We are so very blessed in our parish. Over the last four and a half years many wonderful things have come to us. These things are the beautiful memorial donations which have helped us in our prayer life which brings us closer to God. I remember that the very first donation was the Divine Mercy picture, then, the statues: St. Pio, St. Faustyna, St. Maximilian Kolbe, Bl. Teresa of Calcutta, the Nativity set. Also donated were the ciboria, the beautiful new vestments and altar & tabernacle coverings, and the wonderful new votive candle stands. We and the donors will probably never know in this life how many people were helped in their spiritual lives by being drawn closer to Our Lord through these holy sacramentals.
Today, we have another addition to our church: a brand new statue under the title of “Mary, Mother of the Life Within.” It was donated by Natalie Swierzbinski in memory of her husband Tony. It is specifically a pro-life statue to help educate everyone that God-given human life begins at the moment of conception. That is why it is outside the church, on the corner. That is why it is being blessed on this day of the conclusion of our annual Forty Hours Devotion when we have a number of guest priests here. I believe that this is only the fourth statue made by the artist, Mr. Joe DeVito. Two are in parishes in the Philadelphia area and one is at the Blue Army Shrine in Washington, N.J.
Here is what Mr. DeVito said: “...all who love life will be instantly drawn to it, and a person of pro-abortion sentiments can have nothing to attack. Most importantly, it is hoped that a person on the fence will be inclined toward prayerful contemplation and come to a positive conclusion.”
Aided by the beauty and meaning of Mary, Mother of the Life Within and by our prayers, may all come to see the beauty and sacredness of life, including life within the womb.
Fr. Stanley
