Sanctity of life upheld at peaceful demonstration

A chilly, blustery wind and threatening clouds were not nearly enough to discourage more than 1,000 people who bundled up and held their Rosaries and signs affirming human life Oct. 5 in each of the diocese’s four counties.

Jennifer Ruggiero, director of the diocesan Office of Pro-Life Activities, said the diocese has participated in the annual Life Chain, which takes place on Respect Life Sunday, for 13 years. The peaceful demonstrations were held locally this year in Somerville, Flemington, Phillipsburg and Woodbridge.

"It’s a national, interfaith event occurring in over 850 cities throughout the nation," Ruggiero said, who participated in the Woodbridge demonstration. ". . . Last year we demonstrated in Sayreville, but we brought the chain to Woodbridge this year because an abortion clinic was recently opened here. We [hope] to raise public awareness about the abortions that are being performed right here in our own neighborhood."

Laura Eppinger, a senior in Cardinal McCarrick High School, South Amboy, also attended the Woodbridge Life Chain and noted, "It’s one thing to say you’re pro-life, but it’s more important to put your faith into action."

Tim and Michele Huddy of Cliffwood Beach brought their five children. "We’re here to support the pro-life movement," Tim Huddy said. "We come each year on our daughter Meagan’s birthday. We’re here to convince Congress to overturn the devastating Roe vs. Wade Supreme Court decision."

"I’m excited just to be here, to represent represent our church and community," Michele Huddy said. "And to see so many who have come out on such a beautiful day in support of so beautiful a cause..."

St. Francis of the Martyr St. George Sister Kateri M. Hawley, director of student life activities in Cardinal McCarrick High School, said it’s important to get as many young people involved as possible.

"We want our students to express their constitutional beliefs, because it is their generation that is going to have to turn this abortion issue around," Sister Kateri said. ". . . Our younger generation must actively participate in ridding America of abortion. We also need prayer. That’s why we pray here today as well. Our prayers will change the direction our nation is going in."

Jackie Cataulin, a freshman in Rutgers University, New Brunswick, said she came as a member of the Legion of Mary in Our Lady of Fatima Parish, Piscataway.

"(The group) is dedicated to Mary, our mother, and it is mothers who don’t support abortion," Cataulin said. "We’re here to support our cause, and to show young people that our role is critical if abortion is to be stopped. Ten young people joined us today, with our spiritual leader, Father Arlindo Paul DaSilva, parochial vicar of Our Lady of Fatima Parish, Piscataway."

Carl Gargano, pro-life representative of St. James Parish, Woodbridge, thanked those who turned out, and the Knights of Columbus Councils from Iselin, East Brunswick, Carteret, Sayreville and Lawrence Harbor for their support.

As in Woodbridge, demonstrators in the Phillipsburg Life Chain had the disheartening backdrop of an abortion clinic. Knowing that the innocent lives of the unborn are being lost there everyday made many local pro-lifers even more motivated to take a stand.

"It is important for all Catholics, indeed all people who care about justice, who want to make sure those who have no voice, have someone who will stand up for them," stated David Hajduk, a member of St. Patrick Parish, Belvidere.

Another attendee, Genaro Carillo of Easton, Pa., said, "I know God gave us the right to live. Maybe the baby inside of you will become a president or maybe they will run into hardships, but they need to be given the chance to experience life, wheter good or bad."

Bishop Emeritus Edward J. Hughes, who is known for his outspoken support of the pro-life cause, attended the Life Chain in Flemington. Several members of the Sisters of Jesus Our Hope were also present there, along with Father Timothy A. Christy, pastor of St. Magdalen de Pazzi Parish, Flemington.

On Veterans Memorial Highway at the Somerville Life Chain, the mood was one of hope, as peaceful, praying pro-life demonstrators rallied for the unborn.

Among those attending were many young people, something that has become a hallmark of pro-life events for the past few years.

Chad Elmore and his wife, Sam, of Christ the King Parish, Manville, began attending Life Chains before their children, 4-year-old Phineas, 2-year-old Lucas and 8-month-old Teaghan, were born.

"I am definitely hopeful. Where there is life, there is hope," Sam Elmore said. "And I think the earlier you start informing children of what abortion really is, the better chance you have to turn it around."

Chad Elmore said it’s "depressing" to have so many pro-abortion politicians in New Jersey, especially a Catholic, pro-abortion governor.

Standing near the Elmore family, eighth-grader Brandon Agans, who attends the Alexander Batcho Intermediate School in Manville, admits to being "shocked" when he learned the truth about abortion in religion education class.

Given the choice to write an essay or attend the Life Chain as a religious education assignment, Agans chose to see what Life Chain was about. He was pleasantly surprised at how overwhelmingly positive the event was received by those driving past.

Elizabeth Fabics, 14, a freshman in Immaculata High School, Somerville, was delighted that her friend and freshman classmate Alyson Canfield, 15, also attended the event.

Fabics, who was attending her first Life Chain, was encouraged by the support she received. "It gives you reason to stand out here because you are with people who agree with you, and you see how many people care enough to come out and stay here," she said.

Canfield attended Life Chain for the first time last year.

"I think this is a good event and it is something I believe in. I want to see abortion end, and I am trying to help," she said.

Sandy Wendel and her husband, Don, of Christ the King Parish, said they attend the event each year. "Our side is growing every day," Mr. Wendel said.