Greetings and salutations! 

On my old blog, I had a tradition of writing a reflection about the pro-life movement around the time of Roe vs. Wade's anniversary. With due deliberation, I decided to carry over that tradition this year. Because really, the issue of abortion is deeply tied with the mystery of femininity, and it is an issue that I care deeply about (even though I only post about it once a year).

I usually stick to overviews or philosophical discussions about abortion, but this year, I want to take a more personal turn. Because this year, I actually participated in the National March for Life for the first time. And I will apologize in advance for the rather long post ahead. 

My FSSP parish had decided to rent a bus for the first time in several years to go down to the March. In keeping with our regular pro-life work, my YAG deliberately chose to participate in the March as our "big monthly meeting" for January. 

Getting on the bus on the morning of the 21st, I was amazed at just how young our demographics were. About 35% of the bus was made of YAG members, and about 30% more were kids between 10-20. The remaining adults were a few parents (mostly dads), and a couple of middle-aged couples. In a way, I was a little surprised, I thought the group would have been more diverse. But really, it was indicative of the growing trend: the face of the pro-life movement is young! 

We arrived at Union Station sometime around 11am after a couple hours bus ride. Being on the bus allowed me to drink in the sights of the city. It was rather surreal to see the Washington Monument from the other side of the river when we first approached. Leaving Union Station, our first objective was to reach the National Gallery of Art. Which we did, only to discover that it was quite a ways away from the rallying point. We did meet a couple of familiar faces from our extended parish family in other groups as we walked along. We hiked down just beyond the Museum of Natural History, where I got my first look at the National Mall. Just saying, it's a lot bigger than I thought. We found a spot on the outskirts of the crowd, where we could still hear but keep together. 

I'm not sure if this was true for the whole March, but I felt that in our spot of the rally, we had a high concentration of Catholics. We were nearest to a group from the St. John Paul II Seminary. We also had a group of huge Papal Flags flying off some distance to our left. A Christendom flag and the TFP banner could be seen off in the distance. I saw many Dominican and Franciscan friars walking around in full habit, along with many priests and even a few nuns. And of course, there were many other Catholic school groups congregating in the near vicinity. There was a wonderful feeling of solidarity. And it was a striking counter-example to the bad Catholic politicians that push and push for abortion without reason. 

Out of the speakers of the rally, I felt drawn a lot to Toni McFadden's speech. Her story of her abortion and her subsequent redemptive arc via her marriage and family with her former boyfriend (and father of her unborn baby) was really touching. In a way, I see that story as a microcosm of America. Abortion will always leave a stain, just as slavery did, and we will never forget the 63 million civilians that we have lost because of it. But that does not mean that we, as a nation, cannot move past it and make a success of ourselves. 

It was sometime during the rally (I think it was during the Lisa Robertson/Katie Shaw talks) when I experienced something which can only be described as a demonic attack. I felt cold to the cause. I heard a voice say interiorly, what am I doing here? What is the point? I felt like a prideful faker, there only externally. There were other, more despairing interior temptations, but I will not mention them. Suffice it to say, that's when I started praying. 

I mention this experience not to draw attention to myself, but to highlight some characteristics of the struggle. The fight surrounding abortion is not just of flesh, but also of principalities and powers. There were some serious spiritual forces hanging around this issue that people tend to forget about. If anything, these temptations were a wake-up call to me of just how vulnerable we still can be. 

And speaking of spiritual weapons, I do wish that parishes would publish announcements about the January 22 Day of Penance. I feel that so many people don't know about this, or if they do, they don't realize that it is as binding under Canon Law as a Friday Penance. Some things can only be removed by mortification, and sins of the flesh are definitely one of those. 

The rally finished with Father Mike Schmitz, and his introduction was greeted with the loudest ovation of the rally, reaching even our crew. This also helps to cement my hypothesis that there were many Catholics in that rally, lol. Anyway, his speech was a wonderful tonic (as one can expect, anyway) to send us off with. 

Very soon, we were making our way to join the 150,000 other people attempting to join the March. As we stood in 9th Street, a chant of "Hey hey, ho, ho, Roe V. Wade has got to go!" swept like a verbal wave over the assembly. That was pretty awesome. 

From there, we made our way to Constitution Ave. To be honest, this was the most stressful period for me. You see, I thought it would have been set up almost like a parade, with a little delineation between the groups. But no, it's one huge throng, moving in and out and all around. Keeping the group together - even with the help of the pilgrimage banner - was no easy feat. 

