prayer vigil

Please Join Us on Thursday, January 23rd in Center City Philly to Welcome Students from Omaha

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Omaha

 

The following information comes from Patrick Stanton  of the Pro-Life Union of Greater Philadelphia and Our Lady’s House, a maternity home located in Glenside, Pennsylvania.  Patrick along with his wife Wendy founded this home.  

On Thursday, Students from Omaha will make their annual pilgrimage to the March for Life in Washington, DC with a stop at the Planned Parenthood located at 12th & Locusts Streets in Center City Philadelphia.  We expect them to be at the Planned Parenthood between 8:30 – 9:30 am.

We encourage all to come out to greet these students, and pray and witness  with them at this abortuary  and wish them well as they make their way to Washington, DC for the annual March for Life.

Roe v Wade at 47. How did we get here? What Can We Do?

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It should come as no surprise to many pro-lifers that Roe v Wade is in its 47th year. The question we must ask ourselves is “How did we allow this barbaric decision to make it this far?”

I can give you a myriad of answers, but sadly churches and people of goodwill have been silent. No more. No more apathy. No more silence. It is time to make noise not only from the pulpit but also in the public square.

Yes, there are risks if we cast ourselves out into the deep. However, we have a job that is bigger than ourselves. Far too often I have seen people who have their thinking clouded by radical liberals in the classrooms and college lecture halls. Our job is to be bold in our claim of being pro-life. We cannot stand by and hope people have a change of heart. We need to instruct people where their argument is wrong with love and mercy.

Love and mercy can win over those who have been poorly educated on abortion. It is what we have on our side when it comes to tools for victory and evangelizing to those who live in darkness. That is how we win the debate. Members of Congress or the state office will not help us win. Sure, they may campaign on promises, yet we have seen many not showing a backbone when it comes to defunding Planned Parenthood or even preventing radical abortion laws from ever being law. Abby Johnson reminds us that this debate will be won outside of abortion facilities, college campuses, and even our own homes.

47 years of Roe v Wade has brought nothing but sorrow, agony, and emptiness to our country. I believe that our country is in need of an awakening. I believe a spiritual revival is happening all across the land. Our job has not been an easy one. The abortion lobby may have money, but pro-lifers don’t need a full bank account to combat the diabolic industry. Rather, we have an arsenal of people who are using their talents for something bigger than you and me. These 47 years have only brought a shift in the nation’s attitude on abortion. A majority of America is now pro-life, many of them are young (1/3 of my peers are missing because of his heinous, cold, calculous decision). We have God who has guided many to win many victories for the cause from cradle pro-lifers to former abortion workers.

The question remains: Are you willing to stop another million Americans from being murder due to a false agenda? 61 million Americans, black, white, Latino, Asian, and even mixed were silenced to help women get ahead in life like Michelle Williams and other celebrities. We must be pro-active and step out of our comfort zones. We may think that conveying the message on a digital medium can win everybody. However, as many apologists prove, your “presence” will make a difference to others.

Are you ready to step up to the plate and out of your digital comfort zone?

Going to the March for Life? Staying in D.C. for the Weekend? Here are some events before and after and things you can do.

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In a previous post, I shared about things to do if in D.C. for the weekend.

Recently, I discovered events from many pro-life groups national and local. One group is Priests for Life who will have events planned in D.C. and on the West Coast to coincide with Walk for Life in San Francisco.

Here is a list of additional events happening after the March, if you plan to stay for the night or make a weekend out of the largest peaceful demonstration of the country.

  1. Vigil for Life
    1. The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception will have a night-long vigil for life. Here is information on adoration, night prayer, and the opening and closing masses
  2. Nellie Gray Mass
    1. A mass in the extraordinary form will be celebrated by the community of St. Mary, Mother of God Parish in downtown Washington D.C. This mass has been celebrated in memory of Nellie Gray for the last 8 years.
  3. Pro-Life Karaoke
    1. Rehumanize International and Secular Pro-Life will be hosting an epic karaoke party the night of the March for Life.
    2. This event is a fundraiser. $20 suggested donation at the door for adults. $10 suggested donation for students. $1-5 suggested donations to get on the song-request list. There will also be prizes and a raffle to win some limited edition pro-life merch! Light snacks, beer, wine, and soda will be provided! Email herb@rehumanizeintl.org  for further details.
  4. Students for Life of America Summit
    1. Dr. Monique Ruberu and Richara Krajewski are slated to speak at the annual summit in Washington, D.C. which is expecting 2,000 in attendance.

