From the Friars: Love Them Both

On Friday, January 19th the 51st Annual March for Life will take place in Washington D.C. Our own Archbishop, Cardinal O’Malley, has been present for all of these so far, and has been a consistent voice in defense of the right to life for unborn children. This year a group from Holy Rosary Shrine will be attending the March. For some it will be their first time, for others a continuation of a long tradition.

The 1973 Roe vs. Wade Supreme Court decision legalized abortion nationally. On June 24, 2022 that decision was overturned by the Dobbs vs Jackson ruling. The strong reaction to Dobbs has caused many in the pro-abortion movement to become even more extreme in their position. In the 90’s, President Bill Clinton sought to make abortion “rare, safe and legal.” Now many are taking the “on demand and without apology” stance. Some states, such as Massachusetts, have made abortion legal for essentially any reason up to the point of birth.

As the political battle rages, women with unexpected pregnancies continue to face agonizing decisions, often in fear and under pressure. The theme for the March for Life this year focuses on the need to care for both mother and child during a crisis pregnancy and after. There are over 2,700 pro-life pregnancy centers in the United States. There are also many homes for women and their children during the time of need. One of these is called St. Gianna’s Place and is right down the road in Londonderry, NH. One woman, named Carolyn, was at the point of despair but has found hope and renewed faith in God at St. Gianna’s. She states: “Looking at my son now, I am filled with love and awe. He is happy, healthy, and whole and I have the privilege of being his mother.”

It is a great tragedy that so many have accepted the deception that abortion can somehow be justified. Yet to see the truth brings the obligation to sacrifice out time and resources to be of service to mothers in need. Let us pray the Rosary for the end of abortion, and that all would recognize the dignity of each person, created in the image and likeness of God.

–Fr. Peter