Parma pro-life gathering ‘makes a statement,’ says attendee
By Loretta Nemeth
PARMA, Ohio — More than 60 people attended the right-to-life services at Holy Spirit Parish Jan. 19, the same day the National March for Life, which was taking place in Washington. About 20 of the attendees joined Holy Spirit pastor Father James Batcha and Deacon Robert Cripps to process from the church to the Monument Dedicated to the Unborn in Holy Spirit Cemetery for a short prayer service there.
The group then joined the other attendees in the church for a Moleben for the Sacredness of Life and Supplication for the Victims of Abortion, celebrated by Father Batcha.
In his homily, Father Batcha said, “The idea behind the March for Life is for people to have a conversion — a metanoia — to say that abortion is wrong. We need to be active in helping others to see that making a mistake is not corrected by an even greater mistake. God is the author of all creation, and who are we to interfere? Give that being its chance at life!”
Father Batcha said the grief experienced by those who have had an abortion is really the Spirit speaking to them.
“We get enlightenment from the Spirit,” he said.
“We pray that abortion will come to an end, and that those who are responsible will take responsibility for their actions and do what is good and pleasing to God,” he concluded.
Following the moleben, the parish hosted a luncheon in the social hall.
Lynn Waiwood, of St. Columbkille Roman Catholic Parish in Parma, said, “We think it’s wonderful that you’re supporting the march in Washington, D.C., and offering this opportunity for those who can’t be there.”
She and Frank Cuffaro, also from St. Columbkille, said this right-to-life service was “making a statement here.”
Waiwood said the services were very nice.
Holy Spirit parishioner Carol Marino said she was there because “this is something I feel strongly about.”
“We need to add forgiveness to our church family; it’s a matter of the heart,” she said. She said she was glad to see so many people attend the services.
Caption: Father James Batcha, Deacon Robert Cripps, altar server Frank Hanigosky and those willing to brave the cold weather prayed for the unborn at the Monument Dedicated to the Unborn in Holy Spirit Cemetery Jan. 19. The event was planned to coincide with the National March for Life in Washington, D.C. (Photo: John Jurcsisn)
As published in Horizons, Feb. 11, 2018. Sign up for the Horizons e-newsletter.