Priest Crusades With Anti-Abortion Message

When the Rev. Frank Pavone travels across the country to spread his anti-abortion message, he makes a point to visit abortion clinics. Not to protest or block doorways and not to make demands.

Rather, the director of the nationwide Priests for Life stands outside the clinics and prayerfully reads aloud the names of 18 women who died while having abortions.

“There’s nothing better to fire you up than praying outside these facilities while abortions are going on,” he said Saturday to an enthusiastic audience of more than 50 people at Gonzaga University.

Pavone is in town this weekend as part of his crusade for Priests for Life, a group that helps Roman Catholic priests and members of the anti-abortion movement become a bridge between the community and pregnant women seeking guidance.

He spoke to Spokane and Coeur d’Alene youth groups, students and congregations.

The New York native said abortion-rights supporters use standard lines to argue their case. One myth is that the child is not a human being because it is completely dependent on the mother’s womb and could not survive on its own.

“Of course it’s dependent on the womb. That’s why it’s in there,” he said. “Use this one on your friends the next time they say that.” The crowd roared with applause and laughter.

Pavone said the second myth is abortion benefits the mother who finds herself with an unplanned pregnancy or with a child who has a birth defect.

“Women who have had abortions are coming back from that dead end and telling us abortions don’t solve anything,” he said.

Audience members asked what they can do to help their parishes become more active in the anti-abortion movement.

He advised parishioners to let their pastors know they are serious about getting involved and doing the work that’s necessary to spread the word.

Spokane Valley resident Dorothy Trechter, 44, said she agrees priests need more encouragement from their parishioners but that it’s a two-way street.

“People need to know they can stand up and actually have a voice,” she said.

A Gonzaga sophomore, J.P. Daily said he was glad to hear Pavone shift the focus of the pro-life movement to include the welfare of the mother.

“I think the mother has been neglected by both sides,” said the 20-year-old from Kennewick. “It brings love and charity into the movement.”

Pavone’s been trying to bring the message of love and charity to parishioners since 1988, when he was ordained a priest by Cardinal John O’Connor in New York. His fellow clergy recognized his dedication to the movement and suggested him for the role of Priests for Life director. He’s been in the position since 1993.

Being a priest gave him the opportunity to complete his life’s mission: to provide alternatives to abortion, education to women, men and priests and most important, to offer healing to women who’ve had abortions. After just three years, he sees the difference he’s making.

“I know the people of America are ready to take a prophetic stance,” he said “And they will support the movement more than we’ve ever dreamed.”

, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Photo

MEMO: This sidebar appeared with the story: Pavone appearances The Rev. Frank Pavone will give the homily at today’s 8:30 and 11 a.m. masses at St. Pius X Catholic Church in Coeur d’Alene. He will also lead a workshop at St. Thomas Catholic Church Center, 406 N. 10th in Coeur d’Alene.