Spring 2009
Diocesan Pro-Life Award
Saint John the Baptist Pro-Life League at Immaculate Heart of Mary School is now in its tenth year and its memberships boast of 32 students, grades 7 to 12. Much of its enthusiasm can be credited to the newly elected president, Kelly Bohane of Hudson, MA. Through her leadership she was able to organize enough events and support to cover the cost of the bus to D.C. for this year’s March for Life. That did not go unnoticed and on March 26, 2009, Kelly received special recognition from the Diocese of Worcester at the annual Pro-Life Mass for Catholic School students at Saint Paul’s Cathedral.
Bishop Robert McManus presented Kelly with the Ruth K. Pakulak Award for her outstanding service in the pro-life movement. Two parishioners and one priest also received awards. A large contingent of students and Sisters were given the first row pews for this well attended event, in which we felt so honored. This encouragement only increases the League’s desire to do more to stop abortion. Every time they are able, members stand at the clinic to say the rosary, our most powerful tool to end the killing.
Juarez: A Prayer Mission
One of our sisters, Sister Martina Marie, was born in El Paso, Texas, across the border from Juarez, Mexico. When news reached the convent this spring of the “war in Juarez” where innocent people are being killed by the drug lords, (2,000 last year alone), we decided to contact Bishop Renato Ascencio Leon of Juarez to offer our prayers.
One of the Sisters suggested a campaign of rosaries. To our surprise, at the same time the Bishop also was inspired to initiate a goal of 1,0000,000 rosaries to end the violence. So, starting March 25 and ending October 7, 2009, the rosary crusade is on. His Excellency enthusiastically accepted our help and referred us to the website he has to keep a count of the prayers said to reach the goal. (www.millonxcuidadjuarez.org)
After contacting Family Rosary Apostolate, who sent 5,000 rosaries to the diocese, we began our work at the Center. In every classroom, a bead is place in a jar to represent every rosary offered for Juarez, then Sister adds the tally with the diocese. Sisters are also encouraging students to donate extra rosaries or to buy one and put their name on it to send to the Bishop. So far our little endeavor has added 2,110 to the goal. Please join us in this effort, not only to end the violence in Juarez, but to show the power of the rosary.