Archbishop J. Michael Miller celebrates Mass at Sacred Heart Church in Delta before the March for Life in Victoria, British Columbia, on May 9, 2024. He prayed that they “may be worthy and effective messengers of hope.” / Credit: Paul Schratz
Victoria, Canada, May 11, 2024 / 09:00 am (CNA).
At a pro-life Mass before the March for Life in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, Vancouver Archbishop J. Michael Miller prayed that those heading to the British Columbia Legislature “may be worthy and effective messengers of hope to a world where self-centeredness, greed, violence, and cynicism so often seem to choke the fragile growth of grace in people’s hearts.”
The acceptance of abortion in particular in the law and the popular mind is “a telling sign of an extremely dangerous crisis of the moral sense, which is becoming more and more incapable of distinguishing between good and evil,” the archbishop said.
He told the pro-life worshippers that they are “praying in a special way that reverence for life will grow and increasingly be realized in concrete ways in our province of British Columbia and in our nation of Canada.”
Speaker Brittany Garisto speaks at the March for Life in Victoria, British Columbia, on May 9, 2024, about her love for her baby, who died at a young age. Credit: Paul Schratz
Speakers at the legislature told the crowd of about 1,000 people that they need to remember the causes behind society’s choices of accepting death through abortion and euthanasia.
Victoria Bishop Gary Gordon told the crowd that fear lies behind those who choose abortion and euthanasia. “Everybody loves life,” Gordon said, but fear of an unplanned pregnancy or being abandoned leads them toward what they see as the solution to their fear.
“If we listen to people who choose things we don’t agree with, listen deeply — you will hear the fear. And we have the ability to dispel the fear, with love.”
Archdiocese of Vancouver pro-life chaplain Father Larry Lynn at the March for Life in Victoria, British Columbia, on May 9, 2024. Credit: Paul Schratz
Amanda Achtman, whose mission to end euthanasia in Canada led to her online project Dying to Meet You, reminded the crowd that people who choose euthanasia typically fear “the loss of ability to participate in meaningful life activities.” Doctors who perform euthanasia “think that they are doing something good, she said.
“The dying person deserves not to be abandoned as they’re suffering and dying. When someone requests euthanasia, it betrays that insecurity.”
Participants at the March for Life in Victoria, British Columbia, walk down a street with signs calling for life to be respected at all stages. May 9, 2024. Credit: Paul Schratz
Alex Schadenberg of the Euthanasia Prevention Coalition said: “We have a feeling of hopelessness among many people … We have a serious problem with loneliness and feelings of lack of hope and meaning so what we really have is a cultural abandonment going on. This is not about freedom and choice and autonomy, it’s about killing people who are in despair. And those people need you as people of hope.”
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Pope Francis waves to pilgrims gathered in St. Peter’s Square for the recitation of the Regina Caeli on May 7, 2023. / Vatican Media
CNA Staff, May 7, 2023 / 06:30 am (CNA).
Pope Francis on Sunday warned against the danger of living life without a sense of purpose or a destination to set our course by, reminding the faithful that Jesus is “our compass for reaching heaven,” our true home.
Speaking to pilgrims gathered on a sunny day in St. Peter’s Square to pray the Regina Caeli, the pope reflected on the day’s Gospel reading, in which Jesus consoles his disciples before his ascension, telling them, “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (Jn. 14:6).
“Jesus sees the disciples’ distress, their fear of being abandoned, just as it happens to us when we are forced to be separated from someone we care for. And so, he says: ‘I go to prepare a place for you … that where I am you may be also,” the pope said.
“Jesus uses the familiar image of home, the place of relationships and intimacy. In the Father’s house — he says to his friends, and to each one of us — there is space for you, you are welcome, you will always be received with the warmth of an embrace, and I am in Heaven to prepare a place for you!”
Pope Francis said that keeping in mind “where life is headed” is the way to get through the experiences of “fatigue, bewilderment, and even failure.”
