“I attended an Emmaus retreat in 2016 where a speaker shared her story [about her recovery following an abortion]. Her story resonated with me, and it planted a seed and desire to seek healing. I got a call from a friend who shared with me that the Project Rachel helpline was available in Orlando and that the Rachel’s Vineyard retreats would be available in English and Spanish.

Taking that first step is the hardest part, but then you experience that weekend retreat which is handled with such professionalism, and it provided me closure. Christ’s healing and mercy was poured upon me. I cannot change what I did, but I can touch the lives of others with my witness to support those women considering an abortion, but also show the path to those who have done it. The Emmaus retreat for me represented my encounter with Christ and Rachel’s Vineyard His healing. Every detail of that weekend experience is marked in my soul and heart.

If you are considering an abortion, I would say, ‘Do not do it!’ I would bend my knees in prayer and fast for that person so that they would not do it. And for the one who already did it, there is hope!”

Romelia encountered Christ at an Emmaus retreat in 2016, the same year she was diagnosed with cancer and given one year to live. Now, six years later, she has made it her mission to serve Christ and His Church.