What is inter-generational healing?  We all understand the concept of material inheritance.  After people die, they often leave money, property, and possessions to members of their family.

We are also aware of a physical inheritance.  Doctors always ask for the family medical history of a new patient.  There is also a spiritual inheritance.  We can thank God and family for the benefit from our virtuous ancestors going back a thousand generations (see Sirach 44:10-12).  We are also adversely affected by the sins of parents, grandparents and great-grandparents and by the sins of the ancestors who adversely affected them. With consequences that may extend to what is inherited materially, emotionally, and physically.

In his book entitled Inter-generational Healing, Fr. Robert DeGrandis writes: “inter-generational healing is, for the Christian, an opportunity to recognize and bring healing to family influences from the past, with implications for the future.  Inter-generational healing suggests the possibility that negative acts and deeds of our ancestors can somehow enter our “bloodstream” and take a toll on future generations.  Transforming the connection with these troublesome roots is what inter-generational healing is all about.  It’s an exciting, fascinating area of the healing ministry.