Prayer not Protest

In Louisville, KY there is a beautiful Cathedral, The Cathedral of the Assumption. A few blocks away there is an abortion clinic. This past Saturday morning I went with some other seminarians to pray inside of the former and outside the latter.

Mass started at 7:00am. After mass Adoration began in the main sanctuary. Some stayed to adore while the rest of us, approximately 40-50 people, rosaries in hand, processed from the Cathedral to a spot on the sidewalk across the street from the abortion clinic. On the way we prayed the Joyful Mysteries. While across from the clinic we prayed the Sorrowful Mysteries. Finishing those we processed back praying the Glorious Mysteries. Reentering the Cathedral we briefly rejoined Adoration and then concluded with Benediction.

While we were across the street from the clinic I had my eyes closed most of the time to avoid distraction and actually focus on prayer instead of the specific goings-on in front of the clinic. In the brief look that I did take I noticed several things.

What there was: People on the opposite side of the street, on the sidewalk in front of the clinic. Some of them were escorts hired by the clinic to see people inside. They were standing mostly in front of the door area. Along the length of the building were others, some standing, some kneeling, all praying.

What there was not: Arguments or vitriol toward or from either party, signs with graphic images or hateful slogans (The only imagery at all was a crucifix and a framed picture of Mary) or harassment of those entering.

The point: Yes there are some hypocritical people that show their disapproval of abortion in inappropriate ways but that is a very small minority. Don't be convinced that there are hateful anti-choice mobs in front of clinics. There aren't.

We've all seen that one individual in a group that gives a bad name to everyone else. It can happen to any group. The Pro-Life movement is no exception. So again, do not be convinced by one news report or one YouTube video that they're all just out to control women and make them feel bad. It simply isn't the case.

The one and only point is to protect life, both the life of the child in the womb and the life of the mother.

And the best way to accomplish that is prayer, to bring God into a situation trusting that He can take care of things better than we can. Therefore, we began with Mass, the highest prayer of the Church, and, strengthened by the presence of the Lord in the Eucharist went out, asking the intercession of the Mary, the example of all mothers, that she be with these mothers and their children.

"Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." - Romans 12:21

Seminary Summary

Thanksgiving break starts in 11 days. Returning from that we only have 2 weeks of class before Christmas. The fact that it has taken me until now to write about what it's like here at St. Meinrad's School of Theology should be noted as part of the description itself.

I got here on the 26 of August, the Thursday before class started. I had visited back in March so I knew the grounds and the buildings a little bit. I wasn't showing up totally in the dark but pretty close. As the following weeks would illustrate, there is a lot to know about around here, way more than I could have absorbed in my weekend visit.