By Anne Marie Amacher
Organizations and parishes throughout the Diocese of Davenport will mark the 37th anniversary of the legalization of abortion with pro-life events scheduled next week.
Roe v. Wade and its companion case Doe v. Bolton, led to U.S. Supreme Court rulings Jan. 22, 1973, that legalized abortion. Roe v. Wade made abortion legal in the United States, but with restrictions. Doe v. Bolton allowed abortion for virtually any reason.
Each year since then, pro-life groups throughout the United States have marked the anniversary by emphasizing pro-life activities. Here is a list of activities submitted to The Catholic Messenger:
Albia — A day of fasting has been called by the U.S. bishops to stand in solidarity with the unborn children killed by abortion. Catholics are encouraged to light a candle and place it in a window of their home until 10:30 p.m. Jan. 22. St. Mary Parish will provide a prayer card and votive light for that day. Also, Father Mike Volkmer, CPPS, pastor of St. Mary Parish in Albia, will lead a rosary for life prayer service beginning at noon at the church.
St. Mary Parish will sponsor a “sanctity of human life” crib through January. As the Christmas season is over, the crib in the manger was replaced by a crib in the vestibule, which parishioners are invited to fill with baby items throughout the month. All monetary donations and baby items go to the NEST program.
Bettendorf — The Women’s Choice Center (WCC), a pro-life organization, will sponsor a candlelight vigil Jan. 22. The evening begins at 6:30 p.m. with the rosary at the center. Then participants will walk up the hill to Heritage Church at 7 p.m. for a program. An outside prayer service in front of the WCC will be held at 8 p.m. with refreshments served afterwards.
Davenport — St. Mary Parish has been collecting clothing and money for Birthright.
Fort Madison — North Lee County Right to Life will sponsor its annual March for Life Jan. 30 beginning at 10:30 a.m. The walk begins at 10th Street and Avenue E and ends at McAleer Hall. The parade is walking only — wagons, strollers allowed. Signs will be made by Holy Trinity Catholic School students.
Iowa City — An hour of prayer and eucharistic adoration for life will be held at 7 p.m. Jan. 22 at St. Mary Church.
Rock Island, Ill. — The Sir Knight Larry Quade 30th annual pro-life breakfast, sponsored by Allouez Council 658 Knights of Columbus, will be held from 7:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Jan. 24 in Farrell Hall (St. Pius X Parish). Cost is $5 for adults, $3 for children ages 12 and under or $18 for a family of two adults and children under 16. Proceeds are distributed to Quad-City area pro-life organizations.
