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.