NORTH PROVIDENCE – Pro-lifers from all over the state filled the pews at St. Anthony Parish Saturday morning to kick off the Diocese’s 2nd Annual Human Life Guild Day. Bishop Thomas J. Tobin served as the main celebrant and homilist for the day’s opening Mass.
The Human Life Guild, founded by Bishop Tobin in 2005, calls on its participants to be “People of Life.” Members pay no dues or fees. They are not required to meet any obligation other than the promotion of life at all its stages and conditions. The organization seeks to support life through four pillars: thought, word, deed, and prayer. Individuals who join the guild receive a certificate signed by Bishop Tobin, a special prayer card, and regular mailings of the organization’s newsletter to stay up-to-date on Respect Life activities.
The guild serves as a form of solidarity. “We all have different callings,” said Carol Owens, diocesan Respect Life Coordinator. “Some of us to stand in front of abortion clinics, some of us to pray, some of us write letters to our legislature.... If we all come together it will make a big difference.”
This year’s Human Life Guild Day also marked the 90th anniversary of the final apparition of Our Lady of Fatima. Bishop Tobin summarized the story of Our Lady of Fatima, reminding worshipers how the Blessed Mother revealed herself to three shepherd children in Fatima, Portugal. Appearing during an era of great war and violence, she explained to the children that peace would come if her requests for penance were obeyed.
“I must say, without a doubt, that message is as urgent today as in 1917,” said Bishop Tobin. He noted the sins against human life that pervade today’s culture, including abortion, euthanasia, and capital punishment. “Those sins must grieve the blessed Lord and Blessed Mother today,” he said. “We no longer find a significant place for God in our daily life. Our Christian values are a minority opinion. God should be our friend and companion every day. We need courage, as the children, to share the story.”
Human Life Guild Recognition Awards were awarded to Matthew Ray of Sacred Heart Parish and Carleen McCoy of St Martha Parish. Carol Owens praised the recipients for “their willingness to share their time and talent to help carry out the mission,” and commended them for embodying the four pillars.
Both Ray and McCoy are Respect Life coordinators for their parishes and involved at the deanery level as well. Whether running deanery meetings, organizing the Gabriel Project, or leading prayer groups, they have been leaders in the Diocesan effort.
Ray and McCoy agreed on the importance of coming together for Mass and activities with the Human Life Guild. “It’s a good chance to gain fellowship. It gives us a boost in what we’ re trying to do,” said McCoy.
“It’s camaraderie and fellowship. We see the strength of numbers and the power of prayer,” added Ray.
Among other guild members present were Bill and Kate Caine of St. Mary Parish in Newport. The couple has been involved in the Guild since its start back in 2005. “I was happy the bishop spoke about protecting life at every stage,” said Bill Caine. The couple, as pledged “People of Life”, mentioned the importance of focusing on all life-related issues including abortion, capital punishment, euthanasia, and violent warfare.
The Mass was followed by a day of education about pro-life issues. Guest speakers included Dr. Marie T. Hillard, director of Bioethics from the Public Policy National Catholic Bioethics Center and Dr. David Franks, professor of Theology at St. John’s Seminary.
This year’s Human Life Guild Day, according to Owens, “was a day for education and a day to empower us to carry out our work throughout the year.”
For more information about the Human Life Guild contact Carol Owens at 421-7833.
