Prayer Walks for Life Draw Hundreds

Four walks in 10 days demonstrate continued opposition to abortion

A young women carrying a six-month-old boy symbolized what hundreds of people were doing out on a cold rainy early Monday morning.

“This is why we are here,” said Bishop Frank J. Dewane as he participated in a Prayer Walk for Life in front on the Planned Parenthood abortion center in at Goodlette-Frank and Creech roads in Naples on Feb. 1. “The value of a human life is above all else. What gifts would we have lost if this child had not been born!”

More than 350 people walked about a half-mile to the abortion center where they lined the sidewalks and prayed for the sanctity of life. The rosary was recited and brief songs were sung as those gathered tried to call upon the Holy Spirit to awaken those who might be considering abortion to realize there are alternatives; and for those who perform them, to stop destroying life.

“The incredible harm that is being done to the woman, the unborn child and the community is unimaginable, but it is happening right in front of us,” said Pat Patton of the Collier County Pro-Life Association. The association has been maintaining a weekly vigil in front of the clinic since abortions started being offered beginning in September 2009.

Bishop Dewane celebrated a Mass at nearby St. William Parish prior to the prayer walk with priests from each of the Collier County parishes and nearly 1,000 supporters in attendance.

“We are not statistics,” he proclaimed. “God gave life, yet science has stepped in to take away countless unborn who are not now in our midst. We need to reflect upon that and be strong witnesses. We all need to do what we are called to do from Baptism, to be a witness to believe in life. Don’t let the opportunity go by. Let prayer and your presence be a strong defense for life.”

Bishop Dewane reminded the faithful not to judge the individual. “That act is evil; leave the rest to Christ.”

The Naples walk was the fourth such walk to take place at abortion centers within the Diocese of Venice since Jan. 22, the 37th Anniversary of the Roe vs. Wade U.S. Supreme Court decision legalizing abortion.

Hundreds participated in each walk, with even more attending Mass to show their support. The Jan. 27 walk at St. Charles Borromeo Parish in Port Charlotte included the seventh and eighth grade students from the parish school. Those students later led the rosary just feet from the office of a doctor who performs abortions.

Bishop Dewane said participation in the prayer walk is important to provide a unified stance against abortion.

“It is harder when we are alone to express the value of life, but we all need to speak up as individuals because in some ways that is the strongest expression of your faith,” he said.

Diocese of Venice Respect Life Office Director Jeanne Berdeaux said she was pleased with the level of support from people throughout the Diocese.

“Each year we hope more and more people will come out and give witness to their faith. And they do!” Berdeaux said. “Another opportunity is coming up soon through the 40 Days for Life Spring Campaign in Naples. It runs throughout Lent, from Ash Wednesday through Palm Sunday. Details are available at www.40daysforlife.com/swfl or 239-503-0295.”

Prayer vigils are regularly held at the four locations where abortions are performed in the Diocese of Venice. For more information about how to “give witness” please contact the Diocese Respect Life Office at 941-484-9543.

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