UNITED BY HOPE, FAITH and a shared desire for healing, about 200 people gathered at Christ Cathedral on Jan. 21, the eve of the anniversary of the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision. The Mass, offered in reparation for the unborn lost to this tragic ruling, was celebrated with profound reverence and became a joyful affirmation of life—a moment to entrust the souls of the unborn to God’s love and to celebrate the gift of forgiveness.
As the Diocesan Children’s Choir sang, the community found strength in solidarity, looked toward reconciliation and renewed its commitment to compassion and hope for a future in which all lives are valued from conception until natural death.
Fr. Angelos Sebastian, Vicar General and Moderator of the Curia of the Diocese of Orange, celebrated the Mass and noted, “More killing in the United States is done in the womb than by any other cause of death. It is our duty as Catholics to fight against this for the mothers and babies.”
He reflected on the words of St. Teresa of Calcutta: “For if a mother can murder her own child in her own womb, what is left for you and for me to kill each other?” Her prophetic insight may help explain the violence and polarization that have steadily increased in this country over the past 53 years.
A common claim by pro-abortion activists is that pro-lifers only care about the baby before it is born. Fr. Sebastian emphasized the Church’s broader mission of accompaniment: “It is our job, when a woman faces a crisis pregnancy, that she knows help is available for the short and long-term. The Church steps in and says abortion is not the answer. In addition to adoption, there are dozens of nonprofits standing by to help the mothers, the fathers and the families through the pregnancy and beyond.”
FR. ANGELOS SEBASTIAN CELEBRATED MASS ON JAN. 21, WHICH OFFERED IN REPARATION FOR THE UNBORN. BY EVERETT JOHNSON/DIOCESE OF ORANGE
As evidence of the diocese’s commitment, many of these providers were available after Mass to showcase their services. Shannen Trott from the La Habra Life Center described the range of support they offer, including Abortion Pill Reversal, which can be highly effective if begun within 24 hours of taking the abortion pill (RU-486).
INFORMATION ON PREGNANCY WAS MADE AVAILABLE FOLLOWING MASS ON JAN. 21.
Many women are unaware that the abortion pill carries serious and potentially life-threatening risks, including blood clots, hemorrhage, sterility and damage to the uterus, bladder and/or bowels. These risks can extend for years and may include an increased risk of future miscarriage and breast cancer, as well as emotional and psychological effects such as anxiety, grief, guilt or low self-esteem, eating disorders, substance abuse, depression or suicidal thoughts, withdrawal from relationships and many other long-term problems.
A REPRESENTATIVE FROM MARY’S PATH OFFERED INFORMATION OF ITS SERVICES AFTER THE JAN. 21 MASS.
Through prayer, education and compassionate outreach, Catholics continue to affirm the dignity of every human person and to accompany women, men and families facing painful and complex circumstances. Rooted in Christ’s love, the community renews its resolve to protect life at every stage, to offer healing to those wounded by abortion and to work tirelessly for a culture in which every child is cherished and every mother is supported.
If you or someone you know is facing a crisis pregnancy or needs shelter, help with rent, food or counseling, please contact these organizations:
PREGNANCY CENTERS & CLINICS (MOST OFFER SERVICES IN ENGLISH AND SPANISH)
Abortion Pill Reversal. (877) 558-0333.Horizon Pregnancy Clinic, Huntington Beach. (714) 897-7500. Horizonpc.org
Lambertian Ministry Center, Garden Grove. (657) 231-0110.
La Habra Life Center Pregnancy Clinic. (562) 691-9395. lahabralifecenter.org
Life Center OF Santa Ana (Walking with Moms). (714) 835-5433. lifecenterofsantaana.org
Obria Medical Clinics, Santa Ana. (714) 516-9045. obria.org
Vietnamese Pregnancy Hotlines. (714) 721-2111. [email protected] vietrespectlife.org
SHELTERS
Casa Teresa & Hannah’s House accepts moms 18 years and older, parenting education or adoption placement, Orange. (714) 538-4860. casateresa.org
Mary’s Path Accepts pregnant and parenting girls under age 18, Santa Ana. (714) 730-0930. maryspath.org
Precious Life shelter in Los Alamitos accepts pregnant moms, aged 18 and over, with parenting classes or adoption placement. (562) 431-5025. preciouslifeshelter.org
SERVICES THROUGH CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF ORANGE COUNTY
Cantlay Food Distribution Center: Tues, Wed., Thurs. from 7:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. 2020 West Chestnut Avenue, Santa Ana. (714) 347-9695. ccoc.org
CalFresh Healthy Living. (714) 347-3646. [email protected]
CalFresh Food Stamps, application and renewal. (714) 347-9623. [email protected]
New Hope Counseling Center, therapy for a variety of issues. (714) 347-9625 for appointments.
New Hope Crisis Counseling Hotline 24/7 counseling and suicide prevention. (714) New-Hope or (714) 639-4673.
St. Vincent de Paul Society. (714) 542-0448. [email protected]
DOMESTIC ABUSE & SHELTERS
Human Options. (877) 854-3594. humanoptions.org
Laura’s House. (866) 498-1511 (24 hours) or office hours at (949) 361-3775.
Interval House. (562) 594-4555 or (714) 891-8121.
Women’s Transitional Living Center. (714) 992-1931. wtlc.org