What to bring and pack

It’s January. It will be cold, so be sure to bundle up, wear layers, and keep warm as best as possible.

Also bear in mind that you will encounter some homeless people living on the streets. Here is what to do.

  1. Give them your leftovers
  2. Give them toiletries (toothbrush, hand sanitizers,
  3. Help them get to a homeless shelter
  4. Give them your pocket change
  5. Give them clothes, gloves, a hat, scarf, and even your time.
  6. Give them a gift card to a fast-food chain.

To me, being Pro-Life does not have to limit us to defending the unborn. Rather, we care about all life. That is from the unborn child in the mother’s womb to the elderly person and everyone in between.

Bank of America Protests Re-launch in Waco on January 24th

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The post below is from John Pisciotta of Pro-Life Waco.  If you live in or around Waco, Texas, we encourage you to attend these peaceful protests beginning again this coming Friday, January 24th.  

BOA

Monthly joy-filled BOA protests will resume this Friday, January 24 from 11 AM to 12:30 PM. Why? Bank of America is a Planned Parenthood supporter/enabler. BOA should pay a price for this. And the Central Texas business community should be on notice that acting as a Planned Parenthood supporter/enabler is a very bad idea.

BOA supports Planned Parenthood through matching donations of its employees and management dollar for dollar. Bank of America has also provided financial support for Planned Parenthood fundraising events. We will encourage BOA customers to complain to bank managers and to close their accounts and bank elsewhere. The BOA branch at the corner of Valley Mills and Lake Air is very much in the public eye—a great opportunity for life defenders.

For this inaugural protest, PLW will provide lunch and fellowship after the outreach at the world-famous Uncle Dan’s BBQ Restaurant just across the street from BOA.

WHERE TO PARK: Nearby Emerson Drive is A-OK. When you turn off Valley Mills Drive onto Lake Air Drive, on your left you will see Kentucky Fried Chicken and then Uncle Dan’s BBQ. Take a left on Emerson Drive and park along the street. Also, you could try parking in the lot of a nearby business (probably not BOA).

A Pro-Life To-Do List

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To do list

 

For the past few years, I took time on my Facebook page to reveal some of the things I hope to accomplish or do in a given new year. It can be challenging, but at the same time, it can help you to do new or accomplish things that you’ve always wanted to cross off.

As a pro-lifer, you may be on the same boat as I am. You may be asking yourself what you can do in the New Year to be a better pro-lifer or go into the unknown. To help you get a jump start on your pro-life to-do list, I came up with 10 things you can do as a pro-lifer.

