Annunciation parishioners demonstrate their respect for life in Waimea. (Courtesy photo)
By Mary Erickson
Special to the Herald
On the 48th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, the National Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children, and in solidarity with the vigil Mass and adoration and the virtual March for Life in Honolulu, Father Anthony Pangan, pastor of Annunciation Church in Waimea on the Big Island, celebrated Mass for the Protection of Life on the evening of Jan. 21, followed by Adoration of the Most Blessed Sacrament through midnight.
Father Pangan’s excellent homily began by referring to the Apostles’ Creed stating that, by our faith, we are a people of life. He quoted Father Frank Pavone of Priests for Life who said “to stand with Christ is to stand for life; and to stand for life means that we stand against whatever destroys life.”
Father Pangan said that, based on a 2018 study, there is an abortion in the United States every 11 seconds — 7,800 a day! Abortion destroys more life in one year than any disease or natural disaster or wars combined. Over 62 million innocent lives have been taken in the U.S. since the Roe v. Wade ruling in 1973.
On a positive note, Father Pangan advised of life-affirming alternatives, such as the Pregnancy Center which helps women and men facing an unplanned pregnancy know their options and empowers them to make informed choices. They provide a holistic approach, providing tests, medical referrals and advocacy throughout the pregnancy and after the birth of the child. We are fortunate to have such a center in Kona.
For those who have had an abortion, the church helps them know the infinite mercy of God and welcomes their repentance through the excellent program of healing known as “Project Rachel.”
Father Pangan stated we are all called to be pro-life advocates, and suggested taking pamphlets on abortion, on what to say if a friend is considering abortion, on Project Rachel, and prayer cards, safely situated on a table at the church entrance, to read and keep on hand.
Those in attendance (approximately one-third of our current Sunday Mass attendance) left Mass more knowledgeable and inspired to get involved in pro-life issues.
On Friday, Jan. 22, Father Pangan, together with Respect Life Committee members and about 20 other parishioners, held a March for Life in Waimea town from 4 to 6 p.m. The March for Life banner was prominently displayed and those present held pro-life signs and waved to those passing on the highway, reinforcing the fact that every human life is a gift from God and every person, born and unborn, needs to be protected.
Mary Erickson is head of the Respect Life Committee of Annunciation Parish in Waimea.
