3 years since I last posted. What happened?

I will admit, I have not posted on here since October 2015.

Much has happened from failure to enlist in the military, struggling to land a full time job post college.

It has been a crazy three year stretch, but I know that things will get better as long as I hang on to hope.

Hope is the antidote to despair. I have been surrounded by much of it lately. I have plans set for me when I was conceived. I am yet to discover them.

Lessons

Never keep all of your eggs in one basket.

It's great that you want to do something in life. What if it doesn't workout? What's your back up? Unlike the A Team, you got to have a plan B.

Be open to new possibilities
I became open to possibly writing a book and even a screenplay as an avenue of using my talents.

Don't put off of too many responsibilities

I have missed payments on a big bill (I won't disclosed). Do some type of work and have the money, so you don't miss the payments.

Never give up

It's easy to throw in the towel. But you cannot give up. Keep fighting and trying. Eventually you'll be where you're needed to be.

Pilgrims Celebrate Life at World Meeting of Families

Steve Bozza, Director of Life and Family in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, wanted to celebrate the gift of life during the Eighth World Meeting of Families. With the help of Archbishop Chaput and 70 other clergy, they established a Pro-Life Symposium held on September 23rd.

The event was well attended in the Grand Ballroom of the Convention Center that those who later came found standing room only.

Teresa Tomeo, host of EWTN’s Women of Grace, was the master of ceremonies for this life filled event. She welcomed everyone in attendance as she was “Blessed to be here in Philadelphia for the first time on American soil and the largest ever”.

The event began with prayer from Archbishop Bates from the International Episcopal Church. He offered his prayer for everyone to “wake up and open their eyes to the callous actions committed against their unborn neighbor. Let us be ready to stand up against the culture of death.”

Father Frank Pavone, Director of Priest for Life in Staten Island, New York, was the first speaker. Father Pavone talked about how members of congress wanted to lecture to Pope Francis on social justice. What he points is that they want the pope to “support the culture of death”.

“Not on the pope’s or our watches, Congress” Father Pavone remarked.

 He spoke about two crucial documents that culminate with the Pro-Life movement.

“In the Joy of Gospel, Pope Francis reminds us that we must be consistent with defending all life especially the unborn.” Father Pavone explained.

The second document he discusses is the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Living the Gospel of Life.  A lack of concern of abortion “deprives the baby’s life and their right to many necessities”. Father Frank, in quoting Pope Francis call to mercy, challenges everyone to “ open hearts to those on the margins and be compelled to hear their cry as you build a culture of life”.

Alveda King, niece of Martin Luther King, reflected on how abortion affected her with one of her own and two miscarriages.

“I was blind but now I see” Alveda proclaimed. From her own experience, she realized that abortion affects society. Because of Rachel’s Vineyard, a national retreat for those suffering from abortion’s aftermath, reached out to her with “faith hope and love. No one has to suffer alone. Abortion shockwaves have been felt in every part of our lives”.  

She runs a ministry to African Americans with Priests for Life is paramount to the pro-life movement.  

“Planned Parenthood places their facilities in a minority neighborhood.” King stated.

Everyone enjoyed two seven minute videos. The first was “This is My Body”, which shares a story of how someone is faced with a decision due to an unplanned pregnancy. The second from Kevin Burke, Rachel’s Vineyard, tells firshand accounts from women and men who are living through a post abortion experience and have seek healing from Rachel’s Vineyard.

Astrid Bennett Guiterrez, founder of Hispanic for Life, shared firsthand why we must not shy away from showing images of abortion. An endeavor her ministry took part was a mini movie called Hard Truth, which explained the abortion procedure. During a trip to Mexico, she showed the video to a large audience and many were moved to tears. One came forward sharing her abortion experience.

Kathy DiFiore, Founder of Several Sources Shelters, shared success in her ministry. One such was a nineteen year old named Tatiana who lived in a laundrymat and was pregnant. After gaining access to DiFiore and her ministry, “Tatiana chose life”. The crowd erupted in applause.

Her ministry was later brought to the big screen in the movie “Gimme Shelter” released in 2014.

“The director of the movie has decided to write a prequel and a sequel to the movie”.  DiFiore informed. In connection to her help from Father Frank Pavone, He is a “pencil in God’s hand. He is writing everything that God is saying when it comes to ending abortion.” 

