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”.
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