On Saturday, August 12, 2000 Cardinal William H. Keeler, Archbishop of Baltimore, will preside over a morning of prayer beginning with Mass at 9:30 a.m. at the Shrine of St. Alphonsus, Park Avenue and Saratoga Street in Baltimore. Immediately following Mass the congregation will process on foot to the Planned Parenthood office at 610 N. Howard St. while praying the Rosary. The purpose of this event is to stand in peaceful solidarity in witness to the inherent dignity and sanctity of all human life at every stage and in every circumstance. Prayers will be offered for healing of all victims of abortion: mothers, fathers, those performing abortions, and especially for the protection of the most vulnerable, the unborn.
The participants are endeavoring to take seriously what the U.S. Catholic Bishops said in their 1999 document Faithful Citizenship, “The word of God and the teaching of the Church give us a particular way of viewing the world. Scripture calls us to ‘choose life’, to serve ‘the least of these’, to ‘hunger and thirst’ for justice and to be ‘peacemakers.’ Jesus called us to be the ‘leaven’ in society, the ‘salt of the earth…(and) the light of the world’.”
This service of prayer has been a regular occurrence, as frequently as 4 times a year, since 1995. Previous celebrants have included Bishop John Ricard and Bishop Gordon D. Bennett.
Media are invited to attend. Point of contact is Ray Kempisty at 410-547-5378.