Karyme Lozano, a twenty year actress and fill in for Eduardo Vestagui, founder of Metanoia Films, reminds everyone to support wonderful movies that promote life. She shared how she chose life for her father who was recommended to be euthanized while battling cancer. She chose life because she wanted her dad to “die with dignity”. 

Sister Kathleen Schipani honored by Philadelphia Knights of Columbus Chapter

Sister Kathleen Schipani IHM, Director of the Office for Persons With Disabilities, has served the disabled and needy for 20 years thorughout the city. One of the tasks that she oversees is the annual mass for the disabled held at the cathedral.

Her work was needed for the 8th World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia. She has worked hard to make sure that the family with disabled members from more than 100 countries were able to enjoy their visit to Philadelphia and be able to witness the recent phenomenon.

The Philadelphia Knights of Columbus Chapter, founded in 1901, honored her commitment to her  ministry at their 114th Annual Columbus Day Dinner, held on Sunday October 4th with 120 people in attendance including members of the chapter who brought family, friends and supporters.

During the dinner the Chapter honors a man and woman of the year. The man of the year went to Frank Eggles, a life long member of the Knights of Columbus and 30 year Treasurer of the Chapter and past president. Eggles commitment to the charity drive  and the annual trip to Clementon Park for the disabled has paid off. He has also passed on his dedication to his family especially his son Dan who accepted the torch to be a member of the chapter.

“Dad is a great man to work and be with” said Dan Eggles, son of Frank and member of chapter. “I am very proud of his hard work and service to others”.

Ted Pricovski, son in law of Frank and a member of the Knights of Columbus in West Philadelphia himself offered some remarks on his father in law.

“What defines my father-in-law are two things.” Ted Pricovski remarks. “One is his devotion to his family. Two is his commitment to charity and service through the Knights of Columbus by managing affaris for both chapter and council.”

Frank Eggles, despite being overwhelmed by his reception of the man of the year award, reflected on his life.

“I always enjoyed family gathering and the day at Clementon Park” Eggles said. “It is always great to enjoy the service of the knights to those with disablilites have a day to have fun and enjoy themselves. The knights donated a generous amount of time for this event. My family would regualrly attend and my son Dan donates the food that is served.”

“I’m proud to be with Frank for all those years in the chapter” said Mike Maloney, past president. “He has done so much for the chapter and it is well deserved.”

Patrick Corey, past president of the chapter, remarked that one of Sister Kathleen’s tasks during the World Meeting of Families was the mass for the disabled that was held at St. John Neumann Shrine on September 25th. The mass had over a 100 with special needs in attendance.

“The mass is so moving, beautiful and inspirational” Corey reflected. “Sister Kathleen has done a tremendous job in the planning and preparation that was put into the mass. It would not have been successful without the help of the Knights of Columbus.” Corey went on to encourage everyone to consider going to a mass for the disabled in the near future and be inspired.

Thomas Hinnegan, past president of the chapter, commended Sister Kathleen for her service to the poor and needy as she receives the award.

She thanked everyone in attendance and credited the Knights for their continued support for the disabled.

“I want to commend the Knights of Columbus for their work to defend the culture of life.” Sister Kathleen acknowledged. “ You have provided great support for my ministry and I hope and pray that you continue to do so.”

She has worked mother of disabled children  and knows that those children must be “valued and honor”. When she first began her ministry, several parishes across the archdiocese had no accessiblity for handicapped. With her work and partnership with the knights, half of the parishes offer that convenience for the disabled.

“Your work is noticed” Sister Kathleen affirms.

Everyone in attendance gave both recipients a standing ovation.

In closing, Pat Corey encouraged everyone to help grow the Knights of Columbus by recruiting men 18 and over who are practicing Catholics.

Pro-Lifers Rally for Women Betrayed by Planned Parenthood

The Pro-Life Union of Greater Philadelphia hosted a “Women Betrayed” Rally at Planned Parenthood at 12th and Locust on July 28th, two weeks after undercover footage was released to the public revealing the disturbing truth about Planned Parenthood. The Rally was part of a nationwide effort spearheaded by Students for Life and Pro-Life Future.

Planned Parenthood in Center City commits over 5,000 abortions every year and is a site of the upcoming 40 Days for Life Campaign in Center City Philadelphia. Despite the hot and humid conditions, 200 pro-lifers came out for those betrayed by Planned Parenthood.

