Maria Luisa Aliaga
Help After Abortion Bilingual Program Coordinator
Catholic Diocese of Arlington
Office of Marriage, Family and Respect Life
Confidential Helpline: 703-841-2504
“It’s incredibly important to listen with compassion—to give these women the space to share the heavy burdens they’ve been carrying alone. I do my best to reassure them that they don’t have to face it all by themselves, and that no sin is beyond the reach of God’s forgiveness. As trust grows between us, our conversations deepen, and they begin to recognize their need for healing. They come to understand that I’m here to walk with them through it.”
Motivated by her deep faith, Maria Luisa began working in ministry in 2005 as a Spanish-speaking Parish Coordinator with the Catholic Diocese of Arlington. In this role, she supported parish ministries and worked to ensure that Spanish-speaking parishioners could fully engage in parish life by translating materials and coordinating key services.
In 2013, she expanded her work in ministry by joining Gabriel Project’s parish-based Pregnancy Assistance and Project Rachel Post-Abortion Healing ministries. In this work, Maria Luisa began accompanying pregnant women and families in need, offering compassionate support to Spanish-speaking women carrying the pain of abortion. She provides a safe, non-judgmental space rooted in empathy, where women are encouraged to open their hearts and begin the journey toward healing.
Through her prayerful presence, gentle guidance, and attentive listening, Maria Luisa fosters an atmosphere of trust and reassurance. She reminds those she serves that they are not alone, that God’s mercy is without limits, and that healing is always possible. With her steadfast support, women burdened by fear or grief can begin to lay down their pain and rediscover hope.