  1. Host a screening of a pro-life themed movie. Unplanned took the world by storm and there is no question that many groups want to show movies like the world phenom of 2019. Cinema is a powerful medium to convey the message of life.
  2. Take part in a 40 Days for Life campaign (February 26th thru April 5th, 2020 and again the fall from September 23rd to November 1st). Be on the lookout once registration for vigil hours become available.
  3. Have a mass or Holy Hour offered for an end to the scourge of abortion or the conversion of those involved with the diabolical industry.
  4. Brush up on apologetics. It may be one thing to think you know it all. It’s another if you educate on what to say to those who may not know the issue at hand. Some people to learn from are Stephanie Gray and Trent Horn. Using their experience, they share the dos and don’ts in conveying the pro-life message to an individual or group.
  5. Volunteer at a pregnancy resource or crisis center. Many of them are not too far from a Planned Parenthood facility. these facilities need additional help with tasks like answering calls, taking inventory, and even being a support to vulnerable women. Side note: consider helping one raise funds for an ultrasound machine.
  6. Take part in prayer vigils. Yes, this may be scary, but we have been reminded 365 times in the Bible to not be afraid. If you can muster the courage every day to be present, your reward will be heaven. Don’t know what to say or do? Here’s a blog post for that. Here’s a post on prayers to recite in front of the facilities.
  7. Donate or raise funds for pro-life organizations. A previous blog post breaks down different groups that may help you decide who you can send your donation. If you want to go towards a fundraiser route, you might want to consider having a quizzo night, have someone teach ballroom dancing, or arts and craft and sell them with proceeds going to a pro-life organization of your choosing.
  8. Attend a rally. One of the most common events you can attend is the March for Life in DC, Chicago,  or West Coast area (San Francisco or L.A. areas). You may also want to consider attending one on the state level. (Pennsylvania will host their inaugural state march on May 18th, 2020.
  9. Attend a pro-life seminar near you or on a national scale. Dr. Monique Ruberu and Richara Krajewski will be speaking at the annual National Pro-Life Summit on January 25th in Washington, DC. Secure your spot today.
  10. Recruit more people to join the pro-life cause. Visit parishes, have displays on your campus, invite a pro-life speaker to your classroom, and learn more about how you can

Take part in local vigils in Philadelphia

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center city phillyThe numbers released in Harrisburg are staggering. If you look at Philadelphia, it is a hotbed for abortions in our Keystone State that last year one million have been murdered by abortion since Roe v Wade. We need to do more to stop abortion in the city of Brotherly Love where our first inalienable right was given to us… The right to life.

The good news is that you can do something if you refuse to be passive. You can lace up your boots, grab your holy water, benedictine and miraculous medals, rosary, and prayer books, drive or take a train to the nearest abortion facility, pray, and offer healthy alternatives to abortion.

Here is the list of the different vigil sites during the week. You can go there anytime during the week just note their hour of operations. In the meantime, learn about Sidewalk Servants

Daily vigils

Planned Parenthood (1144 Locust Street) 8AM-5PM every Monday through Saturday (Abortions are performed from Wednesday to Saturday.) There is a 3rd Saturday vigil with Helpers of God’s Precious Infants. 745AM mass at St. John the Evangelist (13th Street below Market St) Procession to Planned Parenthood will immediately follow.

Philadelphia Women’s Center (777 Appletree Street) 7AM-3PM from Tuesday through Saturday. Note: There’s a weekly vigil every Saturday from 6:30AM to 10AM.

For more information on other abortion facilities in the Philadelphia area and the surrounding suburbs read more here.

Prayerful Persistence is Credited with the Closure of Britain’s Oldest Abortion Mill

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Great news from across the ocean!  Because of the diligence of pro-life warriors in Birmingham, England, the oldest abortion mill in Britain has closed.  It was their constant and devout prayer and public witness that lead to the closure. 

Birmingham abortion mill

“This is an incredible message of hope to all those involved in the pro-life movement and especially to those Catholics who recognize Our Lady’s role in crushing Satan,” Isabel Vaughan-Spruce, director of 40 Days for Life, told Church Militant.

Our Lady of Guadalupe, we thank you for this victory!  

 

Read the full article from Church Militant about the closing of this abortion mill here.  

 

2019 in Review: 20 Blog Countdown

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Hard to believe that 2019 is drawing to a close. It still is a call for us to recall and reflect on the success and how we can be better in the new year.

Voices for Life wants to thank everyone who has shared our posts, read our content, and even engage with us. In honor of the New Year, the team has decided to put together the top 20 blogs of 2019. Each one will include a clickable word that will take you to the original post.

No. 20: Spiritual Battle

In March, I wrote a blog about why engaging in prayer is essential in the constant spiritual battle against abortion.

No. 19: Democratic Party Support of Abortion on all stages

A faithful couple from Warminster, PA issue a concern on their neighbors who support the Democratic Party. Who knew that it would come ahead of the race for the Democratic Nominee for President of the United States.

No. 18: Kentucky Abortion Law Stands

After a very challenging and uphill battle, Kentucky’s ultrasound law that was passed by the state was upheld by the nation’s highest court.