 

Pro-Lifers began the rally with prayer. Edel Finnegan, Executive Director of the Pro-Life Union of Greater Philadelphia, opened the event with alarming stats about Planned Parenthood. She begins reminding everyone in attendance of the shocking revelation of Planned Parenthood’s selling of aborted baby parts and boldly states that “women have been deceived by the lies of Planned Parenthood for decades and do not care about women and their children” she reminds us that the pro-life movement is here so that women can  choose life.

Patrick Stanton asked everyone to pray for those who work at Planned Parenthood “that they may turn away and accept life”. Pat brought up the parable of the good seed which those who plant good seeds will prosper. “Why choose death over life?” Pat inquire.

 

Maria Malone, Co-founder of Adoption is a loving option, spoke about how can we help changing hearts and encouraging women to choose life. She reveals that Planned Parenthood refers mothers 1 adoption out of forty nine abortions which they “make money on abortion by betraying women and not educating them on all options available. Birth mothers have the right to contact adoptive parents on their child’s growth.”

 

The crowd would later lead a defund chant.

Jewels Green, a former staff member of Planned Parenthood in Allentown, shared about her experience that ultimately led to her conversion. In 1989, she was pregnant and in an abusive relationship. She visited a Planned Parenthood and got an abortion which haunted her for the rest of her life. Her son would have been twenty six years old. She would work for the facility until one day it was enough and walked away.

“Abortion fails the need of women. I was never told of the repercussions of an abortion or become complicit” Jewels reflected. “To those who work at Planned Parenthood, there’s time to walk away.”

 

One testimony of the extraordinary work of Pro-Life Union is told through Kendra Outterbridge, mother of six. When she was considering an abortion ten years ago she contacted the pregnancy hotline (610-626-4006) staffed by Pro-Life Union volunteers and the “facts that I was presented help me convert. I remember working at an abortion facility and I realized two things. One the doctors there had no compassion. Two they ran the place like a chop shop.”

 

The Pro-Life Union has helped Kendra with her education as she studied to be a nurse and supports her and family.

 

Catie Payne, a missionary for the Culture Project, shared her vision of how we can cultivate a society where all life is respected from the bottom up.

“We dream of a society where human life is valued in not just laws but in our relationships with others” Catie explains.

With talks geared towards young people, the group “talks about the importance of sexual for men and women”.

 

“Young people have great power and want to do what’s right which is heroic and it starts with us. Women deserve better than abortion and need our help. Continue to stand up for life and invite others to do the same.”

 

The rally closed with a time of singing and prayer. Father Chris Walsh, pastor of St. Raymond’s and spiritual advisor of the Pro Life Union, led the final minutes of the rally to call everyone to prayer. He paralleled the mass killings of the holocaust to what happens at Planned Parenthood facilities everywhere.

 

“There’s no difference between the two. It’s time to stop the killing” Father Walsh declares “Pregnancy is not an illness.”

Father Walsh would continue with a reminder of the story of John Grace’s conversion after being a slave trader. Grace realized “his love for God was everlasting. Many people would swallow the lies they believe and would take years for many of them to see the truth. God has a better plan for us and we must carry it.”

Those gather would join in singing “Amazing Grace”, This Little Light of Mine” and five minutes of silence for the 5,000 babies killed at Planned Parenthood in Center City.

Over Breakfast, Pro-Lifers Celebrate Life

Karyme Lozano delivering keynote address at Heroic Media Prayer Breakfast

 

 

 

 

Media has played an essential role on how we think, seek information or help. What about using it in making the right decision? Heroic Media has been successful in helping women in a crisis pregnancy. On Friday May 29^th they held their inaugural prayer breakfast. 

 

Heroic Media, founded in 2004 and headquartered in Austin, TX, is an international non-profit that uses media to connect women with abortion alternatives. Today it has a market in the state of Pennsylvania thanks to Reach Pennsylvania.

 

Reach Pennsylvania is a collaborative support network of pro-life ministries working together to impact the abortion ratio in the Philadelphia Mass Media Market. Together both Reach Pennsylvania and Heroic Media help reduce the number of abortions through the power of media to articulate the prolife message through video ads on the internet.

 

Steve Bozza, from the Life and Family Office in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, took time to acknowledge the 200 in attendance at the Union League. He acknowledged Heroic Media’s work in building a culture.

