Rachel’s Vineyard Ministries Hawaii, under the Roman Catholic Diocese of Honolulu, is holding a weekend retreat Oct. 21-23 for women and men struggling with emotional and spiritual pain in the aftermath of an abortion.

“Everything at the retreat is kept confidential and strictly private,” said Lisa Shorba, Hawaii organizer for Rachel’s Vineyard, a national ministry that holds such retreats throughout the country. The retreat location is revealed only to those who sign up to attend. Anyone is welcome to participate, regardless of religious belief, though Bible scripture will be used in meditations and exercises, she said.

Shorba said the retreat “focuses on God’s love and mercy in a safe, supportive and nonjudgmental environment.”

Four retreats have been held in Hawaii since the ministry began under the diocese’s Respect Life Office, and 32 people have attended, Shorba said. She said many women she has encountered have experienced grief, guilt, shame, anger, low self-esteem and hopelessness after an abortion. Shorba described the healing process of the retreat as “spiritual surgery — it’s an amazing journey; they are seriously transformed.

“People are seeking forgiveness, also self-forgiveness and peace of mind. Even after 20 years, the grief continues.”

Shorba has found that “most women are not being informed about the risks of abortion before the operation, that occur on emotional, spiritual, physical and marital levels.”

Shorba, who is a volunteer counselor at the Pearson Foundation of Hawaii (dba Pregnancy Problem Centers), said signs of Post Abortion Syndrome also include self-hatred, anxiety, suicidal thoughts and broken relationships.

She said information on research on the aftereffects of abortion are available at www.rachelsvineyard.org, www.afterabortion.org or www.priestsforlife.org.

Six to 12 participants are usually admitted per retreat. A suggested donation of $100 covers accommodations, meals and materials. Register for the retreat at RVinHawaii@gmail.com or call Shorba at 349-5071.