Haunted by memories of multiple abortions, Patricia Sandoval overcame homelessness and drug abuse to find healing and purpose in life. (source: EWTN on demand)

Trigger warning: Abortion

You have said, “The youth are the reason I became pro-life. They are my passion and my motivation.”  Speak about ways that the youth continue to shape your ministry and your mission.

Souls are precious to the Lord. Today's youth have the capacity to change history and turn our world into a culture of life. Someone just needs to tell them their worth, their identity in Christ, and how much they are loved. I wish someone had told me this in my teenage years. So here I am today trying to reach the young hearts.

Through my story, I want to show the world a God who is alive and merciful, especially to those who doubt His forgiveness, regardless of their past or present struggles. He continually forgives our failures and has a purpose and plan for every life.

Many post-abortive women and men experience judgment as an obstacle to healing. Please share a message of encouragement for them, stemming from your own experience.

God knows our hearts, especially when we repent and are hurting. Sometimes we are less merciful and condemn ourselves more. This was me. God was waiting for me to receive His mercy, but I could not forgive myself.

When I finally decided to attend Rachael’s Vineyard retreat, a post-healing retreat after abortion, I realized there was no judgment or condemnation. I was my own obstacle. I experienced the healing love of our Lord.

As a public speaker sharing my story, I experience humiliation and insults. But God has strengthened my heart. God sees every humiliation endured for truth, love, and faithfulness. What the world may treat as shame, God can transform into a path of grace and holiness.

For those who are not sure how to begin building a culture of life and dignity of all human persons, born and unborn, how would you encourage them?

I would first encourage parents to form their children to revere the gift of life in all people. Saint Mother Teresa of Calcutta once said, “If you want to change the world, go home and love your family.” Be an example to your children; show them how to love God and serve. Teach them virtues, especially the Word of God.

Through these things, they will build a strong habit of discernment so when they go out into the world, they might know how to distinguish between what builds life and what cultivates death. Teach them about the real presence of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist. If they truly come to know Him in the Host, they may never abandon their faith and work to uphold the life and dignity of all.

Speak to how your faith, specifically your relationship with Christ, continues to sustain your ministry.

I am a sinner; I am constantly in need of His grace. I constantly seek Him in all things. Without God and His help, I would not have the strength to share my story over and over. His Sacred Heart is my refuge. I am also grateful for my guardian angel and all the saints God has put into my life. The Catholic faith is my treasure.

Christ is my love story. He rescued me out of the pits of darkness. I need Him constantly. I have an image of the Sacred Heart of Jesus hung in my bedroom. The image has been with me since I was 3 years old. I talk to Him about everything. Even when I offend Him, I do not hide; I pray to Him to help me. I speak to Him when I am joyful and thankful. I sing to Him also. He is my everything. Christ is King.

Patricia’s story can be viewed in two parts at EWTN: https://ondemand.ewtn.com/Home/Play/en/IFG23005

Diocese of San José’s Respect Life Resources: https://www.dsj.org/evangelization/social-ministries/respect-for-life/respect-life-resources/

Project Rachel Hotline (If you are looking for care and support because of an abortion): 1-408-983-0277