PORT MOODY — Pro-life activists at St. Joseph’s Parish are not letting up efforts in the face of poor weather, insults, and vandalism.
About three dozen members of the parish stood in the rain and cold for an annual Life Chain event Sept. 30. They stood outdoors with signs, praying or meditating, for an hour and not responding to the shouts of passing motorists.
Pro-lifer Terry O’Neill said it was a significant moment for the group, especially in light of the vandalism of a large banner the church had displayed earlier this year. It read “St. Joseph’s is a Pro-Life Parish,” and had been hung every year in June. This summer, it was torn down and left crumpled on the property.
“It is always disheartening when people disrespect our right to freedom of expression,” said O’Neill. He added the pastor, Father Thomas Arackal, points out that their unwavering efforts show “the parish remains undeterred in its determination to stand up for life.”
The church also runs “Blooms into Rooms,” a 23-year-and-counting program that annually delivers flowers and cards to the sick and elderly at Easter time, participates in prayer vigils outside B.C. Women’s Hospital, and supports various local pro-life fundraisers and initiatives.
