Friday July 27, 2012

In this week’s episode: we turn our attention to the tender subject of recovery and healing from the wounds of sexual abuse, especially those sustained in childhood. My guest, Dawn Eden, shares some of the spiritual richness she found after coming into the Catholic Church as a convert, and how the prayers, sacraments, and saints of the church offer solace and renewal for those who have suffered from sexual wounds.

Programming note: due to the sensitive nature of this topic, parental discretion is advised. While no abuse is graphically described in this conversation, we wish to protect the innocence of children who may be in earshot of the program.

This program also features some excerpts from St. Faustina’s Diary of Divine Mercy, and in particular, contains a lovely prayer of thanksgiving for the gift of grace found in the sacramental life.

This week’s segments:

“Blessed are They”: St Faustina and a reading from her Diary, Divine Mercy in My Soul

“Among Women” Guest: Dawn Eden

Links for this episode:

Catholic New Media Conference, and the related conference of Catholic Marketing Network and Catholic Writers Guild

St. M Faustina’ Diary, Divine Mercy in My Soul

Divine Mercy website

My Peace I Give You :Healing Sexual Wounds with Help of the Saints, by Dawn Eden

Pat’s review of My Peace I Give You

The Dawn Patrol, Dawn Eden’s blog

Contact information for Dawn Eden.

Pat is offering a free drawing for Dawn Eden’s book, My Peace I Give You, just send your name in before August 10, 2012 via email at amongwomenpodcast@me.com, or via the Among Women facebook page.

Here are some of the photos of the stained glass triptych that Dawn Eden describes in this episode:

The stained glass triptych found the Dalhgren Chapel of the Sacred Heart, Georgetown University.

Window 1: Jesus gives us his Sacred Heart through the Eucharist, at the Last Supper, as a permanent memorial of his approaching Passion.

Window 2: The Sacred Heart triumphs on the Cross, as Jesus gives his physical wounds “for the Life of the world” (Jn 6:15) — and in our hearts, as Jesus calls Mary to become Mother of his Mystical Body, the Church

Window 3: Through Holy Communion, the Sacred Heart in the Eucharist–the same one poured out for on the Cross –and the Sacred Heart in the Church are joined in an exchange of love. (This window depicts St. John giving Holy Communion to Mary.)

(Photos by Frank Miller, courtesy of Dawn Eden)

Other Shows of Related Interest:

AW 10: Describes the life story of St. Maria Goretti

AW 47: ”Margaret”, anonymously describes her life-long journey from being a victim of sexual abuse* to her eventual recovery and healing. She describes the four steps toward recovery: from being a victim, to being a survivor, to becoming a striver, and eventually, a thriver.

AW 79: Overcoming the Trauma of Sexual Abuse, with Dr. Theresa Burke, founder of Rachel’s Vineyard ”Margaret”, anonymously describes her life-long journey from being a victim of sexual abuse* to her eventual recovery and healing. She describes the four steps toward recovery: from being a victim, to being a survivor, to becoming a striver, and eventually, a thriver.

AW 103: When Forgiveness is Hard, with Rosario Rodriguez giving testimony on recovering from violent attacks, and forgiving one’s assailant.