Each Person Has Dignity

01-27-2019Pastor's LetterRev. Gregory B. Wilson, VF

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

I want to reflect a little on my recent experience with members of our youth and the thousands gathered this year on January 18 for the annual March For Life in Washington, D.C. This was my ninth time at the March, having gone all six years during my time in seminary and three since. This time was the most people I’ve ever seen there, the vast majority being youth and young adults. How beautiful!

Our youth care because they know that theirs is the generation whose potential friends existed but are not alive today because their lives were considered expendable or inconvenient. The day before the March, we visited the National Holocaust Museum, which commemorates others, especially those of Jewish origins, who were considered expendable by an entire government.

As we’ve reflected before, pregnancy is not a disease. It doesn’t indicate that something went wrong. On the contrary, it means that something went right! It’s the way it’s supposed to work. We – yes, you and I as Jesus’ disciples – must have the courage to step forward first and help people see the awesome beauty and the astonishing miracle that is life. We are a people that welcomes life and welcomes that life with or without disabilities, Down’s syndrome, or other issues. Every conception is a unique set of DNA, and it’s unmistakably human DNA. God Himself in Jesus Christ went through this in the womb of the Virgin Mary beginning from one cell, making our entire gestation holy.

There are also other ways to stand up for the cause of life. This weekend we will hear from Sr. Gliceria Cruz of Mary Queen of Heaven Missionaries based in the Philippines. Sister visited us last year to tell us about her Order’s mission to help “the outcasts of society to recover their dignity as His children.” These courageous and loving Sisters get right into the heart of the problem to rescue women and children who are victims of prostitution and human trafficking, walking the dark alleys and going wherever they can to find them. They then offer shelter and rehabilitation in their Home of Love, giving them an opportunity for a new life, “where Christ will be the center of their lives.” They run schools and programs, transforming the lives of those they help. Sister Gliceria will be offering rosaries for sale made by the women they help. The proceeds go to support the Home of Love programs. Sister mentioned that the last time she was here, “it helped the community a lot because it was used in the sustenance of the women and their program for rehabilitation.” Thank you for your generosity.

This is Catholic Schools Week! Please support our magnificent St. Mary’s School. This morning (Sunday, Jan. 27) there will be an Open House for everyone, 9:30am–12:00pm. Even if you don’t have children of school age, come by and see. We’ll even give you donuts, juice, and coffee!

Finally, get to know Jesus from the ground up: Alpha begins on Monday evenings starting February 4th at 6:30pm. All are invited. Bring a friend! For more information, contact Mary Ellen Jackson at mjackson@charlestondiocese.org or 803-642-2676.

Let us pray for each other,
Father Wilson

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