Just out of sight from the Supreme Court building, we stopped at the corner of 1st and Constitution. Unfortunately, we were on a strict timetable for our bus, and so we couldn't finish the March. We headed back up to PA, and from there, our YAG went to have a late dinner at one of our favorite restaurants. I am slightly disappointed that I didn't get to clap eyes on the Supreme Court building, but maybe I will have another opportunity later. 

The only negative experience we had was a *ahem* loudmouth Baptist lambasting all the "idolaters" to repent during the rally. We didn't run into any counterprotests anywhere. In fact, Washington seemed rather....quiet. Not sure if it was because of the cold, or nobody wanted to tangle with 150,000 crazy pro-lifers, LOL. 

I think when we hear the word "protest", we think of angry shouting and sign-waving. But that wasn't the case here. I had heard that the March for Life was one of the most peaceful and uplifting experiences one could have. I can vouch for that myself. Really, those who want to model a peaceful, loving protest of injustice, they should model the March for Life. 

If I had to describe it in one word, it would be meek. 

I know that is probably a really strange word choice, but hear me out here. Meekness is not mousiness. It's a control of the use of emotion. In other words, not letting emotions cloud up judgement, but use it forward the thought or action. 

In nearly all the speeches, the emotionally charged polemics were taken away and objective thoughts were used. For the majority of the participants, this was the same. But at the same time, there was no backing down, no apologies, no weakness. And that's the way things should be done. Because anger and emotional rhetoric may win some favors (as noted with Donald Trump), but it's an empty monster waiting to devour it's next prey. 

Like many, I do hope that this year will bring the end of Roe vs. Wade. It certainly would fit close to the historical timeline for Supreme Court flip-flops. I know that it won't be the end of abortion, but it will definitely staunch the flow a lot faster. In the meantime, we must pray, fast and act. 

We pray in reparation for all the "slaps" to the Creator's Face.

We pray today in memoriam for all the bleeding hearts that have been sacrificed to the idols of
personal irresponsibility, racial and economic purity, and the false idea of "choice".

We pray that America may be a nation that lives up to it's first principle as declared in 1776 that all persons have the right to LIFE.

We pray for all the women who have been harmed by abortion, and for their continued healing.

And we pray for all unborn children, that they may be born healthy and their souls may be saved.

Our Lady, Protectoress of the Unborn, PRAY FOR US!!


May God bless you all,

Catherine

 

As I sit here attempting to write my annual post on Roe vs. Wade, I struggle to make sense of what is happening in this country. There is no doubt, dark days ahead. We have now an administration who is traitor to our countries ideals as well as to their professed religious beliefs. Already, threats of rolling back protections for the unborn have been aired. Worst of all, the March for Life has been cancelled due to increased military presence in the principle streets of Washington. 

Yet, we are not entirely without hope. We have seen Missouri recently declare itself abortion-free...only 49 more states to go! And there are still local advocacies and spiritual warfare that are still happening at abortion clinics. Court cases are still going through, with the hopes that the dreaded Roe vs. Wade will be killed at last. 

For the past three years, I have made attempts at eloquent speeches, full of feeling and hard truths. This year, I have decided to put that aside and talk about something a little more personal. I want to share something that has convicted me of my humanity, now more than ever before. 

To understand this, we have to go back a little bit in time to Christmas Eve night, 2020. 

It had been raining hard all day, melting the numerous inches of snow we had received during the previous week, not to mention ruining any chance of a white Christmas. At 5pm, my brother Anthony's guardian angel prompted him to go pray in a quiet place and so he went to the basement....

And discovered that there was 1.5 inches of standing water on the basement floor. 

Cue the family panic and the donning of boots for a fast salvage action (and, quite a few scares, including the smashing of a mercury bulb, but that is neither here nor there). 

Now, to be fair, the basement had flooded many times since we had moved in, but this particular flood was one of the most serious. While the majority of the items stored in the basement were in fact in waterproof tubs, there were still several boxes of paperwork and books that got water damaged. 

It is one of those boxes that my story concerns with. It was a long cardboard box, chock full of folders of financial and medical records from the mid-90s. My parents had simply not gotten around to shredding the stuff. The bottom of the box had gotten wet, but it was uncertain whether the paperwork had been completely ruined or not. Therefore, it was my job to remove and sort the contents so the wet box could be disposed of. 

I reached for a folder and opened it. There on the top was a photocopied medical record for my mother. Being the snoop that I am, I flipped idly through it. 

And then I got to the last page....and found something that shook me to the core. 

It was this: 

In terms of the pro-life movement, there have been many ups and downs. Between the Daleiden case, the movie Unplanned, and the recent pro-life cases that are challenging the precedents, abortion has remained a central issue.

