Good Friday "Way of the Cross" for Abortion
On a bleak Friday afternoon, Jesus Christ was crucified at Golgotha, "the place of the skull". We have our own Golgotha right here in Greater Columbus: Complete Healthcare for Women, where 2,000 years after the Crucifixion, Christ’s image is violently destroyed again and again by abortion.
For the second year in a row, Greater Columbus Right to Life will be uniting with pro-life organizations and Christians across the nation to observe a Pro-Life Way of the Cross outside of the Complete Healthcare for Women abortion clinic. Prayers will be offered for all the victims of abortion—the children lost, the mothers wounded, the communities blighted—as well as for those responsible for perpetuating the injustice of abortion, from elected officials to those working in the abortion industry. The prayer service follows Christ’s suffering, death, and resurrection and will serve as a closing service to the 40 Days for Life campaign, which was observed at the clinic again this spring.
Greater Columbus Right to Life Executive Director Beth Vanderkooi explained, “Through His Holy Passion, our Lord united himself with all the victims of suffering in this life. In praying a Pro-Life Way of the Cross, we are reminded of the suffering of millions of children in the womb whose lives are taken by abortion. We also call to attention their mothers, many of whom will carry the burden of shame and regret over their abortion for years to come.”
Vanderkooi added that while many Catholics pray the Stations of the Cross during in Lent, the practice actually has a rich history in many Christian Churches. The Prolife Way of the Cross is appropriate for all of the Christian Faith. She added, “Together, along with thousands of our brothers and sisters across the country, we will pray for an end to abortion with ALL our Christian brothers and sisters on Good Friday. We will remember what was given, that we may have Life.”
Mike Keebaugh, President of Greater Columbus Right to Life and a parishioner of St. Mary Church in German Village added, “Good Friday is an especially appropriate time for the prolife community to unite in prayer, because after Good Friday we celebrate Easter Sunday. We are reminded not only that God is the Lord of Life, but that He has already conquered every evil and every sin. He has already conquered abortion. He offers mercy to the suffering. He is our Hope that we do not labor in vain, but in joyful anticipation of the day when death and abortion are no more.”
This year, Greater Columbus Right to Life is also encouraging a special Teen and Youth hour of prayer to follow the Way of the Cross processional. Vanderkooi pointed to the hundreds of local students who attended the DC March for Life and the Statehouse Roe Remembrance event, the growing presence of prolife youth groups in area high schools, and the participation from young people in programs like sidewalk counseling and 40 Days for Life.
All are welcome to join Greater Columbus Right to Life to remember Christ's sacrifice and rededicate yourself to the fight against abortion, inspired by His Passion.
The ProLife Way of the Cross will be held at 11:00 am on Friday April 18th, 2014 at Complete Healthcare for Women (5888 Cleveland Avenue). Parking is available at St. John Chrysostom Church (5858 Cleveland Avenue), however participants are asked to park in the parking lot only (not in the grassy area or in the driveway).
Individuals who are interested in learning more about the program, who would like to read one of the stations, or who are interested in assisting with singing are invited to contact Greater Columbus Right to Life at 614-445-8508.
On a bleak Friday afternoon, Jesus Christ was crucified at Golgotha, "the place of the skull". We have our own Golgotha right here in Greater Columbus: Complete Healthcare for Women, where 2,000 years after the Crucifixion, Christ’s image is violently destroyed again and again by abortion.
For the second year in a row, Greater Columbus Right to Life will be uniting with pro-life organizations and Christians across the nation to observe a Pro-Life Way of the Cross outside of the Complete Healthcare for Women abortion clinic. Prayers will be offered for all the victims of abortion—the children lost, the mothers wounded, the communities blighted—as well as for those responsible for perpetuating the injustice of abortion, from elected officials to those working in the abortion industry. The prayer service follows Christ’s suffering, death, and resurrection and will serve as a closing service to the 40 Days for Life campaign, which was observed at the clinic again this spring.
Greater Columbus Right to Life Executive Director Beth Vanderkooi explained, “Through His Holy Passion, our Lord united himself with all the victims of suffering in this life. In praying a Pro-Life Way of the Cross, we are reminded of the suffering of millions of children in the womb whose lives are taken by abortion. We also call to attention their mothers, many of whom will carry the burden of shame and regret over their abortion for years to come.”
Vanderkooi added that while many Catholics pray the Stations of the Cross during in Lent, the practice actually has a rich history in many Christian Churches. The Prolife Way of the Cross is appropriate for all of the Christian Faith. She added, “Together, along with thousands of our brothers and sisters across the country, we will pray for an end to abortion with ALL our Christian brothers and sisters on Good Friday. We will remember what was given, that we may have Life.”
Mike Keebaugh, President of Greater Columbus Right to Life and a parishioner of St. Mary Church in German Village added, “Good Friday is an especially appropriate time for the prolife community to unite in prayer, because after Good Friday we celebrate Easter Sunday. We are reminded not only that God is the Lord of Life, but that He has already conquered every evil and every sin. He has already conquered abortion. He offers mercy to the suffering. He is our Hope that we do not labor in vain, but in joyful anticipation of the day when death and abortion are no more.”
This year, Greater Columbus Right to Life is also encouraging a special Teen and Youth hour of prayer to follow the Way of the Cross processional. Vanderkooi pointed to the hundreds of local students who attended the DC March for Life and the Statehouse Roe Remembrance event, the growing presence of prolife youth groups in area high schools, and the participation from young people in programs like sidewalk counseling and 40 Days for Life.
All are welcome to join Greater Columbus Right to Life to remember Christ's sacrifice and rededicate yourself to the fight against abortion, inspired by His Passion.
The ProLife Way of the Cross will be held at 11:00 am on Friday April 18th, 2014 at Complete Healthcare for Women (5888 Cleveland Avenue). Parking is available at St. John Chrysostom Church (5858 Cleveland Avenue), however participants are asked to park in the parking lot only (not in the grassy area or in the driveway).
Individuals who are interested in learning more about the program, who would like to read one of the stations, or who are interested in assisting with singing are invited to contact Greater Columbus Right to Life at 614-445-8508.
RSS Feed
