Pinwheels are used to represent the tens of millions of unborn babies during the Roe v. Wade era, dating to 1973. St. Michael Church in Waialua has pinwheels set up near its memorial to the unborn. (Courtesy photo)
By Val and Deacon Gary Streff
Special to the Herald
As Washington, D.C., gears up for its annual March for Life, Oahu is in the final stages of preparing its march on the same day, Jan. 24, from 2-5 p.m. at the state Capitol.
Hawaii island, Maui and Kauai are also readying their own respective marches.
The islands are marching in unison with the same hearts and minds of Christians across America. The march is not a protest rally, it is a celebration of the sanctity of life.
We come together to focus on God’s given gift of life, and we pray for the continual acknowledgment that life from conception to natural death is worthy of respect and honor.
Let us never forget the overturning of Roe v. Wade on June 4, 2023 — a major milestone that means we are now heading in the right direction.
We celebrate with joy and gratitude for the faithful laborers who have dedicated their lives to supporting life. However, our mission is not over; we continue to pray and to seek God’s wisdom and guidance in bringing an end to abortion.
We want to be stewards — to be the hands and feet of Christ, supporting all men and women faced with a challenge, no matter how dire the situation appears. God’s disciples are always present to assist.
Our goal as supporters of respecting life is to pray for the conversion of hearts and minds to believe in and live the sanctity of life. Our action plan is to make the public aware of bills and measures contrary to God’s laws. We must be mindful of what is happening in society to be the light that shines in the darkness.
The church teaches that every human life is precious and worthy of protection. Pope Francis wrote: “Our defense of the innocent unborn … needs to be clear, firm and passionate, for at stake is the dignity of a human life, which is always sacred and demands love regardless of his or her state of development.”
We often think of abortion, but please think of our kupuna who are ill, in nursing homes or left isolated in their own homes. They need to be loved, respected and valued in society.
Think of the children who are left to their own devices; without structure or guidance, they too are seeking love and attention from their parents and family members.
Our theme continues this year: “Aloha Kekahi i Kekahi” (“Love One Another”). Take the time to love others no matter how busy or focused you are on your own lives.
Let us bring the joy of the good news to everyone we meet, and peace to our country as we share God’s love. We all have been there when we thought our way of thinking was the best decision, only to discover through trial and error that God’s ways are always the best.
Let us turn to our savior for mercy and wisdom; let us turn to God to not forsake us even when we sin. Sing joyfully to the Lord and he will save us.
Please join us on Jan. 23 at the Co-Cathedral of St. Theresa in Honolulu as Bishop Larry Silva celebrates Mass and the feast day of St. Marianne Cope and prays for the end of abortion.
Let us also join the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ nine-day novena to end abortion, which started Jan. 16. Each day a prayer and a request will be presented.
Finally, let us gather as one body in Christ at the grounds of the state Capitol on Jan. 24 and pray for all legislators and all men, women and children that we have peace in this world.
