Local

Peaceful witnesses to life

Amanda M. Socci | For the Catholic Herald

Approximately 170 people attend the Mass for Respect Life at St. James Church in Falls Church Feb. 27. AMANDA M. SOCCI | FOR THE CATHOLIC HERALD

RespectLifeMass_022721_AMS_01_CR(2).jpg

A long line of people gather to recite the rosary with Bishop Michael F. Burbidge in front of an abortion clinic at in Falls Church Feb. 27. AMANDA M. SOCCI | FOR THE CATHOLIC HERALD

RespectLifeMass_022721_AMS_24_CR.jpg

Pro-lifers gather to pray outside an abortion clinic. AMANDA M. SOCCI | FOR THE CATHOLIC HERALD

REspectLifeMass_022721_AMS_27_CR.jpg

Pro-lifers carry pro-life signs outside an abortion clinic. AMANDA M. SOCCI | FOR THE CATHOLIC HERALD

RespectLifeMass_022721_AMS_37_CR(1).jpg

“We are led to witness peacefully,” Bishop Michael F. Burbidge
told those gathered for Mass in Thanksgiving for the Gift of Human Life at St.
James Church in Falls Church Feb. 27. Approximately 170 pro-lifers gathered to
be encouraged and recharge their spiritual batteries.

“The lives of all people unborn must be protected. We found out
last night (from the Arlington Diocese Respect Life office) that the life of an
unborn was saved. Never underestimate how God will use our prayer,” said Bishop
Burbidge. He went on to ask that all in attendance understand how the decisions
of the legislative system affects the principles of the church, with aggressive
legislation coming forward in the Virginia passage of abortion expansion legislation.
He strongly urged the congregation to register at the Virginia Catholic Conference
to help “advocate on behalf of life.”

Bishop Burbidge concluded his message with a three-step process
that all Catholics can follow to save unborn lives: prayer, witnessing and
advocating. He noted that it was “necessary that we also pray for our enemies
and those who have offended us and what we believe. As you receive Jesus, pray
for those discerning an abortion, that God will transform their hearts and
choose life.”

After Mass, congregants were invited to pray the rosary in front
of a nearby abortion clinic in Falls Church. It was a cold morning with
temperatures in the upper 30s, but that didn’t dampen the spirits of the people
gathered to pray.

Men, women and children — young and old — from various ethnic
groups and religions, arrived and stood along the sidewalk outside the abortion
clinic. Some attendees smiled and carried signs, waving at cars and trucks
passing by, rejoicing at the many horns that signaled agreement with the
pro-life cause. Others were deeply focused and prayerful, reciting the rosary aloud
either kneeling or with hands outstretched.

Bishop Burbidge arrived and attendees were invited to follow
along the rosary by calling a special conference call number. The Bishop gave
opening remarks and led the crowd in the praying of the sorrowful mysteries.

Attendees chatted among themselves afterward, hoping to speak
briefly with Bishop Burbidge before he left.

Ruby Nicdao, a pro-life sidewalk counselor since the 1980s, put
into context one unpleasant exchange with a passing car. “When people curse
you, you say ‘bless you’ to disarm them.”

Attendee Beth Oswald, a parishioner of St. Joseph Church in
Herndon, said, “I am here hoping to impact one heart … and help them recognize
that life is within them.”

Socci is a freelancer from Alexandria.

Related Articles