There is nothing like a beautiful spring
day to motivate people to celebrate life outdoors. This past Saturday was no
different, but instead of taking a hike at Great Falls Park, a large group of pro-lifers
started their weekend in prayerful witness to the gift of human life outside an
abortion clinic in Falls Church.
More than 100 people, many of them
students from local colleges and high schools, attended the Mass for the Gift
of Life celebrated by Bishop Michael F. Burbidge at the Cathedral of St. Thomas
More, followed by a rosary in front of the Falls Church Healthcare Center in
Falls Church April 21.
Amy McInerny, diocesan respect life
director, helped organize the event that was sponsored by the diocesan Office
for Marriage, Family, and Respect Life.
McInerny described the day as a powerful
moment of prayer in the diocese.
“Maybe not everyone is able to provide
direct service to expectant families in need but everyone can and should pray,”
she said.
During his homily, Bishop Burbidge
thanked those in attendance for their courageous and consistent witness to the
gospel of life.
“My dear friends, you all know that to
be effective witnesses, it must go beyond our words. It must go beyond the
point of what we do. The very example and witness of our lives,” said Bishop
Burbidge. “We all know, especially you
my young friends in Christ, that it is not always easy to be a witness to the
gospel of life. There is still a sort of persecution we face — being ridiculed
or rejected and falsely and unfairly labeled. Yet we don’t despair. That’s why
we are here today. We are believers. We know what God promises is true. That he
gives us the consolation of the Holy Spirit and the strength and grace we need.”
After Mass, many of those in attendance
drove to the Falls Church Healthcare Center and stood or knelt on the thin
strip of grass between the sidewalk and Washington Street. Clinic volunteers in
neon vests watched as the regular pro-life sidewalk counselors were joined by
the large group, Bishop Burbidge and Father Thomas P. Ferguson, vicar general
and moderator of the curia.
The event drew people of all ages,
including students from John Paul the Great Catholic High School in Dumfies and
Paul VI Catholic High School in Fairfax attended. About 75 students from
Christendom College in Front Royal joined the event, with one member leading
everyone in the rosary. According to Shield of Roses president Chloe Herrmann,
a senior at Christendom, the group usually has 15 to 20 students at the clinic every
Saturday during the school year. But once a semester they host their “Mega
Shield” and encourage as many students as possible to attend.
“I think it definitely helps the pro-life
cause,” said Herrmann. “Statistics have shown that the more people that stand
outside an abortion clinic the less people go in. Having the showing today
especially coinciding with the Bishop’s Mass was just a really great witness. It’s
just really important to defend those who can’t defend themselves.”
McInerny encouraged all who attended to
continue to pray for the end of abortion and healing for those affected by
abortion at the office’s monthly holy hour.
Find out more
An Evening with the Merciful
Jesus, prayer and holy hour with music led by Michael Corsini, hosted by
Project Rachel, will be May 7 at St. Leo the Great Church 3700 Old Lee Highway,
Fairfax, VA 22030, from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Email [email protected] or
call 703/841-2550.
