Fighting for life, suffering from choice
By Scott Alessi
Staff Writer
METUCHEN — After 34 years, the battle over the Supreme Court’s decision in Roe v. Wade still rages across the nation. For pro-life supporters like Christine DeHanes, sometimes the battle is won by listening, not fighting.
“I used to argue the point and I don’t do that anymore,” said DeHanes, a resident of Perth Amboy. “I try to listen to what people have to say and then make simple, truthful statements. Gently putting forth the message is a better way than trying to push the issue.”
By not taking a public forum for her views or leading a pro-life organization, DeHanes has become one of many unsung heroes in the pro-life struggle, attempting to educate and encourage supporters of the Roe v. Wade decision through personal discussion whenever the opportunity arises. A member of Holy Trinity Parish, Perth Amboy, DeHanes joined many others who share her beliefs at St. Francis of Assisi Cathedral Jan. 21 for the annual Respect Life Mass.
The Mass also included the presentation of the Pro-Vita awards, given each year to those who have made a significant contribution to the pro-life cause both within the diocese and beyond. This year’s Pro-Vita recipients are John Howard of South River, Theresa Hanntz of Middlesex, and Isidoro and Maria Garcia of Bound Brook. The Respect Life Mass originated as a prayer service celebrated each year by Bishop Emeritus Edward T. Hughes in conjunction with the anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision. The Pro-Vita Awards were first given in 1998 by Bishop Vincent De Paul Breen to recognize people who had made personal sacrifices and shown great dedication to the cause.
Monsignor Richard Behl, rector of St. Francis of Assisi Cathedral, introduced each of this year’s Pro-Vita recipients, highlighting their accomplishments and their commitment to pro-life work. Bishop Paul G. Bootkoski and Jennifer Ruggiero, director of pro-life activities for the diocese, presented the awards. According to Ruggiero, this year’s recipients were chosen with a special goal in mind.
“In the past we always tried to look at someone that has had a national impact or an impact on the state level,” said Ruggiero. “This year, we decided that we wanted to focus on the local level because there are so many people committed to this work who go unrecognized.”
Ruggiero also explained that this year’s recipients demonstrate that individuals from all walks of life can become leaders in the pro-life movement. The Garcias are the first married couple to receive the award, and Hanntz, a 2006 graduate of Immaculata High School, Somerville, is the youngest Pro-Vita recipient to date.
While those who fight to spread the pro-life message deserve to be honored and encouraged for their efforts, Bishop Bootkoski in his homily reminded those in attendance that the church must also take special care of another group whose needs may often be overlooked: those who have made the difficult choice to have an abortion.
Bishop Bootkoski discussed his past experiences with both men and women who have suffered through an abortion and the challenges that they have faced in living with their decision. “It is amazing what they have to go through psychologically for committing that sin,” he said. “We have to be very compassionate to them and help them carry that burden.” He added that while we should hate the sin of taking an innocent life, we must follow Jesus’ lead in loving the sinner.
The bishop also stressed the fact that abortion is not simply a Catholic issue but a universal challenge. “As Catholics, we have to get that message across,” said Bishop Bootkoski, “and we do it by how we treat each other, how we proclaim the Gospel message and how we pray.”
*The attached/referenced article was originally published in The Catholic Spirit, the official newspaper of the Diocese of Metuchen, and is protected under U.S. and international copyright law