resurrection, liberation, and a renewed mission as messengers of life and love.
Our charism of reconciliation and healing as Good Shepherd Sisters shines through this ministry. It echoes Pope St. John Paul II’s Evangelium Vitae (“The Gospel of Life”), reminding us that God’s merciful love makes healing and new beginnings possible. Jesuit priests and partners-in-mission have walked alongside the sisters, enriching the program with their prayer and dedication.
At times, the question arises: “Is there a retreat for fathers who have experienced abortion?” While such a program has not yet been developed, there is hope that one day men, too, may find a space for healing and reconciliation.
