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CV NEWS FEED // Diocese of Brooklyn Bishop Robert Brennan presided over the annual Pro Vita Mass at the Cathedral Basilica of St. James in Brooklyn Jan. 19, inviting Catholics to reflect on the sacredness of human life and renew their commitment to its defense.
“‘For Zion’s sake, I will not keep silent. For Jerusalem’s sake, I will not be quiet,’ so we heard in the prophecy of Isaiah,” Bishop Brennan said in his homily, The Tablet reported. “And as we bear witness to life, we also cannot be silent.”
Father Michael Gelfant, pastor of Blessed Trinity Catholic Parish in Breezy Point and the Diocese’s liaison for the Knights of Columbus, reinforced the Bishop’s message, and noted that New York presents unique challenges for pro-life efforts.
“Everyone thinks we won,” Fr. Gelfant told The Tablet. “Roe v. Wade is no longer the law of the land, but you see that New York has some of the worst legislation regarding abortion.”
New York, sometimes referred to as “the abortion capital of the United States,” passed Proposal 1, the “Equal Rights Amendment,” in November. This measure effectively enshrined the right to abortion up until the moment of birth in the state’s constitution. New York taxpayers are also required to fund abortions through Medicaid.
Following the Mass, Bishop Brennan stressed the importance of changing public attitudes toward the pro-life cause.
“We need to transform the hearts and minds of our fellow citizens and help them see the beauty of life in all of its stages,” Bishop Brennan told The Tablet.
The Mass also celebrated individuals who have made significant contributions to the pro-life cause. Sir Knight (fourth degree) Mario Massa of the Knights of Columbus received the Bishop Thomas Vose Daily Award for his dedication to the Right to Life Movement.
Sister Caroline Tweedy, RSM, executive director of St. John’s Bread and Life, was presented with the Father Michael McGivney Medal for Life.
The Cathedral Basilica of St. James also welcomed a statue of Blessed Michael J. McGivney, the founder of the Knights of Columbus. The statue, funded by the Knights, is part of a statewide initiative to place similar statues in New York’s cathedrals and co-cathedrals.
Bishop Brennan concluded by commending the honorees and all those present for their dedication to the pro-life cause. He reminded attendees that the Church’s mission to protect the dignity of human life extends across every stage and circumstance.
“This is an annual event that’s sort of a reminder to us all that we have to work hard at promoting that respect,” Bishop Brennan told The Tablet. “You see how that respect for the dignity of human life runs throughout the gamut of human life. “
