t elnc 0 VOL. 35, NO.4.
Friday, January 25, 1991
FALL RIVER DIOCESAN NEWSPAPER FOR SOUTHEAST MASSA(:HU$ETTS
CAPE COD & THE ISLANDS
FALL RIVER, MASS.
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Pro-lifers march despite war tensions, weather . WASHINGTON (CNS) Pro-lifers, including many from the Fall River diocese, numbered an estimated 50,000 as they gathered in Washington Tuesday for the annual March for Life, this year marking the 18th anniversary of the Supreme Court's decision legalizing abortion. As well as their ongoing fight for the unborn, many in the crowd had the Gulf war on their minds; nor could the below-zero windchill factor be ignored. . Fear of terrorism was a factor in keeping march attendance below last year's figure as some chartered bus trips to the capital were canceled. Signs linking abortion and war abounded: "Save Saddam Hussein ... kill our unborn?"; "Saddam is a killer? We murder millions every year. Save our children"'; "Hey media - the worst war casualties are in the U.S.A.: 4,000 every day"; "N () killing in the Gulf, no killing in the womb." The fear of terrorism "didn't affect me" in deciding whether to come to the march, said Brian Niland, a freshman accounting major at Boston College, who came with eight other students. "It's very unimportant considering what's going on here," he said. Nellie Gray, president of March for Life, said to the shivering crowd, "they told us we wouldn't survive." "We're also praying for the men and women in uniform," Miss Gray said, but of greatest concern was
the "body bags of little babies" who were aborted. Once again, President Bush sent an audio message of support for the marchers, calling them "courageous and determined Americans." He said that largely because of the pro-life movement, January has become a month for reflection and rejuvenation of efforts to protect unborn babies. A sea of people wrapped to their noses against the biting cold huddled on the Mall in front of the Smithsonian museums, holding signs with anti-abortion slogans. They cheered supportive comments from dozens of activists and religious leaders. Several speakers drew parallels between the fight against abortion and the Persian Gulf war. The time has come for those in medicine, journalism and politics in particular to "face up to the cost" of legalized abortion in the United States, said Rep. Christopher Smith, D-NJ. He also said pro-life activists can learn about "crafting a prudent strategy" by studying the U.S. role in the Gulf war. "Let us not just work hard, but also smart and effectively," Smith said. Three U.S. cardinals and at least 10 archbishops and bishops joined the rally. Also represented were students, senior citizens, fraternal organizations and religious denominations including Jews Against Abortion, various Orthodox Christian churches and major Protestant congregations.
WORSHIPERS crowded St. Mary's Cathedral last Sunday for a quickly-arranged holy hour for peace, led by Bishop Daniel A. Cronin. (Gaudette photo)
"Peace, peace: and there was no peace'·' By Pat McGowan with CNS reports As Christian leaders throughout the world echoed the words of Jeremiah the prophet and called for peace, there wasno response to their plea as the Gulf conflict continued to escala,te. There was no question that diocesan Catholics stood with Jeremiah. With only two days' ,notice, last Sunday afternoon they crowded
A Catholic Schools Week message from Bishop Daniel A. Cronin The integration ofreligious truths and values with life distinguishes the Catholic school from other schools. Students in our diocesan elementary and secondary schools are being formed to live adult Christian lives, to be persons firmly grounded in faith and.. with ihe strong academic programs offered on all levels. people able to take a responsible place in A merican society..! heartily endorse the efforts ofall who work so diligent(v to planfor thefuture oftheir support ofour Catholic schools! Faithfully yours in Christ,
-r;r~ ~. BISHOP DANIEL A. Cronin and three of the more than 8,000 students who attend diocesan elementary and secondary schools. (Catelli photo)
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Bishop of Fall River A Catholic Schools Week section begins on page 7.
the 800 seats of St. Mary's Cathedral for a holy hour for peace. Announced Friday and publicized in parishes and through the media during the weekend, the holy hour was led by Bishop Daniel A. Cronin. It included Scripture readings, adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, recitation of the rosary and Benediction. It took place on what President George Bush had proclaimed National Sanctity of Human Life Day, having in mind the sanctity of unborn life. But, the bishop pointed out, "respect for human life becomes more complicated when a situation between nations results from the need to protect the rights of those subject to unjust aggression."
The bishop said that in the first days of the Persian Gulf War the 1965 words of Pope Paul VI tothe United Nations General Assembly repeatedly echoed in his mind: '.. "No more war, war never again." "It is not for me as a religious leader to pass judgment' on decisions that have been made," said the bishop, "but we must always pray for peace. Young men and women I probably confirmed are now serving in the Persian Gulf and they neeq our prayers... tell them we are praying for them and for peace and that we want them home soon."
The bishop then read a prayer for peace offered by Pope John Turn to Page II
Missions are subject of new· encyclical VATICAN CITY (CNS) - The primary reason the church engages in missionary activity is not to provide social services but to issue an explicit call to conversion in Christ, Pope John Paul II said in his eighth encyclical letter.
is often questioned or "passed over in silence," the pope said. "What is overlooked is that every person has the right to hear the 'Good News' of the God who-reveals and gives himself in Christ," the pope said. The Christian message and the The encyclical, titled "Redempcall to conversion must be extoris Missio" ("Mission of the plained in a way that respects the Redeemer"), was released at the consciences of listeners, he said. Vatican Jan. 22. It was dated Dec. "The church proposes; she imposes 7, the 25th anniversary of the Second Vatican Council's Decree· nothing." I n its work among nonon the Church's Missionary Christians, the church must make Activity. clear its belief that "for all people The I53-page letter is subtitled, - Jews and Gentiles alike - sal"On the Permanent Validity ofthe vation can only come from Jesus Church's Missionary Mandate." Christ," the encyclical said. The main task of missionaries to "While acknowledging that God call non-Christians to conversion Turn to Page Two