Bishop Paul S. Loverde anticipates that his ministry in Arlington will include those affected by abortion.  In fact, one of his first public engagements as the third bishop of Arlington will include a demonstration in front of an abortion clinic in the diocese that will take place soon after the installation ceremonies.  It is no secret that his heart is close to those of the women pressured by friends, family and the environment to go to clinics that perform abortions.

"I have two special interests," Bishop Loverde said.  "One of them is the opportunity to preserve the life of the unborn child so she (the mother) will not chosse abortion.  Some of them, we hear, choose that route because they see no other option offered to them.   I think we need to find ways to offer them care, which is emotional, medical, physical and spritual, so they are not pressured or forced."

When Bishop Loverde talks about abortion, he does it with the passion of someone who, as a bishop, has participated in and led numerous vigils and protests in Hartford, Conn., and Ogdensburg, N.Y.

He has always expressed deep concern for those involved in abortion, following Pope John Paul II's teachings.  Last year, marking the 25th anniversary of the Roe vs. Wade decision that effectively legalized abortion on demand in the United States, the pope sent a message to the attendees of the annual Vigil for Life at the Basilica of the National Shrine in Washington.

"Amid the grave threats to human dignity and freedom represented by abortion and other crimes against God's gift of life, it is a positive sign of the times that, through the efforts of a broad spectrum of concerned citizens, there has been a gradual mobilization of consciences in support of life," the pope said.

Bishop Loverde taught that violence has not role in the fight to end abortions in this country.

"It's a long struggle for us, but we certainly want our witness to be non-violent," he said.  "But it's so ironic that the tragedy of violence is taking place inside the abortion (clinics)."

Bishop Loverde is scheduled to attend prayer vigils on April 3 from 7-9 a.m. at abortion clinics in Falls Church and Alexandria.  The Office for Family Life is organizing this activity.

Copyright ©1999 Arlington Catholic Herald, Inc. All rights reserved.

This article was published in the Arlington Catholic Herald,
200 N. Glebe Rd., Suite 607, Arlington, VA 22203; Keepsake Edition,
dated Mar 25, 1999, on page 91.
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A note from the Web Master:

It is noteworthy and honorable that some folks are willing to stand up for a ban on Partial-Birth Abortion.  Let us not forget that Abortion is also murder.  We must understand that murder is still murder no matter the method.  Because one method of abortion seems to be horrifying does not justify the other less repugnant methods.  We should be sickened by any Abortion regardless of the method.  The Fifth Commandment spells it out clearly: "Thou shalt not kill."  A fetus is a person, a human being with a God given soul.  Imagine the pain the Lord must feel when any Abortion occurs.  Please, please, please contact your Senators and Congressman, via letter or phone,  to let him/her know how upset you are that Abortions are legal and to pass and support  legislation to stop Partial-Birth Abortions and all other Abortions as soon as possible.

(It has become apparent that they do not respond to email therefore you will have more of an impact by writing or telephoning.)

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