 

“They are ahead of their game with engaging everyone where they are on the internet” Bozza indicated.

 

Rev. Joe Young, Vice President of Operations with Heroic Media, opened with gratitude with everyone who was present. He also outline the main goal of Heroic Media.

 

“Heroic Media wants to use media to save lives and build a culture of life”. Rev. Young outlined. He encouraged everyone to donate, pray and prepare. Young also states a proven fact that is relevant to the abortion debate.

 

“Abortion is not a political but human issue and it affects you” Rev. Young proclaimed. “Every life matters”

 

Brett Attebery, Vice President of Marketing for Heroic Media, was personally affected by abortion, which ultimately led him to his conversion. He reflected on a three day pilgrimage to Our Lady of Czestochowa and how it led him to Heroic Media.

 

“When I was a young man in college, I got a woman pregnant. Unfortunately, she chose abortion and we both later regret it.” Attebery reflected. “It wasn’t until I took the pilgrimage which called me to build a culture of life which helping change hearts and minds.

 

One of his successes in marketing for Heroic Media was how a young lady was searching for the closest abortion facility.

 

“As she was searching, she clicked on an ad, which led her to an ad from Heroic Media and pointed her to a pregnancy center in Philadelphia”

 

Brett asked everyone in attendance to help get the message out about pregnancy resources and shift our culture’s thinking on abortion with their support.

 

Karyme Lozano, a prominent TV star and co-star of the 2011 movie For Greater Glory, delivered the keynote address.  She shared her faith story about how an actress in Hollywood is Catholic and openly shares her faith, yet she is constantly attack by the secular agenda. She states that media encourages people to buy material things and become lost in that world.

 

“It’s worth going against the tide.” Karyme addressed. She took time to speak to young students from Roman Catholic and John W Hallahan who were in attendance to never be afraid to share their faith witness especially in public. “Your presence outside of an abortion facility makes a huge difference. The best way to demonstrate your convictions with your actions is through prayer.”

 

What led her to advocating for life was the final weeks she spent with her father. Her father was stricken with cancer. Her and her older brothers took time to care for him. A nurse presented the option of euthanizing her father. However, Karyme, who had been pro-life from the get-go, knew that euthanasia would interrupts God’s plan. God wants us to be present from conception until natural death. 

 

Karyme recalled the last days with her father, particulary the reunion between him and Karyme’s mother.

“The most beautiful thing that ever happened was when my mother forgave my father for everything he did to hurt her as he forgave her for wrongdoings against him” Lozano recalled.

 

In the end, her father died a peaceful death and led Lozano back into the Catholic Church. Today Lozano is a diligent pro-life advocate who works for Guadalupe Medical Center in Los Angeles.

 

As the breakfast came to a close, everyone was inspired to continue building a culture by supporting pro-life charities like Heroic Media.

Catholics in Fairmount Remember Patrick Ward

Patrick Ward, a parishioner of St. Francis Xavier in Philadelphia, graduate of the parish school and Roman Catholic High School ’66, served in Vietnam. He grew up in the Fairmount area, where he is remembered by many as an outstanding athlete in football, track and baseball. In 1966 he was drafted in the Army and shipped to Vietnam in 1967.

Ward was a helicopter gunner, stationed in the Lao Pang. While there he was looking after Vietnamese orphans. Time and time again he would send letters home to family requesting to send packages to the children.

 In August 1968 when answering the call to assist pinned down comrades, Ward and his helicopter crew were shot down by enemy fire. He would be awarded the Silver Star posthumously.

“It was a sad time for Fairmount.” Recalled Lisa Trout-Porrini, who grew up in the neighborhood at the time. She, like many others remember, hearing stories about Ward not only of his actions as a soldier but as a friend and sibling.

“ I was 11 at the time and remember how somber Fairmount was. It affected us all as a neighborhood family. He was a great guy and died too young” said Michelle Schaeffer

Every Memorial Day the neighborhood of Fairmount gathers at Ward’s Park located at 24^th and Aspen to honor his sacrifice. His memorial is the oldest Vietnam War memorial in the United States.

Those gathered were neighbors of all ages including many veterans who served from Korean War to Afghanistan. In addition to veterans, Ward’s family and friends were in attendance for a beautiful celebration of mass. Everyone joined in singing traditional patriotic songs such as the National Anthem, American the Beautiful and God Bless America.

