Throughout Respect Life Month in October parishes in the diocese advocated for the dignity of human life through various activities, fundraisers, prayer services and Eucharistic celebrations.
St. Joseph, Upland
St. Joseph’s Respect for Life Ministry hosted its first 40 Days for Life Midway Eucharistic Procession on the public right of way in front of Upland’s Planned Parenthood clinic on Oct. 17. Led by Father Gino Galley, parochial vicar, the faithful participants came from various parishes including St. Joseph, St. Anthony, Upland, St. Peter and St Paul, San Secondo d’Asti, Sacred Heart, Rancho Cucamonga and St. Oscar Romero.
“The Eucharistic Procession was a peaceful, prayerful walk raising awareness about the honor and dignity of every stage of life,” said Nicole Allaire, Respect Life Ministry and Upland 40 Days for Life Coordinator.
A member of Sacred Heart’s Guadalupano Ministry brought the pilgrim image of Our Lady of Guadalupe, reminding participants that the Blessed Mother who bears her Son within her womb continues to be our Patroness of the Americas and the Unborn.
“This sacred Eucharistic Procession with the presence of Our Lady of Guadalupe captured the significance of our Catholic unity and the essence of Respect Life Month for all the grateful prayer warriors who bore witness to the power of prayer and dignity of life through the Holy Trinity,” Allaire said.
St. Joseph parish’s Respect Life Ministry also hosted its annual Baby Shower that benefits Assure Pregnancy Clinic in Fontana and Mary’s Manger in Chino.
“It was a way to help the Assure pregnancy Clinic support the mothers that were choosing life,” Allaire said.
St. Joseph’s Knights of Columbus and generous parishioners donated a total of $1,000 along with baby items and handmade blankets and beanies during the annual Baby Shower.
St. Anthony, San Jacinto
The Pro-Life Ministry at St. Anthony in San Jacinto, led by Mila Kenna, participated in a public rosary rally outside the Planned Parenthood clinic in Hemet. The “Respect Life prayer warriors,” as they are called, participate in this public rosary rally every October. The prayer warriors participate in the public rosary rally in response to a request made by America Needs Fatima, a campaign to capture the heart and soul of America with the Message of Our Lady of Fatima. Additionally, Mila Kenna, leader of the Pro-Life Ministry, led the Rosary on Oct. 7, the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary, outside the Hemet Planned Parenthood.
St. Anthony, Upland
St. Anthony parish’s Respect Life Ministry hosted an inaugural Pro-Life Mission on October 14. The event consisted of a Holy Hour including, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, Reconciliation, a pro-life Rosary, and the Divine Mercy Chaplet. Fr. Galley celebrated a special Pro-Life Mass where he gave an extended homily, which was very well received. The Sacrament of Reconciliation was well-attended with two priests hearing confessions for nearly three hours.
The mission was well attended by over 125 people from the parish and surrounding parishes as far away as Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, Ontario.
“We all felt that the Holy Spirit was present at our event,” said Mark Capalbo, parish Respect Life Ministry leader. “I was excited to learn that during the time of the mission, one of our crisis pregnancy counselors reported a save. Praise God.”