Editor's Desk: Pro-Life Legacy

By Michael F. Flach
^{HERALD Editor}

The announcement last week of the retirement of Father Paul Marx, O.S.B., from his duties at Human Life International in Front Royal brings to a close a remarkable chapter in the history of the pro-life movement.

Father Marx founded HLI in 1981 and served as president and chairman until Father Matthew Habiger, O.S.B., assumed the presidency in 1994. Father Marx continued as chairman of the board until December 1998, when he again was succeeded by Father Habiger. Father Richard Welch, C.S.S.R., was elected HLI president in 1997.

Father Marx’s decision to retire was relayed to HLI officials by Abbot Timothy Kelly, O.S.B., of St. John’s Abbey in Collegeville, Minn. Abbot Kelly met with Father Marx and decided that he must return to the abbey for a period of rest and to undergo various medical exams.

"For many years Father Marx worked zealously in promoting life from conception to natural death," said Abbot Kelly. "For the past 19 years, through Human Life International, he has dedicated his life to the promotion of respect for life and has through his ministry made the message of life widely known, not only in the United States, but throughout the world. His dedication to this cause has cost him dearly, but will also bring many blessings to him and to others because of his selfless dedication."

Fathers Habiger and Welch said there are few people who equal Father Marx’s contributions and dedication in promoting and defending the Culture of Life. Father Marx has earned a place in the history of both the Catholic Church and the international pro-life movement, they said.

"The best gift we can give Father Marx is to insure that his legacy will continue through the work of HLI throughout the world," said Father Welch. "In this time of transition, we call on HLI’s worldwide family of friends and supporters to honor him by joining to pray and work together to help HLI flourish in the years ahead, as we fight the good fight for faith, life and family."

We wish Father Marx well in retirement and hope he gets the rest he so richly deserves. It appears his legacy at HLI is in capable hands under the energetic leadership of both Fathers Habiger and Welch.

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Catholic Relief Services (CRS) has responded quickly to the massive earthquake that struck Turkey last week. CRS is working closely with its local Catholic partners on the ground to respond the crisis.

The most urgent short-term need appears to be water distribution. Fifteen metric tons of water has already been ordered for distribution to local victims. The agency’s immediate assistance to the victims will include sanitation, shelter and health.

Contributions to the relief effort should be marked "Turkish Earthquake" and sent to: Catholic Relief Services, P.O. Box 17090, Baltimore, Md. 21203-7090; or call 1-800-736-3467.

Words of thanks and congratulations also go out to the contingent of rescue workers from Fairfax County who contributed their heroic services in the effort to rescue those trapped in the rubble. Their hard work, dedication and expertise made all of us very proud.

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Overlooked amid the diocese’s silver anniversary celebration Aug. 12 was the outstanding musical contribution of Katherine Chrishon, music director at St. John the Evangelist Parish in Warrenton, who not only played piano for the anniversary Mass at the Patriot Center, but also composed the original setting for the responsorial psalm.— M.F.F.

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