Father Brian R Gaffney C.O., priest from St. Francis Xavier, celebrated the mass. Deacon Vine Thompson reads from the Gospel of Mark how Jesus challenges a person to give up everything they possess, follow the commandments, but also love thy neighbor. Father Gaffney connects the daily gospel on love of self and neighbor in connection with the meaning of the patriotic holiday.

“Put love and desire to protect others ahead of yourself” Father Gaffney challenges.

He points out that every soldier is not perfect, but they must be willing to give up their possesions for others, which is a diffiuclt task but must be done.

Lila Rose Speaks at Culture Project’s First Fundraising Brunch at Saint Charles Seminary

Lila Rose addressing the crowd gathered at St. Charles Seminary on Sunday May 3rd

 

Cristina M. Barba, a parishioner of St. Catherine of Siena and graduate of Archbishop Carroll High School, has dedicated much of her life as a missionary. In 2014, after years with Generation Life, headquartered in West Chester, Cristina founded the Culture Project now headquartered near the seminary an serves as president.

Culture Project is an initiative to engage in the restoration of culture with people of hope with a focus on human dignity. The organization currently have 35 missionaries stationed in Philadelphia, across the United States and internationally in Sydney, Australia.

On a sunny Sunday May 3 the Culture Project held its first fundraising brunch at St. Charles. The morning began with 11:30 mass at Immaculate Conception Chapel. Mass was celebrated by Father Tom DeSimone from New York. In his homily he talks about encountering Jesus.

“Healing is essential to apostolic message” Father DeSimone remarked.  “We must be open to inner healing of ourselves as we are transformed into faithful apostles. When we go into our hearts, we embark on an interior journey to know ourselves.”

 

After mass everyone gathered for a savory lunch and a chance to network with fellow missionaries.

Emily Ortiz, Director of Development for The Culture Project, took time to highlight some of the huge accomplishments of the organization after its first year.

“Since our finding in 2014, we have seen a tremendous encounter with our culture. Social Media is a great tapestry of engagement. We have reached more than 2.8 million people with more than 6,000 followers on Facebook. Instagram had more than 26,000 views, over 300,000 impressions from Twitter and 28,558 individual visits our blog.”

In addition to the use of social media, Ortiz points out their missionary work.

“Between October and April, Culture Project has spoken to 227 parishes, schools and groups, given 677 presentations and encounter 22,858 students, young adults and parents.”

 

Emily shared a testimony from one person who attended one of their talks during a college visit in Texas.

“Because of your presence, I am answering the call to live a chaste life”. Ortiz stated.

After a recap from Emily, Cristina took time to address the more than 100 attendees.

“It has been a hectic ten months” Cristina reflected. “Thank you all so much for your support. We would not have done with without your generous support and prayers.”

Following Cristina’s address, Lila Rose took the podium to speak. Lila has been a close friend and inspiration to Cristina Barba for many years.

“Lila is a woman of virtue, courage, and strength” Cristina stated.

Lila Rose, founder of Live Action at the age of fifteen, an investigative initiative in exposing injustice, spoke about what we need to do about engaging the culture around us. Lila converted to Catholicism six years ago. Her journey began at nine when she saw a book about abortion and it changed her life forever. During her work with Live Action, she has help expose the wrongdoings behind closed doors of several Planned Parenthood facilities across the United States.

“There is a crisis in our country between the culture of death and culture of life. We must form ourselves by forming others through our own example by fulfilling God’s call. We’re not just her for culture but for ourselves and there is a purpose as to why you are here”

Lila reminds the more than 100 gathered that there is a spiritual battle happening in our culture. Many people are turning away from God and using media as a way to get answers. Additionally she connects the problems in America with current events. One such is the recent arguments over gay marriage.

“Same sex marriage will be the Roe v. Wade of our time” Lila warned.

She offers a life-changing strategy.

“We have to engage the culture. Become who you are and never be afraid to begin again your journey. We need young people who are formed to preach the gospel of truth”

Lila points out that people are hungry for the truth. She has seen it firsthand with her recent conversations with friends and family. One such is a conversation with fallen away Catholics. When asked why she is filled with joy about her faith and they aren’t, Lila suggests that “her friends haven’t encountered Jesus on a deeper level”. 

Lila closes her keynote with these words, “If you can’t imagine, you can’t achieve it. God’s dreams are bigger and better than ours”