Episode 168, A Survivor's Path to Healing Through Christ
Carrie Bucalo is an Army wife, mother, artist, and writer. She was born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico. For 18 years, she suffered the trauma of sexual abuse at the hands of her father. In 2005, she married Jason Bucalo, who joined the United States Army in 2010. That same year, she launched her website, HealedByTruth.com, to promote faith-based healing for abuse survivors and their families.
Today, we reflect on her profound journey of faith and her book, Matthew 18, co-authored with Bishop Bill Muhm, Vicar for the Europe and Asia Vicariate of the Archdiocese for the Military Services. The book, available on Amazon, highlights the importance of healing, trust, and the Passion of Christ—revealing how His suffering encompasses the pain of victims and survivors.
Carrie first met Bishop Muhm while her family was stationed in Germany. Their collaboration on Matthew 18 offers a deeply spiritual perspective, focusing on the Gospel message rather than approaching the subject from a legal or psychological standpoint. The book draws from Christ’s words in Matthew 18:1-5:
"At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, ‘Who is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven?’ He called a little child over and placed him in their midst, and said, ‘Amen, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will not enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven.’"
As followers of Christ, we are called to enter the Kingdom of Heaven with the humility and trust of a child. Yet, in this fallen world, some misuse their free will and betray that trust, harming the innocent. Carrie’s father, a layman active in the Church, was one such person. His betrayal had a profound effect on her, and even today, healing remains an ongoing journey. But through her unwavering faith, Carrie has placed her trust in God and prays for the salvation of her family. She finds solace in the lives of the saints, recognizing that holiness does not guarantee an easy life—only a life filled with the grace to endure suffering with Christ.
Carrie understands that true healing is found only in Jesus Christ. In her darkest moments, instead of turning away, she clung ever more tightly to Him and the Cross. In reflecting on Matthew 18:6-9, she speaks of how her father’s sins desecrated the image of God—the loving face of the Father, the suffering of Christ on the Cross, the beauty of the Holy Spirit, and the innocence and trust of a helpless child.
Carrie also recalls a profound spiritual experience from her childhood. At age seven, she saw a radiant light and walked from her bedroom into the dining room, where she beheld a beautiful woman. Looking back, she now believes it was Our Blessed Mother, a moment of grace in the midst of her suffering.
Forgiveness is a central theme in her healing journey. Though difficult, she recognizes it as a necessary step to breaking the chains of spiritual bondage. Through God’s grace, she continues to walk the path of healing and restoration.
For more information about Carrie’s ministry and her mission of faith-based healing, visit HealedByTruth.com.
