NORTH ATTLEBOROUGH — The eighth annual National Day of Remembrance for Aborted Children was held September 10 at St. Mary’s Cemetery in North Attleborough at the memorial headstone to the Unborn placed there by the Knights of Columbus. Fifty people gathered to remember children lost to abortion. There was prayer, song, reflection and testimony. More than 220 similar events were held throughout the country.
Father Philip Davignon from St. John the Evangelist Parish in Attleboro led the service. He was joined by newly-ordained Father Bert Proulx from St. Mary’s in Foxborough, who gave the closing prayer.
Mother Marla Marie and Sister Therese Marie of the Maronite Servants of Christ the Light in Dartmouth sang hymns and offered a reflection. The Providence College Students for Life attended with three students and Sister Ann Francis. Sister Ann Francis offered a Prayer to the Victims of Abortions.
One courageous woman shared her difficult life journey after having two abortions. At only 17, her first abortion ended her college plans. She fell into a life of drugs and alcohol to ease the intense shame and grief she felt after her abortion.
Sadly, she got pregnant again and a second abortion followed. Her overwhelming sense of despair and guilt was magnified when she discovered she could never have children.
Another woman, who had an abortion in 1975, discussed the overturning of Roe v Wade. She is thrilled that women might be spared from her heartache. She has thought of her aborted baby every day since 1975 and she still cries.
A grandfather told about a family member who suffered an abortion and how much his heart misses that baby.
All in attendance placed a rose on the memorial headstone to honor all the babies lost to abortion. Silent prayer followed for those precious souls, their mothers, fathers, siblings, grandparents, and abortion clinic workers.
Today’s culture is not inclined to allow post-abortive women to mourn the loss of their child(ren) because some feel it was their “choice.” Many mothers who have aborted a child know in their heart they have lost their babies. Yet there are no wakes, funerals or sympathy cards. This National Day of Remembrance gave women a chance finally to grieve and to heal. Those attending the service acknowledge every woman’s pain and validate her lost child(ren). A list of 54 names of aborted babies named by their mothers during a local healing program was read out loud to remember each baby’s individuality and identity.
If you or someone you love suffers from a past abortion, there can be healing and peace. Contact Abundant Hope Pregnancy Center in Attleboro for help at director@ahprc.org.
