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| Pictured are long-time pro-life warriors Tom Lacy and Betty and Dave Maier |
by Mickey Kelly
Voices for Life
Pro-lifers in Northeast Philadelphia held their 3rd annual “Rally for Life” at St. Katharine of Siena’s parish on January 20th, just only two days following the National March held in Washington, DC.
The rally brought 120 people from all across the area. The goal of the rally is to learn how to
build the future of the movement. The speaking lineup featured millennials who
are making a difference in Philadelphia and its surrounding suburbs. Many of
the seasoned pro-lifers gathered are determined to build up a culture of life.
The event began with a prayer and reflection from Deacon
Robert Hall of the parish. Connecting to the theme of Sunday’s gospel, Deacon
Hall reminded those in attendance to follow Jesus’ “commands, not the culture.”
In his opening remarks, Tom Lacey, a thirty year pro-lifer
from St. Dominic’s, reminded those gathered that “the tide is turning” and it’s
amazing to see young people get involved in the movement. He even shared a song
from “Amazing Grace”, a Broadway play based on William Wilberforce’s fight to
end slavery. The song is called “We Are Determined.” It was used to
correlate Wilberforce’s relentless efforts to end slavery with pro-lifers
ending abortion.
The first to speak was Shannon Donnelly, a school minister
from Nazareth Academy High School. She shared firsthand on what it means to
stand alone. When attending Cabrini University, she asked the question “Why
doesn’t anyone talk about it?” when her school never acknowledged Respect Life
Month. She was even disheartened by how the school never promoted her event for
Ryan Bomberger of the Radiance Foundation, yet it drew fifty people, including
a friend who was pregnant and was moved by his message.
“The pro-life issue should be discussed with family and
friends.” It helps get “people to think about the issue more.” Says Donnelly.
The next two that speak were Lisa Beck and Peter Berensky
from Legacy of Life. Using an analogy of
a life lesson growing up, Berensky, a parishioner of Assumption of BVM in
Feasterville and former seminarian at St. Charles Borremeo Seminary, reflected
on how his mother would make sure all of her children were safe and well. He
used her loving example on how the center welcome abortion-minded women.
“Young people long for authenticity and truth.” Berensky
shared. The best way to combat the lies of the culture is “with compassion and
love.”
The group also took time to acknowledge David and Betty Maier as the recipients of the John Stanton Faithful Servant Awards. It’s named after the founder of the Pro-Life movement of the Philadelphia area. “We hope that our example will inspire more young couples to defend life” said Betty.
Sister Magnificat of the Sisters of Life took time to
reflect on the annunciation. Sharing an example of 'Patty' when she was in New
York, Sister Magnificat shared how she made a difference in her life from the
time she lived in her convent to her conversion to the faith. Through the advice their founder received
from St. Teresa of Calcutta, we must, “give God permission to love.”
The last to speak was Dr. Monique Ruberu of Immaculate Conception
in Jenkintown. She shared how it’s great to attend the March for Life, but we
must have one every day of the year. Though it’s easy to be pro-life, we have
to make it “a daily commitment. Pro-lifers are a movement of love”.
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