Dear HLI Family,
Love of neighbor, grounded in the love of God, is first and foremost a responsibility for each individual member of the faithful, but it is also a responsibility for the entire ecclesial community at every level: from the local community to the particular Church and to the Church universal in its entirety (Pope Benedict XVI, Deus Caritas Est, n. 20).
On Saturday, February 4, I had the humble privilege of standing in solidarity with twenty-five brothers and sisters in public witness in front of "Hope Medical Group For Women" in Shreveport, Louisiana. Do not let the "gentle" name mislead you. Hope Medical Group For Women is an abortion mill situated a few minutes from the downtown area in a quaint neighborhood adjacent to United Methodist Centenary College. Unless one knows of the Medical Group's existence, one could easily drive by and pay it very little attention. However, the pro-life and pro-family groups of the Diocese of Shreveport in collaboration with other Christian faiths know what is happening; women are being harmed and innocent pre-born children's lives are being ended. The mill's homepage doesn't flinch in its statement of services:
The people at Hope Medical Group for Women are dedicated to the special problems faced by women and their families.
Unplanned pregnancy
"Medication abortion" or Mifeprex (the abortion pill)
Early surgical pregnancy termination starting as early as three weeks from the missed period
Complete abortion care through 16 weeks from the last menstrual period
Pregnancy prevention information and education
Physician referral
We're here to help you solve these difficulties. We care about both your physical and emotional needs. Financial assistance is available to those who qualify. All women deserve professional abortion care.
Though the morning was bleak and overcast, the determination of those gathered was not lessened at all. The lives of the most innocent are at stake. Saturdays are usually the busiest day at this mill. On this particular morning as we prayed we watched five young women accompanied by their husbands, boyfriends, grandparents or parents quickly escorted into the mill in one hour. Our presence noticeably made them uncomfortable as witnessed by their hastened steps and lowered eyes. The reality of our task and the urgency of our prayer became ever clearer as each woman, every one our sister, entered the mill. We desired to influence the decisions of our brothers and sisters entering the mill, those of the medical staff and hopefully save the lives of their innocent children, who are also our brothers and sisters.
Later that evening, using Pope Benedict's encyclical, Deus Caritas Est, I addressed those gathered for Bishop Michael Duca's second annual pro-life banquet, inviting those in attendance to work in solidarity for an authentic Culture of Life. I emphasized the necessity to work towards an authentic Culture built upon God's Law. No one is exempt from the task of transforming the world, as no one is exempt from the consequences of silence.
The promoters of the Culture of Death have accomplished their goals and convinced many to adhere to their agenda simply by being determined in their efforts. What about us? The Holy Father simply reminds us of the transforming power of the Gospel of Life and the practice of authentic Love. Love transforms the world. Every person, even the promoters of death, are brothers and sisters in need of love, respect and salvation. Our work for a Culture of Life is the work of love and God is Love. No one is exempt from laboring for life. Silence begets nothing. Love bares fruit unto Eternal Life.
As the battle over the sacredness of Life, spiritual and temporal, rages on, we must recognize the importance of our active participation in building an authentic Culture of Life. "We are the salt of the Earth," says Our Lord. "What if salt goes flat? It is good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled under foot." The grasp of the Culture of Death is the result of apathy and indifference.
Let's consider as an example the current issue of the HHS mandate being unlawfully imposed upon the Catholic faithful and people of Faith. Should we be surprised by such a blatant action? We are at this critical juncture because incremental decisions implemented over the course of many years, often with very little outcry or challenge, have compromised fundamental natural and moral laws - Roe v. Wade being a prime example of an unjust law. Promoters of the Culture of Death have succeeded in convincing the general public that individual conveniences and unbridled passions, though contrary to Judeo-Christian teaching, are more opportune and good. The outcome of such a continual assault has become self-evident - the breakdown of culture. Thus here we are facing another crossroad, a pivotal moment in human history. What will we do?
"All who believed were together and had all things in common; and they sold their possessions and goods and distributed them to all, as any had need" (Acts 2:44-45). Every human being is a member of the community. The pre-born child is a member of the community and the body of believers must work together to protect and secure the life of every child no matter the circumstance of conception. Indifference has brought us here but authentic Love can transform the current situation. A Culture of Life sees the necessary relationship between civil law and the moral law. Such a foundation cultivates a culture in which all human life is valued and authentic human development is possible.
The promotion of the Culture of Death in contrast denies the basic solidarity inherent in the human person. It is obsessed with efficiency and convenience. In other words, it seeks not the ultimate Good but goods that rust and moth destroy.
Will we practice Love?
Please pay for the closure of all abortion mills, an end to the use of taxes funding the abortion industry domestically and internationally, and the conversion of all who actively participate in the murder of pre-born children.
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Father Shenan J. Boquet
President, Human Life International
