There is a monthly Pro-Life prayer vigil in Oxford, outside the main entrance to John Radcliffe Hospital. These are the initiative of Mrs Amada Lewin who started them in March this year. This afternoon, there were twenty-five people standing in the cold, led by Fr John Saward, the author of Redeemer in the Womb. They prayed fifteen decades of the Rosary in reparation for abortion and for all unborn babies and their mothers and fathers. Others remained in the Church of St Anthony of Padua before the Blessed Sacrament exposed. After the Rosary, everyone went to the Church where Benediction was given by Fr John Saward.
H/T & photo credit Oxford Events: Pro-Life Witness
If you have the chance to join a similar vigil in your part of the world, I do encourage you to take the opportunity. Mgr Reilly, the founder of the Helpers of God's Precious Infants compares these vigils to standing with Christ at Calvary. Many people find that it requires a little courage to stand in such a witness; it is possible to meet with real hatred occasionally on these occasions. However, I believe that many graces are given to those who offer this witness in union with Christ crucified. There are also many graces given to those who encounter the witness and sometimes people change their minds. Here is a poster Calvary Today (1Mb pdf) which offers a short reflection on the theme.
3 comments:
Thanks, Fr Finnigan, for the publicity. To those thinking about supporting these kinds of events, I should say that, although some passers by do make rude gestures etc., at least as many show their support, and it is very heartening. On Saturday a lady stopped her car to congratulate us; more than once black Muslim youths have assured of their support. This is a real way to make the Church visible.
Interesting that Mr Shaw applauds the support of Muslims. Fundamentalists together? Does he also support stoning of women, a ban on alchohol, suicide bombers, anti semitism?
Even were he not a philosophy don, I expect he would be able to distinguish between supporting Muslims in their pro-life attitude and supporting Muslim suicide bombers.
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