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Cardinal George praises young adult group's pro-life witness

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By Matt Abbott
Op/Ed

At a time when political propaganda fills the airwaves and dominates the mass media here in the U.S., the "walk-the-walk" pro-lifers are still in the trenches, quietly making a positive impact on the lives of abortion-seeking women.

The ongoing pro-life activities of the St. Mary of the Angels Young Adult Group in Chicago have even captured the attention of Francis Cardinal George, O.M.I., archbishop of Chicago.

In a letter to the group, dated October 4, 2004, Cardinal George wrote:

"Dear Members of the St. Mary of the Angels Young Adult Group:

"This is a letter that I did not know I would have the pleasure to write until just a few days ago. Last Saturday, October 2nd, I happened to pass by the intersection of Division and LaSalle Streets on my way to celebrate a late-morning Mass for the Chicago Marian Conference. It was moving, inspiring and uplifting for me to see so many of you gathered in silent, peaceful prayer in front of the Planned Parenthood abortion clinic.

"I'm sure that many of you had errands to run, housework to be done or you could have just slept late on a cool fall morning. Instead you chose to give an hour of your time to standing up for the dignity of the unborn, opposing the culture of death and reminding women and men who come to Planned Parenthood that the Church offers life-saving alternatives to those who have been led to believe that abortion is their only option. The sight of you praying on that street corner on the first Saturday of Respect Life Month remained vividly in my mind as I celebrated the Archdiocesan Respect Life Mass later that afternoon where I commissioned pro-life leaders from our parishes.

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"Since I was unable to stop and thank you last Saturday, I wanted to let you know that your efforts do not go unnoticed. I am deeply grateful for your faithful witness to the truth our Church teaches about the dignity of all human life. Your trust in the power of prayer, as well as your generosity to Catholic crisis pregnancy centers, give evidence that Christ remains faithful to his Church by sending his Holy Spirit to guide us in living as his disciples. May your example invite other young women and men to return to the practice of our faith. I will remember you in my prayers, and I ask you to remember me in yours. May God bless you.

"Sincerely yours in Christ,
"Francis Cardinal George, O.M.I."

The cardinal's letter excited Kelly, one of the group's faithful pro-life witnesses. She remarked, "I truly am happy that we gave Cardinal George some inspiration. I volunteer at his pleasure."

Also of note are the activities of the Chicago-based Generations for Life, headed by Annie Casselman, daughter of long-time pro-life activist Joe Scheidler, and former teacher John Jansen. Generations for Life is the youth outreach division of the Pro-Life Action League.

For more information about the St. Mary of the Angels Young Adult Group, e-mail Tessa at onehour@excite.com. For more information about Generations for Life, visit www.prolifeaction.org.