In my last "Roe v. Wade" post, I wrote this paragraph:

"There is no doubt, since the appointing of conservative judge Brett Kavanagh to the Supreme Court, that the fight surrounding the issue of abortion has become increasingly polarized. Each side is offering more and more resistance to the other's tactics. Like most political fights, moderates are increasingly disappearing."

In recent weeks, this has been proved twice over by two opposing amicus briefs filed in Congress: one signed by 200 congressmen in support of overturning Roe (mostly Republicans), and one signed by 197 congressmen against such a measure (mostly Democrats). For more on this, please see the LifeSiteNews article HERE.

The hints that Roe v. Wade is going to be challenged in the courts have grown stronger. A recent bill being proposed by Louisana holds promise to render a death blow to it. All the while, ultra-liberal states such as Virginia and New York are furiously trying to enshrine abortion in their state constitutions.

It is only through increased persistence of Christians, with encouragement from political leaders such as Donald Trump, that will bring about success. Only repeated punches will bring this diabolical enemy down.

We, as citizens of this nation, have a duty to further the just interests of it. Because we have a natural love for our nation, we wish to see it continue. Our country cannot improve, nor grow, nor even sustain itself, if we do not protect the weakest and most innocent of it's members - unborn children.

Our voices need to become louder now. If we are not doing anything to help the pro-life movement right now, we need to start. Go down and march in DC, if you are able. Pick up a pro-life car sticker. Support LifeSiteNews and Students for Life. Participate in a Rosary Rally. 

To my fellow Catholics, I strongly encourage you in charity to remember that January 22 is a mandatory day of penance instituted by the bishops of this country in response to Roe v. Wade. We are called to increased penitential prayers, to fast and to alms-give as we are able this day. Much good has already occurred because of such practices, let us redouble our efforts!


We pray in reparation for all the "slaps" to the Creator's Face.

We pray today in memoriam for all the bleeding hearts that have been sacrificed to the idols of
personal irresponsibility, racial and economic purity, and the false idea of "choice".

We pray that America may be a nation that lives up to it's first principle as declared in 1776 that all persons have the right to LIFE.

We pray for all the women who have been harmed by abortion, and for their continued healing.

And we pray for all unborn children, that they may be born healthy and their souls may be saved.

Our Lady, Protectoress of the Unborn, PRAY FOR US!!


Old-fashionably yours,

Catherine

Last year on this day, I published a post called "45 Years and 65 Million Slaps to the Creators Face". For a time, it was one of my most-viewed posts.

I have now decided that I shall make a abortion post on an annual (if not more) basis for every anniversary that passes for Roe. v. Wade. And this year is a particularly interesting year to start with.

There is no doubt, since the appointing of conservative judge Brett Kavanagh to the Supreme Court, that the fight surrounding the issue of abortion has become increasingly polarized. Each side is offering more and more resistance to the other's tactics. Like most political fights, moderates are increasingly disappearing.

Crowd-funded films such as "Gosnell" and the upcoming Roe v. Wade movie have already reached national attention and for the former, record sales on Amazon, a very good rating on Rotten Tomatoes and decent box office returns. This is in spite of suppressed showings, little media coverage, and other leftist activity (LifeSiteNews).

Already, personal testimonies from actresses, political figures and former abortionists are making an impact on others. Encouraged by the increasingly positive direction that the pro-life movement is making, more and more are speaking out....and showing up to pro-life events such as the March for Life.

There are even hints that Roe v. Wade could be at least questioned in court if not overturned. It wouldn't be the first time that the Supreme Court could re-interpret a law to reflect the truth. It was seen in 1954 when Brown v. Board of Education effectively overturned a 58 year old court precedent known as Plessy v. Ferguson, the latter of which allowed racial segregation, another gravely immoral wrong.

Yes, the liberals are not going to give up without a fight. In fact, it would be wise to note their desperation, which is now extending to children indoctrination via fiction and slanderous attacks on minors; besides the usual tactics of suppression, discrimination, and agenda-pushing. Oh yes, and increased "protections" of abortion up to birth, non-medical abortion, and other such atrocities - atrocities that would have been unthinkable to most moderate liberals of decades past. They will use illogical emotion and ignorance as their main prongs of attack.

But, we cannot be discouraged by this.

The face of the pro-life movement is growing younger and younger as years go on. As each year passes, the March for Life increases in attendance while the Woman's March decreases.

I mentioned last year that the Silent Majority had found it's voice. Now it's using it, with great effect. And not by the traditional way of media either - which has a history of botching up stories.

No, the Silent Majority fights to go to the source and learn the truth. No botched secondhand accounts for them. And I believe that this is why the pro-life movement is growing so much - people have discovered that the truth is irreconcilable to what the Left promotes.


