Skip to main content
Home
Twitter Facebook Instagram YouTube
Sign up for our newsletterSign up for our newsletter
Learn about our booksLearn about our books
en Español
  • About Us
    • Who We Are
    • In The Media
    • People
      • Board of Directors
      • Staff
      • Speakers
      • Interns and Volunteers
    • Catholics Against Capital Punishment
    • Job Openings
    • Contact Us
  • Death Penalty
    • Catholic Social Teaching
    • News
    • The Church Speaks
    • The Pledge
    • Resources
    • Scheduled Executions
    • In Your State
    • Federal Death Penalty
  • Restorative Justice
    • Catholic Social Teaching
    • News
    • The Church Speaks
    • Resources
    • Pathways to Restoration
    • Small Group Modules
    • Find a Circle Trainer
    • FAQ
  • Take Action
    • PETITION: Stop the Return of Federal Executions
    • Mercy in Action Project
    • CMN Actions
    • State-Specific Actions
    • First Friday Actions
  • Blog
  • Donate

Forgiveness Circle Creates Space for Reflection and Healing

Participants of PBMR's Forgiveness Circle, including founder Fr. David Kelly

Sister Janet Ryan, OSF of Precious Blood Ministry of Reconciliation recounts a recent experience participating in a Forgiveness Circle and the power this restorative practice have in healing and reconciliation within a community.  

At Precious Blood Ministry of Reconciliation (PBMR), we accompany one another through joys, sorrows, challenges and all that life brings to our Back of the Yards, neighborhood in Chicago. PBMR provides after-school programming using restorative justice and peace circles to provide hope, hospitality, and healing for court-involved youth and their families on the Southside of Chicago.

Recently we invited our neighbors to join us in a Forgiveness Circle with the hope of creating a space to reflect on what prevents us from inner freedom, healing, and peace. There are many different types of circles: talking circles, healing circles, celebration circles, and conflict resolution circles to name a few. “Sitting in circles is rooted in the ancient tradition. Circles have been a common form for discussing issues of importance to the community throughout the ages and in our time. Circles provide support, generate mutual understanding, strengthen relationships and create spaces for healing and transformation”  (“The Listening Center”, Circle Principles, by Kay Lindahl, 2014).

In our case, about 20 of us gathered outside in our circle space located in our peace garden, near our labyrinth. After the welcoming, introductions and check-in, we listened to testimonies from two members of our community – one who had served time for his involvement in the death of a young teen named Pedro, and the other from Pedro’s sister. They shared how, about 25 years after Pedro’s death, their families connected through an eight-hour peace circle, and of the long process of reconciliation and forgiveness. Their stories were humbling and heartbreaking.

We sat in silence, for several moments, honoring what we had heard. Then each of us was invited to jot down what/whom we needed to forgive or be forgiven by. Holding the slips of paper, we walked the labyrinth reciting the mantra, “I love you. I’m sorry. Please forgive me. Thank you.” When we finished, we gathered back in the circle where each person placed his/her slip of paper in the fire pit in the center of the circle symbolizing letting go of whatever prevented our hearts from loving, forgiving, and living in peace.

Br. Juan, of Precious Blood, reminded us that we all have violence within us and that we are part of the violence in our neighborhood. We must choose to be intentional about healing and forgiveness. We closed with a checkout in which everyone spoke of the power of the circle and his/her gratitude for attending. Darryn, a staff member from the Institute for Nonviolence Chicago, said, “I have been doing this work for a long time, and I have never experienced something like that.” Afterward, everyone came into the Precious Blood Center for food, drink, and visiting.

Restorative justice calls us to not only consider how we are personally connected with crime and criminal justice but also with one another. Through encounter, transformation, and amends we may be transformed and honor the human dignity inherent in each one of us.

___________________

Sister Janet Ryan, OSF, is the manager of the Education Lab at Precious Blood Ministry of Reconciliation and is trained as a circle keeper.  

Issue: 
Restorative Justice

[WEBINAR] Harm, Healing, and Human Dignity: Catholics in the Restorative Justice Movement

This webinar will explore opportunities to engage communities of faith in promoting restorative justice along with specific avenues and resources for collaborating with Catholic parishes and ministries. More

St. Thomas Law Journal Fall Symposium "Restorative Justice, Law, & Healing"

Learn more about the use of restorative justice and restorative practices as a growing international movement, including in the field of law. More

"Come Thrive With Us"

Tracey Tynan, Executive Director at Thrive For Life Prison Project, describes the spiritual growth and relationship building taking place within Thrive's ministry. More

[WEBINAR] Empowering Church Leaders to Address Racism: Continuing the Conversation

Define basic, but important terms for discussing racism; explore processes and practices that can help us engage in critical conversations in our ministries; and share recommendations for practical resources that can assist in confronting racism in our communities. More

Transformational Storytelling in the Way of Indigenous Communities

Sr. Pat Thalhuber describes the birth of Stonebridge, a place where members of the St. Paul/Minneapolis communities can come together and where "misunderstandings are reshaped, divisions are bridged, and hope is embraced." More

Advocate

The Mercy In Action Project

CMN’s Mercy in Action Project gives YOU the tools you need to promote clemency for those on death row. Sign up today to start receiving monthly execution alerts.

Learn more
Sarah Noltner

National Catholic Pledge to End the Death Penalty

More than 25,000 Catholics and people of faith have already pledged to educate, advocate, and pray for an end to the death penalty. Will you answer the call?

Learn more
CMN LogomarkCMN Logotype
415 Michigan Ave. NE, Suite 210
Washington, DC 20017
(202) 541-5290 | Email us
Twitter Facebook Instagram Youtube
  • En Español
  • Join
  • Sitemap
  • Contact
  • Privacy
Sign up for our newsletterRead our newsletter
Copyright © Catholic Mobilizing Network (CMN) | Website: CEDC