For many who have walked through the pain of separation or divorce, one of the hardest parts isn’t the ending of a marriage,  it’s the isolation that follows. The Archdiocesan Family Life Commission’s Surviving Divorce series was created to change that, offering a safe, faith-filled space where people can process grief, anger, and healing together.

In a recent online session (September 19) on forgiveness, participants didn’t shy away from the hard questions. One facilitator reminded the group that forgiveness “is not based on feelings but on intellectual choice and willpower and God’s grace”,  a decision made even when the heart isn’t ready yet. Another shared how writing a letter to an estranged spouse during a personal retreat became the first step toward reconciliation and peace.

Participants spoke openly about the tension between forgiveness and justice, and how letting go doesn’t mean excusing harm. As one member put it, forgiveness “frees oneself while God works to provide justice in His own timing.” Others spoke about learning to set healthy boundaries, around property, communication, and family visits,  while still holding onto their dignity.

By the end of the session, many described their breakout room conversations as meaningful, thought-provoking, and, for some, the first time they’d voiced certain feelings out loud.

If you or someone you know is navigating the aftermath of divorce or separation, you don’t have to do it alone. Surviving Divorce offers monthly sessions grounded in Scripture, community, and practical tools for healing — from forgiveness and boundary-setting to rebuilding hope for the future.

📌 Contact the AFLC office for information on upcoming monthly sessions. Email AFLC: familylife@catholictt.org or visit the website: aflcrc.org

Take the first step toward healing. Your story isn’t over.