To my fellow Catholics, I strongly encourage you in charity to remember that today is a mandatory day of penance instituted by the bishops of this country in response to Roe v. Wade. We are called to increased penitential prayers, to fast and to alms-give as we are able this day. Much good has already occurred because of such practices, let us redouble our efforts!


We pray in reparation for all the "slaps" to the Creator's Face.

We pray today in memoriam for all the bleeding hearts that have been sacrificed to the idols of
personal irresponsibility, racial and economic purity, and the false idea of "choice".

We pray that America may be a nation that lives up to it's first principle as declared in 1776 that all persons have the right to LIFE.

We pray for all the women who have been harmed by abortion, and for their continued healing.

And we pray for all unborn children, that they may be born healthy and their souls may be saved.

Our Lady, Protectoress of the Unborn, PRAY FOR US!!


Old-fashionably yours,

Catherine

Source: Family Live Council Inc.

As you can see, this post is rather somber, in view of the fact that today is the 45th anniversary of one of the most heinous Supreme Court decisions ever decided.


A priest that I knew likened every abortion to a slap in the Creator's Face. With good reason.

Each abortion is a deliberate destruction of life, an innocent life. A sin that is not only classified as mortal, but also classified by the Catholic Church as a "sin that cries to Heaven for Vengeance."

So, with each abortion, we reject and destroy a great gift and blessing - a human being created in the image and likeness of God Himself.

And, their soul - that soul that He labored and crafted over - is denied the privilege of even seeing Him. Because that soul was unable to receive Baptism, they face the consequences of Original Sin. To say that this saddens the Creator would be putting it mildly....very mildly.

If you are an artist or a writer or have created anything, you know what kind of pride and joy you had when you created that original, unreplacable creation. Now imagine it torn to pieces, irrepairably damaged. You feel sorrowful, don't you? Now take that sorrow and magnify it 100 million times, and you might come close to what God feels after an abortion.

Could you imagine being slapped in the face 60 million times over 45 years????    

Our nation is the one that started this whole mess of legalized abortions. We can and SHOULD be the first to put a stop to it.

And I believe that we are on the road to doing so.

President Trump made history on January 19 at the March for Life when he made a public speech in support of the pro-life movement....something that no other president has done since Roe v. Wade was put into practice. They say that actions speak louder than words. In the latter half of this article is a list of all the pro-life actions that President Trump has done in the past year alone.

To see the full speech, please click here.

Pro-life legislature is also making it's way through D.C. As the March for Life was passing along the streets of Washington, House representatives passed H.R. 4712 - The Born Alive Infant Protection Act. As soon as this bill is signed into law, it will be illegal to kill a baby that survived an attempted abortion.

There have been some naysayers and some unbelief that such actions have been taking place, especially of the people that are pushing the legislature through.

I think those same people forgot that JANE ROE HERSELF became a PRO-LIFE ADVOCATE.

You think I'm crazy right? If you don't believe me, just look her up under her true name, Norma McCorvey. This woman went from being a lesbian, pro-abortion non-Christian to a Catholic who spoke before Congress multiple times to advocate for pro-life legislature.

She died almost a year ago, still active in the political fight. She never aborted that baby that she was pregnant with at the time of the case.

From Jane Roe's story, I think we can all take hope and marvel at the workings of God. If she was brave enough to stand up to all of her former supporters and denounce them, we have no excuse not to use our own voices.

Outside the political arena, Christians are also speaking out in other ways. Sidewalk counseling, pro-life rallies, contributing to pregnancy centers are all ways that many people use to help the unborn.

There are also more unconventional ways of supporting this movement.

There is a young lady that I met through Goodreads that is currently writing a story that I believe needs to be told. It is set in a future America - which has turned into a left-wing woman's paradise. We follow a typical young woman named Ember as she becomes a Caretaker - a person who takes care of the unborn ward....which includes aborting the weak ones. After being forced to kill a baby that she tried to save, Ember realizes that she can't condone abortion, or the society that raised her, anymore. You can view the ongoing story via the Wattpad Link.

The silent majority has finally found it's voice and defending the defenseless.

We pray in reparation for all the "slaps" to the Creator's Face.

We pray today in memoriam for all the bleeding hearts that have been sacrificed to the idols of personal irresponsibility, racial and economic purity, and the false idea of "choice".

We pray that America may be a nation that lives up to it's first principle as declared in 1776 that all persons have the right to LIFE.

We pray for all the women who have been harmed by abortion, and for their continued healing.

And we pray for all unborn children, that they may be born healthy and their souls may be saved.

Our Lady, Protectoress of the Unborn, PRAY FOR US!!

Old-fashionably yours,

Catherine