When we lose sight of what makes “life worth living for,” he said, we “compress our life into the present,” the pope said. We merely seek maximum enjoyment and “end up living day by day, without purpose, without a goal.”
“Our homeland, instead, is in heaven; let us not forget the greatness and the beauty of our destination!” he urged.
Pilgrims gathered in St. Peter’s Square for the recitation of the Regina Caeli on May 7, 2023. Vatican Media
But if we know the goal, we also have to know how to get there, the pope continued. When we face problems or when there is the “sensation that evil is stronger,” we ask, like Thomas, “What should I do?”
The pope responded: “Let us listen to Jesus’ answer: ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life’ … He is the way and therefore faith in him is not a ‘package of ideas’ in which to believe, but rather a road to be traveled, a journey to undertake.”
“He is the way that leads to unfailing happiness,” the pope said, and imitating him is “the compass for reaching heaven: loving Jesus, the way, becoming signs of his love on earth.”
“Let us not be overwhelmed by the present,” the pope said. “Let us look up, to heaven, let us remember the goal, let us think that we are called to eternity, to the encounter with God.”
The pope then led the traditional Easter midday prayer, the Regina Caeli, in Latin.
After the prayer, the Holy Father noted two beatifications that happened on Saturday, one in Spain and one in Uruguay.
The first bishop of Uruguay, Bishop Jacinto Vera, was beatified in Montevideo. The bishop, who died in 1881, “witnessed to the gospel with powerful missionary ideals in the very difficult times of civil war,” the pope noted.
In Spain, Conchita Barrecheguren was beatified. Her full name was María de la Concepción del Perpetuo Socorro, but she was known as Conchita (the nickname for those named after the Immaculate Conception). The pope recalled how she “was bedridden for a long time and was able to face her illness with a lot of courage and strength.” She died in her early 20s, in 1927.
Members of the Meter Association, an organization that works to combat the abuse of minors, wave flags and a banner in St. Peter’s Square on May 7, 2023. Vatican Media
The pope also greeted a number of the faithful who were in the Square. Among those he welcome were members of the Meter Association who were dressed in bright yellow clothing and were accompanied by their founder, Father Fortunato di Noto. This association works to combat the abuse of minors. The pope noted that they were marking a remembrance day for victims. He encouraged them in their work and thanked them, reminding them that Jesus meets them in the young people they assist. I “accompany you with my prayers,” he said.
The pope also had a special hello for members of the Swiss Guard with their friends and family members, who participated in Saturday’s swearing-in ceremony.
There were 23 recruits sworn in on May 6, the tradition day of the initiation ceremony, which marks the anniversary of the sacrifice of 147 Swiss guards who died during the Sack of Rome in 1527 as they protected Pope Clement VII.
Finally, the pope noted the May 8 feast of Our Lady of Pompeii.
“In this sanctuary where we pray for peace, and especially in this month of May, we pray the rosary asking Our Blessed Mother for the gift of peace, especially for the people in Ukraine.”
He expressed his wish that leaders of countries “would listen to the desire of the people — who continue to suffer, and who desire and long for peace.”
The shrine in Pompeii — just a few minutes from the city that was famously destroyed by Mt. Vesuvius in 79 A.D. — is dedicated to Our Lady of the Rosary and was renovated in the late 1800s.
Sister Magdalene Schafer speaks with CNA about her past experiences with the Labouré Society and the spiritual fruits that she has reaped from the organization. / Credit: Gigi Duncan/CNA/Zoom screenshot
Nothing like a mother’s love is seen in Brittany Garisto’s eyes speaking of her loss. A mother’s love is seen throughout nature.
It’s mating time for birds here in upstate New York, my ‘cabin in the woods’ a favorite nesting place to my delight because I love birds. Lady birds protect their nests, the male the valiant guardian flying about, even watchful of me [one can never be too careful]. Last year a remarkable sight. Grey squirrels are notorious egg snatchers. A large grey ran down a tree egg in mouth chased by a robin both involved in a wild melee on the ground, the squirrel apparently surrendering to her ferocity.
