Witnessing for Life

"For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother's womb. I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well. My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them." —Psalm 139:13-16

On Saturday, April 9, at 9 a.m., members of Adelphi and Hofstra's Newman Clubs celebrated Mass at Saint Ladislaus Church, in Hempstead. The Mass began the Prayer Vigil for Life, which was hosted by Catholic Life at Hofstra and Frassati Youth.

After Mass, many of those in attendance walked down the block to the local Planned Parenthood clinic, where they prayed, sang and paid silent witness in the hope of ending violence against the unborn. Amongst those present at the vigil were the Sisters of Life, a group of women religious who dedicate themselves to "the protection and enhancement of the sacredness of every human life." Others, however, stayed behind to help with the Mommy Baby Drive. Donations went to the Regina Residence, in Merrick.

When the vigil ended, everyone regrouped at Saint Ladislaus for refreshments and fellowship. A video of the day's events is below. You may notice, towards the end, a medal of Mary affixed to the clinic's fence. The medal serves to remind us that even after those who attended the vigil left, Mary continues to watch over and pray for all little ones, from the womb through eternity.

Additional resources:
Catechism of the Catholic Church on Respect for Human Life
Evangelium Vitae ("The Gospel of Life"), an encyclical by Blessed Pope John Paul II.