Diocese celebrates Respect for Life Month with Life Chain
By Donald Anderson
FLEMINGTON — Nearly 200 persons of all ages formed a Life Chain demonstration over a strategic one-third mile stretch along the heavily traveled Route 31/202 traffic circle, one of five events sponsored by the Diocese of Metuchen on Respect for Life Sunday, Oct. 5.
Life Chains were also held in Sayreville, Perth Amboy, Somerville and Phillipsburg.
Jennifer A. Ruggiero, director, Office of Respect for Life, described the Life Chain as “a prayerful, peaceful demonstration in opposition to abortion and in support of promoting respect for human life from the moment of conception.”
Perennial Life Chain participant Marion McCarthy of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Whitehouse Station, said she comes to raise awareness of alternatives to abortion.
“We should be a society of loving, caring people – not a culture of death,” said McCarthy, a mother of six children.
Sharon Boehmer of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, Three Bridges, said she participates to “some day, hopefully, see an end to abortion in the United States and worldwide.”
Bishop Emeritus Edward T. Hughes offered encouragement to participants.
“It is tremendously important to publicly express one’s faith, and to be grateful and protect all life, which is the greatest gift the Lord can give us,” Bishop Hughes said.
He also advised the participants, “Do not be afraid to speak out, but speak prudently and with compassion.”
The Life Chain is an annual event sponsored by the diocese’s Office of Respect for Life and is one of several public events, conferences and educational activities scheduled to raise awareness about the sanctity of all human life throughout October.