How often have mothers made a similar last stand against a crazed lover, even wacko husband, perhaps an intruder. A scene of violent intrusion [shown by the media] was captured on home surveillance video when the intruder, a massive man burst through the door and pounded a reclining woman then bolted up the stairs. She managed to revive and met him as he descended and received an even more terrible beating by the monster, then the video was stopped. Perhaps I’m mistaken, that there likely was a child or two upstairs.
Our anomaly today is the disparity of a mother’s love and a mother’s disinterest in the life of their child. Abortion is more monstrous than the vicious intruder. That a mother would permit her child to be slaughtered by scalpels, suction, burned alive with saline solution in her infant’s nesting place where God ordained nature to be its safest place.
“Our anomaly today is the disparity of a mother’s love and a mother’s disinterest in the life of their child. Abortion is more monstrous than the vicious intruder. That a mother would permit her child to be slaughtered by scalpels, suction, burned alive with saline solution in her infant’s nesting place where God ordained nature to be its safest place.”
Hi Father,
I do not understand the callous attack in your comment. The son I spoke of, Joseph, passed away naturally at 10 months old from the rare genetic disorder he was born with. We cherished every day with him and did everything we could to help him. Joseph’s disorder was so rare that we did not know it was fatal until a week before he passed. Words cannot describe the trauma and heartbreak we have gone through. Joseph was a perfect reflection of God’s unconditional love and he taught us how to find joy through suffering. At the time of that rally I was 8 months pregnant with our third child and had no idea if he would have the same genetic disorder (a 25% chance for any of our children) because I would not risk his health or life with invasive testing. My husband and I have always and will always say yes to life and God’s plan for our family, no matter the personal heartbreak and suffering that comes. My message at that rally and always is to testify to God’s love and that all life is valuable, even the terminally ill, and that being a mother to any child that God sends is an honour. Shame on you for your unkindness. I will keep you in my prayers.
Sometimes comments can be hastily stated, or misread, or both.
Fr. Morello is honoring you. Yours truly reads his meaning as surely that “Nothing like a mother’s love is seen [more clearly than] in Brittany Garisto’s eyes speaking of her loss. A mother’s love is seen throughout nature.”
A mother’s nature is seen in nature. Instinctive animal behavior is natural to animals and is very different from ‘love.’ ‘Love’ is God’s gift to rational humans. Human love is open to elevation by supernatural aspects; the animal nature is simply not capable of ‘love.’ Humans are free to reject ‘natural motherly’ instinctive behavior. Animals are not free to reject or deny their nature. Instinct is not love.
A mother’s nature is seen in nature. Instinctive animal behavior is natural to animals and is very different from ‘love.’ ‘Love’ is God’s gift to rational humans. Human love is open to elevation by supernatural aspects; the animal nature is simply not capable of ‘love.’ Humans are free to reject ‘natural motherly’ instinctive behavior. Animals are not free to reject or deny their nature.
Hi Brittany,
It is easy to read and understand words as they are written. Often these days our words are unkind and uncharitable. I too have taken umbrage at some of Father Morello’s words. I stopped reading most of his posts, even those sent directly to me. I empathize with you.
I too have a child with a serious genetic defect. Although my child is alive, the defect will lead us to succumb sooner or later. God bless you. Please know that you are loved and many others grieve with you.
God bless you & your child meiron. I’m so sorry to hear about that.
One of my children inherited a couple disorders, one of which is usually life limiting. Thankfully in their case, one disorder mostly cancels out the effects of the other one but it could easily have played out differently.
We just never know what others are going through & need to take more time to be charitable & count our blessings.
Nothing like a mother’s love is seen in Brittany Garisto’s eyes speaking of her loss. A mother’s love is seen throughout nature.
