«Let us not close our hearts, let us not lose confidence, let us never give up: there are no situations which God cannot change…" — Pope Francis, Homily, Easter Vigil, March 30, 2013

Divorce and separation are painful realities for many Catholics.

It is a landscape that is often full of bitterness and betrayal, grief and loss, feelings of failure, aching concerns for children, pain of lost friendships, rancorous relationships with exes, and even the sense of abandonment by people at Church.

It is a life event that does have a permanent effect. But as Pope Francis encourages us: «Never let the past determine your life … always look forward.»

Now, two fellow divorced Catholics share their heartfelt original prayers, personal prayers and reflections, favorite traditional prayers of the Church, and prayers for the intercession of saints for the separated and divorced. Catholic Prayer Book for the Separated and Divorced is full of brief prayers for real-life struggles and situations including:Anger, depression, and isolationCoping with the effects on children — your own, as well as stepchildrenGrappling with less-than-peaceful interactions with former spousesPlus — How to forgive yourself, find closure, and let go

For yourself, an adult child, a friend, or someone in your parish — these simple prayers can help the separated and divorced find comfort, courage, and the conviction to move ahead confidently with the grace that comes from their Catholic faith.

Woodeene Koenig-Bricker