Advocate for life ‘with the heart of Christ’

Worshippers walked and prayed the rosary in procession from the Cathedral of the Assumption, 433 S. Fifth St., to an abortion clinic at Second and Market Streets, where they prayed before returning to the cathedral Aug. 8. Record Photo by Marnie McAllister
Worshippers walked and prayed the rosary in procession from the Cathedral of the Assumption, 433 S. Fifth St., to an abortion clinic at Second and Market Streets, where they prayed before returning to the cathedral Aug. 8. Record Photo by Marnie McAllister

More than 200 people attended the early morning Helpers of God’s Precious Infants Mass and Vigil for Life at the Cathedral of the Assumption, 433 S. Fifth St., on Aug. 8.

The monthly Mass and vigil begins at 7 a.m. at the cathedral and includes a rosary procession to an abortion clinic at Second and Market streets. Those who can’t walk remain at the cathedral for adoration.

Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz presided at the liturgy this month and led the procession with Father Nicholas Brown, chaplain of the Helpers organization.

During his homily, Archbishop Kurtz encouraged the congregation to attract and convert people to the cause of life by conveying the love of Jesus.

“More than ever we need your presence, we need your leadership and we need your prayers,” he told his listeners.

The Knights of Columbus and an image of Our Lady of Guadalupe, held by Karen Schneider, led the Helpers of God’s Precious Infants’ procession Aug. 8. Record Photo by Marnie McAllister
The Knights of Columbus and an image of Our Lady of Guadalupe, held by Karen Schneider, led the Helpers of God’s Precious Infants’ procession Aug. 8. Record Photo by Marnie McAllister

Whenever we begin to serve as Christians, “Our first act is to receive the love of Christ into our hearts,” he said. If not, “Our efforts to serve others will not last. Pope Francis keeps saying to us, the key is the encounter with Jesus.”

The archbishop also reminded his listeners of four things he often tells those involved in advocacy.

“It takes courage to stand up for life,” he said. “It takes compassion. We need to be compassionate with all people as Jesus was with all.”
Advocates also need “to be civil and polite with all,” he said.

And advocates for life need “to be people of calm and serene disposition. That describes Christ.”

The archbishop alluded to recent allegations that the Planned Parenthood Federation of America sells fetal tissue and adjusts abortion procedures to preserve fetal organs, saying, “We’ve witnessed in the last couple of weeks terrible atrocities that have come to light.

“We need to oppose this callousness,” he said. “As we do so, we need to do so with the heart of Christ. Pray that those who see us will be drawn by the truth and the love of Christ.”

Marnie McAllister
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Marnie McAllister
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