Pro-lifers attend day of reflection

By Tanya Connor  | The Catholic Free Press

After shootings at abortion clinics, leaders from both sides were secretly brought together to talk to each other.
Msgr. James P. Moroney, rector of St. Paul Cathedral, told that story to make a point at a pro-life day of reflection Saturday morning at St. Paul’s.
Allison LeDoux, director of the diocesan Respect Life Office, said she initiated the day to put prayer first and to respond to pro-lifers’ weariness. She hopes to make it an annual event.
“I thought it was a real boost for everyone here,” she said. It was perfect for kicking off pro-life groups in parishes, she said, adding that she plans training for such groups this fall.
William Desrosiers, of St. Paul Parish in Blackstone, said parishioners are looking at starting up a pro-life ministry there.
“I’m glad I came,” he said. “I’m trying to grow closer to my Lord Jesus Christ. … I think he led me here.”
Pauline Lariviere said she’s the parish pro-life contact. Several parishioners are getting together because they had the Light of the World retreat in their parish and “from there it mushroomed,” she said.
“I’m hoping to become more involved with Pauline,” said Lynne Wigglesworth. “I saw the movie ‘Unplanned’” and wanted to do something.
“I do want to get involved and work with the group and help pull it all together,” added Suzanne Clark.
Msgr. Moroney talked to participants about praying with the heart, with Scripture and by resting, like a child in a mother’s arms. He also spoke about seeking out people and forgiving them, and not being afraid. He supplemented his talks with music, photos and artwork. And he gave participants 45 minutes to spend in silence with God.
“Silence is the ultimate affirmation of God’s will,” he said. “Like the little kid, we let the Father take us by the hand and lead us where he wants us to go. …
“It is, perhaps, when we are silent that we are most alive. Which is why the culture of death thrives on words. Words which seek to manipulate and pervert.”
Words – lies – were Satan’s first weapon, leading Adam and Eve into sin, he said. Satan doesn’t use silence; it is God’s carving tool, when we bow before him in adoration. And silence can’t be done in haste, he said.
Speaking about praying with Scripture, Msgr. Moroney encouraged reflection on creation: “God made me out of love.” Jesus reminded people, “You are worth more than many sparrows,” he said. That includes even the most forgotten. Places at the cathedral where one can go to see Jesus are before the altar and before the man who sleeps on the rectory porch, he said. One might say, “We can’t solve their problems,” which is true, he said. “But you can love them,” he said. “You can pray for them. You can see Jesus in them.”
Even Jesus sought silence at important moments in his life, Msgr. Moroney said, recalling Jesus’ time in the desert before beginning his ministry, his night spent in prayer before calling the disciples to go out on mission, and his prayer in Gethsemane before his crucifixion.
Msgr. Moroney also talked about seeking out and forgiving people.
He told of John Salvi killing people at abortion clinics in Brookline, first telling one woman, “That’s what you get; you should pray the rosary more.”
After that, Cardinal Bernard Law of Boston arranged secret meetings for dialogue between pro-life and pro-choice leaders, Msgr. Moroney said.
One observation was that, at first, conversation was hard; there was much finger-pointing, Msgr. Moroney said.
Both sides reported that their views about abortion became deeper and their political attitudes became more polarized over the years as they met, he said. But they no longer hated each other. He said they now care deeply about each other and go to each other’s houses.
Msgr. Moroney noted that, unlike the chair he was sitting in, people are not things; they have human value and dignity, no matter what they can or can’t do.
“Sin and evil … causing the death of another human being … it poisons our hearts,” he said. But a heart anxious to forgive, embrace and be at peace can be an antidote to evil.
He also suggested listeners be like children – in innocence, purity and trust, gaining the first two traits through contrition, confession and turning away from everything that destroys them.
“Trust means I don’t spend much time worrying,” because God has things under control, he added.
Msgr. Moroney described situations in which people might discover Jesus. Just when they see themselves as too little, Jesus smiles and says, “Don’t be afraid. I will make you fishers of men. … I will be with you always, until the end of time.”    
He thanked participants, which numbered about 40, and said they are his heroes; they put their life where their mouth is.