“Lessons from the School of Suffering: A Young Priest With Cancer Teaches Us How to Live”
Through his suffering, cancer-stricken priest inspires thousands to know God
January 22nd marked the tragic 36th anniversary of the legalization of abortion through Roe vs. Wade. Since then, faithful Pro-Lifers have continued to observe the anniversary by marching in Washington, D.C. I had the honor of attending the March from ’95-’99. Quite an uplifting experience then, and it blows me away to know even MORE people come to the March every year.
Sadly, our blatantly biased media never covers the March. A virtual media blackout, save a few spots on CNN and the ever-faithful EWTN. A blogger named Barbara has posted an impressive photo album of the March. You’ll notice that the majority of the crowd are youth. I am always inspired to see teens & young adults boldly standing up for their lost generation.
The only problem with the March was its far location on the East Coast. Well, a few years ago Pro-Lifers organized in California the West Coast March for Life. Every year the number of marchers increase. What makes West Coast March particularly challenging is that it takes place in San Francisco, a city who officially declared itself a “Pro-Choice City.” Talk about taking a courageous stand. I send many prayers and shout-outs to my friends & family marching in San Francisco today.
Feast of St. Francis de Sales, Bishop and Doctor (1567 – 1622)
“Our business is to love what God would have done. He wills our vocation as it is. Let us love that and not trifle away our time hankering after other people’s vocations.” St. Francis deSales
For Reflection:
How can “hankering after other people’s vocations” lead me to be discontented with what God has chosen for me?
How does it deprive me of grace?
In what ways can it lead me into sin?
Today I attended the funeral for a friend’s baby son, who was stillborn after 22 weeks in the womb. The parents named him Zachary. The image of the tiny, white coffin will always remain in my memory. Tears fell from many faces throughout the funeral Mass. Even the priest broke down in tears during his homily as he spoke consoling words to the congregation, causing even more tears to flow. (I was glad to have skipped the mascara this morning!)
It’s a good reminder of the graces of the Sacrament of Marriage. I saw my friend K lean on her husband’s arm as they followed the coffin out of the church. Only 1.5 years ago, she walked arm in arm with him down the aisle at their wedding. Today’s grief, and their faithfulness to each other and their Catholic faith stands as a powerful witness to the supernatural graces of marriage…and the need to cling to each other in good times and in bad.
It’s also a reminder of the dignity and sanctity of human life. K announced the death of her son on Facebook, no doubt evangelizing to many people who think a preborn child is not a person. Mourners were asked to make a donation to our local crisis pregnancy center in lieu of flowers.
As we approach January 22nd, the anniversary of the legalization of abortion, little Zachary’s coffin will stay at the forefront of my mind. Now that he rejoices with the saints and angels in heaven, perhaps he will pray for the end to abortion as well.
Devotion to Our Lady of Hope
is one of the oldest Marian devotions.
The first shrine bearing that title
was erected at Mezieres in the year 930.
… Brother Lawrence
The Apostolate of Hannah's Tears 