No. 17: Huh?

Anita Flynn shared about how ill-informed Presidential Candidate and Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren as she was watching a late-night show with the candidate as the special guest.

No. 16: Gravestones for Aborted Children

Aleteia wrote about the efforts of the Knights of Columbus as they help memorialize the victims of abortions.

No. 15: 30th Birthday Reflection

I celebrated my 30th birthday this month which comes at the pinnacle of everyone’s Christmas preparations. I reflected on my 30 years of living and how a 1/3 of my peers never had the chance to live like I have.

No. 14: Praying Outside of Planned Parenthood… In Nashville

During my travels to the music city, I learned about a Planned Parenthood facility that I figured I take part in with other people in hopes of saving a life. I shared what I saw.

No. 13: New Faces Cut Teeth in Saving Babies

During one of her email reflections, Dr. Monique Ruberu shared how some first-timers took part in the 40 Days for Life campaigns in Philadelphia.

No. 12: Creativity in Defending Life

A post by Regnum Christi sparked my interest and thought that it needed to be shared. Learn how you can be pro-life.

No. 11: Eleven Cases of Dangerous 3rd Term abortions

Operation Rescue shared how late-term abortions can be dangerous through the investigations on eleven different occasions

The top ten were selected to share and issue a call as to why we must defend life. It also shares some of the news that has happened on a local, state, and even national level. Some headliners of 2019 were reserved for the top 10.

No. 10: Room in the Inn

I wrote a reflection about having room in the inn for single and unwed mothers who are pregnant. Not just during the Christmas season, but 365 days a year.

No. 9: Angels Have Red Hair

In sharing from the late Joseph Wall, Pat Dowling shared his amazing writing that was published through the American Life League in Fall/Winter 1996.

No. 8: Inaugural Year for The Gianna Center of Philadelphia

The Gianna Center of Philadelphia will round out the next two spots. First up, their year in review

No. 7: The Gianna Center Gala

In celebration of its establishment and hopes of continuing its operation, the center held its inaugural gala. They honored organizations, such as the Knights of Columbus and Missionaries of Charity for their extraordinary work.

No. 6: Chick Fil A and Hallmark

The two franchises do ring a bell with every average person. Sure, you hear about women guilty pleasure of Hallmark movies while a fast-food chain closes on Sunday. Sadly, they have been on the news for disturbing reasons. Chick Fil A caved yet they have a super deep connection to the abortion industry. Meanwhile, Hallmark recently became open to the idea of sodomy romance.

No. 5: Teacher’s Adoption Story

Terry Noble shared an article about how a teacher stepped in to adopt a child with down syndrome following the death of her student’s mother.

No. 4: Students for Life Honor Bishop Shanahan

Bishop Shanahan High School in Downingtown, PA area was recognized as the pro-life club of the year by Kristan Hawkins of Students for Life of America. This took place during the annual National Conference in DC. Read more here

No. 3: Diamond and Silk

In October, Diamond and Silk, conservative black women duo on social media, headlined the annual Pro-Life Federation Dinner in Harrisburg. Here’s the full message.

No. 2: The 38th Annual Stand Up for Life Dinner

At the annual dinner, 1200 prolifers had the opportunity to hear a powerful message of love and mercy from Rachel Guy while learning about Dr. Monique Ruberu’s mind-blowing conversion story. It even placed the spotlight on pioneers, brave witnesses, and a rising star in the movement on her college campus. Read more here.

No. 1: Brian Sims

State Rep. Brian Sims has been on the news lately. This time it’s for all the wrong reasons. During the springtime, Sims live-streamed himself harassing pro-lifers outside of a Planned Parenthood that is located in the heart of Philadelphia. In the first incident, there was an elderly woman praying. Sims insisted that he continue to verbally harass her to the point that he got closer to her. In a separate incident during Holy Week, Sims was at it again. Only this time, he offered a $100 to anyone watching the video to give him the names of the teenage girls who were praying at Planned Parenthood while verbally race-baiting them. This was done in front of two of the teens’ mother. The father responded

Nearly a week and a half following the surfacing of the videos on social media, a thousand pro-lifers from near and far rallied outside of the Planned Parenthood where it all took place.

