Sixteen years ago, New York City Police Officer Steven McDonald was shot three times by a 15-year-old boy while on patrol in Central Park, leaving him paralyzed and confined to a wheelchair for the rest of his life. Recently, McDonald addressed parishioners at St. Bernard's RC Church during a penance service arranged by Pastor Fr. Jerry Ringenback.

Speaking softly with breaths provided by a ventilator, McDonald shared his story of a life changed forever in a matter of seconds, followed by feelings of shock, grief and bitterness. He recounted how the late Cardinal O'Connor would visit his bedside constantly, while McDonald would lie there feigning sleep, not wanting to hear about God's love and the need for forgiveness. Finally, McDonald told how he arrived at a point when he was able to forgive his young assailant. His wife made the announcement to the media that her husband was ready to forgive on the occasion of their son's baptism, born seven months after the assault.

McDonald quoted the words of Archbishop Desmond Tutu who said, "There is no future without forgiveness." Then McDonald went on to say in his own words, "I've been blessed ... I wouldn't change a thing that happened. I challenge you to forgive and love like Jesus loves us."