Loughlan Sofield - Facing Forgiveness: A Catholic’s Guide to Letting Go of Anger and Welcoming Reconciliation

A well tried remedy for what seems to be ailing society in a big wayforgiveness.

Most Reverend John Favalora

Archbishop of Miami, from the Foreword

A heartrending and inspiring collection of stories drawn from personal experiences, reminding us that "Christian forgiveness is about remembering, not forgetting." Facing Forgiveness is an excellent and practical resource for all who struggle to forgive and for those accompanying others on this sometimes painful, but ultimately freeing journey.

Edith Prendergast, R.S.C.

Director of Religious Education, Archdiocese of Leos Angeles

In an era when the capacity to forgive seems pushed to its limits, this eloquent hook radiates much needed hope. These touching and powerful stories are required reading for the heart. Facing Forgiveness is an interactive work of the best practices for a healthy and whole spiritual life.

Br. Joel Giallanza, C.S.C.

Vicar for Religous, Diocese of Austin, Texas, and author of Source and Summit

The down-to-earth stories are gems that show the reader what forgiveness means and how to choose it. Filled with practical wisdom, this is an ideal resource for personal spiritual growth and small group reflection.

Sheila Garcia

Secretariat for Family, Laity, Women, and Youth, U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops

This exceptional hook describes how real lives are changed by a person's ability to forgive, the true essence of Christianity. A must-have resource for all pastoral ministers, parish teams, caregivers, and grief groups.

Linda Amadeo, RN., M.S.

Executive Editor, Human Development magazine

Facing Forgiveness is a truly uplifting work that will draw the reader into the beauty and importance of forgiveness. This book should serve as a way for many people to heal from deep injustices against them.

Robert Enright

Professor of Educational Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Madison

Lough Ian Sofield, S. T.

Carrouu Juliano, S.H.CJ.

Bishop Gregory M. Aymond

................................................................. 10

Part I: BELIEFS ABOUT AND EXPERIENCES OF FORGIVENESS

.................................................... 18

Part II: THE FACES OF FORGIVENESS

......................................... 30

.................................... 33

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..................... 39

......................................................... 64

....................................................... 78

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................................................... 101

Part III: THE SACRAMENT OF PENANCE AND RECONCILIATION

...................................................... 110

APPENDICES

.......... 125

............................................................... 127

here seems to he more than enough anger to go around these days. It's as if there's something in the water. Nightly on television we witness the horrible yioIence that pervades our urban centers, and that has now, sadly, reached our once placid rural areas. It is on the screen, in the music, in our schools, in our hones. A lot of people have a lot of anger.

The sad thing is that most angry people don't know that they are angry, and if they do, they don't know what to do about it. Facinrj Forgiveness is a very helpful examination of conscience with moving personal testimony on behalf of letting go of anger and welcoming the gift of healing through forgiveness. Some people need professional assistance to deal with their anger, but most people don't need to face a psychiatrist, they need to face themselves.

Christians have the ultimate example of forgiveness in Jesus on the cross. This refreshing book is filled with numerous stories illustrating how forgiveness is also happening today all around us. It invites the reader to discover or rediscover what the Church through its sacranment of reconciliation has taught and preached down through the centuries. Every sincere penitent knows the treasure that forgiveness is for the spirit. It is resurrection; it is life.

I salute this talented Brother, Sister, Bishop Team for authoring this book about a wise, down-to-earth, practical, well-tried remedy for what seems to be ailing society in a big way-forgiveness.

Most Reverend John Favalora

Archbishop of Miami

his book is possible because of the generosity of so mane people, especially those who over the years shared their profound, sacred stories of forgiveness with us. We will be forever indebted to you. Your stories have been the source of hope to so many. Special appreciation goes to those who allowed us to share their stories of hope: Kathy Anderson, Tom Butler, Stancil Campbell, April Dunham, Loris Nickel Edwards, Bob and Judy Goetz, Diana and Luc Papillon, and Bishop Willie Walsh. This book would not have been possible without the support and contribution from each of you.

We especially wish to express our deep appreciation to those who submitted chapters: Dawne Fleri, Anne Hansen, Christy McMurren, Monsignor Michael Muhvev, and Helen Osman. We are also grateful to the publishers who granted permission for us to use certain stories.