Honorable mentions:

COL 1972

Earlier this year, a family from West Chester launched a clothing line to counter the status quo of the fashion industry who continue to support Planned Parenthood. Since their launch, they have made appearances and even took time to answer some questions about their business and their background.

Life Dress

Angelique Clark came up with an amazing idea to make dressing up lifeworthy. She had an opportunity to share her passion for life and fashion.

Christopher West

Pope Francis bestowed a papal honor to Christopher West of the Theology of the Body Institute for his extraordinary work. In the fall he spoke to people during the True Freedom Conference.

Unplanned

Abby Johnson’s book became a movie with the same name It shares how she walked away fro Planned Parenthood after eight years. In the spring, it debuted in the top ten and maintained its position there for two weeks. Oer the summer it became a best seller in pre-order

 

 

 

Pro-Lifers Sing Christmas Carols, Call Escorts and Workers to Repentance

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“When Herod realized that the wise men had deceived him, he flew into a rage and issued an order to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and the surrounding area who were two years old or less, in accordance with the information that he had obtained from the wise men. Thus were fulfilled the words of the prophet Jeremiah: A voice was heard in Ramah, lamenting and sobbing bitterly: Rachel weeping for her children, and refusing to be consoled because they were no more.” Gospel of Matthew

On a mild, Saturday morning in Center City, the prayer vigil started out with four regulars praying in front of the largest abortion facility in murder counts turned into 20 pro-lifers across the greater area to pray, sing Christmas carols, and call the workers and escorts to repent of the murder they are participating in. Even two women who experience abortion first-hand pleaded to the moms to turn away.

It is fitting that today’s caroling took place during the feast of the Holy Innocents. Sadly, like Herod, we have a political party that wants to deem the unborn as expendable through their agenda at all stages of a mother’s pregnancy.

On this feast, let us remember that these innocents cry out for help. this cry resonates today every time we are present outside of the abortion facilities in America. We need to reclaim that first inalienable right to life just as God intended. Life is for every person from the womb to the tomb and everyone in between. We must place them as a high priority over material things.

 

Holy Innocents, pray for us

Reminder for the Memorial Mass for the Feast of the Holy Innocents at St. Cyril of Jerusalem Church in Bucks County, Pa.

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I’m re-posting this as a reminder for the annual Mass held at St. Cyril of Jerusalem Church in Jamison, Pennsylvania next Saturday, December 28th.  I’ve also included a video of a song, Lully, Lulla, Lullay, sung by young adults in St Stephen’s Walbrook Church, London which refers to this Feast of the Holy Innocents who were martyred by  Herod.

I first heard this sung at a Mass for the Holy Innocents a few years ago and it moved me to tears.  All I could think about was the poor mothers who had their babies ripped from their arms  and slaughtered in Herod’s time, and all the babies who are ripped from their mother’s wombs in our own time.

The lyrics to this song are below the post.  I suggest you have a box of tissues nearby while listening to this very powerful and moving version of this song.

Holy Innocents

The Feast of the Holy Innocents is observed each December 28th to remember the children slaughtered by King Herod and his henchmen.

According to the Gospel of Matthew, Herod ordered the execution of all young male children in the “Vicinity of Bethlehem,” so as to avoid the loss of his throne to a newborn King of the Jews whose birth had been announced to him by the Magi. (Wikipedia)

This feast day holds a particular significance to the pro-life movement as we also remember all the innocent pre-born babies killed each and every day through the terrible sin of abortion.

In the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, PA, a Mass is celebrated each year on this date to honor the memory of those children who have been killed these past 40 years though abortion.

The Mass and memorial service for the Feast of the Holy Innocents, will be held  at St. Cyril of Jerusalem Church, located at 1410 Almshouse Road in Jamison, Pa. at 9:00 am. 

All are invited to attend and refreshments will be served following the Mass.

Memorial Mass for the Feast Flyer

 

Lully Lullay