It’s mating time for birds here in upstate New York, my ‘cabin in the woods’ a favorite nesting place to my delight because I love birds. Lady birds protect their nests, the male the valiant guardian flying about, even watchful of me [one can never be too careful]. Last year a remarkable sight. Grey squirrels are notorious egg snatchers. A large grey ran down a tree egg in mouth chased by a robin both involved in a wild melee on the ground, the squirrel apparently surrendering to her ferocity.
How often have mothers made a similar last stand against a crazed lover, even wacko husband, perhaps an intruder. A scene of violent intrusion [shown by the media] was captured on home surveillance video when the intruder, a massive man burst through the door and pounded a reclining woman then bolted up the stairs. She managed to revive and met him as he descended and received an even more terrible beating by the monster, then the video was stopped. Perhaps I’m mistaken, that there likely was a child or two upstairs.
Our anomaly today is the disparity of a mother’s love and a mother’s disinterest in the life of their child. Abortion is more monstrous than the vicious intruder. That a mother would permit her child to be slaughtered by scalpels, suction, burned alive with saline solution in her infant’s nesting place where God ordained nature to be its safest place.
“Our anomaly today is the disparity of a mother’s love and a mother’s disinterest in the life of their child. Abortion is more monstrous than the vicious intruder. That a mother would permit her child to be slaughtered by scalpels, suction, burned alive with saline solution in her infant’s nesting place where God ordained nature to be its safest place.”
The things psychopaths will say. 🙃
Your words here will be repeated to you at your judgment.
Hi Father,
I do not understand the callous attack in your comment. The son I spoke of, Joseph, passed away naturally at 10 months old from the rare genetic disorder he was born with. We cherished every day with him and did everything we could to help him. Joseph’s disorder was so rare that we did not know it was fatal until a week before he passed. Words cannot describe the trauma and heartbreak we have gone through. Joseph was a perfect reflection of God’s unconditional love and he taught us how to find joy through suffering. At the time of that rally I was 8 months pregnant with our third child and had no idea if he would have the same genetic disorder (a 25% chance for any of our children) because I would not risk his health or life with invasive testing. My husband and I have always and will always say yes to life and God’s plan for our family, no matter the personal heartbreak and suffering that comes. My message at that rally and always is to testify to God’s love and that all life is valuable, even the terminally ill, and that being a mother to any child that God sends is an honour. Shame on you for your unkindness. I will keep you in my prayers.
Sometimes comments can be hastily stated, or misread, or both.
Fr. Morello is honoring you. Yours truly reads his meaning as surely that “Nothing like a mother’s love is seen [more clearly than] in Brittany Garisto’s eyes speaking of her loss. A mother’s love is seen throughout nature.”
A mother’s nature is seen in nature. Instinctive animal behavior is natural to animals and is very different from ‘love.’ ‘Love’ is God’s gift to rational humans. Human love is open to elevation by supernatural aspects; the animal nature is simply not capable of ‘love.’ Humans are free to reject ‘natural motherly’ instinctive behavior. Animals are not free to reject or deny their nature. Instinct is not love.
A mother’s nature is seen in nature. Instinctive animal behavior is natural to animals and is very different from ‘love.’ ‘Love’ is God’s gift to rational humans. Human love is open to elevation by supernatural aspects; the animal nature is simply not capable of ‘love.’ Humans are free to reject ‘natural motherly’ instinctive behavior. Animals are not free to reject or deny their nature.
Hi Brittany,
It is easy to read and understand words as they are written. Often these days our words are unkind and uncharitable. I too have taken umbrage at some of Father Morello’s words. I stopped reading most of his posts, even those sent directly to me. I empathize with you.
I too have a child with a serious genetic defect. Although my child is alive, the defect will lead us to succumb sooner or later. God bless you. Please know that you are loved and many others grieve with you.
God bless you & your child meiron. I’m so sorry to hear about that.
One of my children inherited a couple disorders, one of which is usually life limiting. Thankfully in their case, one disorder mostly cancels out the effects of the other one but it could easily have played out differently.
We just never know what others are going through & need to take more time to be charitable & count our blessings.