Be Our Guest / Zoe Cannon
The power of God’s love
“Never let the fire in your heart go out. Keep it alive. Serve the Lord. When you hope, be joyful. When you suffer, be patient. When you pray, be faithful. Share with God’s people who are in need” (Rom 12:11-13).
Every truth we need in life can be found in sacred Scripture. These biblical treasures become a lifeline for those seeking God.
The parish community of St. Patrick Church in Indianapolis started a pro-life group, which became a non-profit organization in 2017, called Pro-Vida Indianapolis Co.
The mission of this organization is to support women in crisis pregnancies with prayer and the supplies needed to bring a healthy baby home instead of choosing an abortion.
Pro-Vida’s message is challenging in a culture that refers to terminating a pregnancy as women’s health care. Lupita arrived in this country from Mexico 20 years ago and continues to pray for pro-life issues in her native country.
As the president of Pro-Vida Indianapolis, she started a Facebook page where information is shared concerning all pro-life issues. The social media platform is a great way for the group to share the good work they are doing in Indianapolis, and to provide contact for those seeking help in time of need.
On July 28, Lupita posted information about a “National Day of Prayer and Fasting” to protect the unborn in Mexico, as a Mexican Supreme Court decision would take place there on July 29 to uphold a pro-life law. She prayed and asked the Holy Spirit for a word from Scripture about life.
The Bible story she felt compelled to examine was from the third chapter of the Book of Daniel. She read the account in the fiery furnace of King Nebuchadnezzar with the angels that protected Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. Lupita was puzzled, but obediently shared the message with the group. They believed the account from the Old Testament fire was God’s way of saying, “I will protect life!”
What transpired the next day revealed a powerful correlation with this Scripture passage.
On July 29, Lupita and a friend discovered the building that housed all the donations for the Pro-Vida ministry had been burned down. Authorities concluded that an arsonist had set the fire.
The members had prayed a novena to St. Joseph before purchasing this property and placed the ministry under his patronage. A large St. Joseph statue was displayed for all the meetings, and during family gatherings children sang and danced around the statue. Confident in this obedient saint as the protector of the Holy Family, this group realizes now more than ever how special his intercession and protection is to their ministry.
The only items salvaged in the fire were the beautiful statue of St. Joseph, and the “stage of life babies” used to display development in the womb. These flammable, rubber images of children were protected from the heat and flames! It is evident that through the faithful prayers of these pro-life warriors, the most precious items were protected from damage.
The diapers, clothes, cribs, strollers, and baby items donated will be replaced. Many volunteers have been inquiring about clean up and replenishing the items necessary to continue the good work of Pro-Vida Indianapolis.
If you are interested in helping rebuild the ministry, checks can be made to: Pro Vida Indianapolis Co., in care of President Lupita Aguayo, and mailed to 1710 South Talbott St., Indianapolis, IN 46225. There is no insurance on the building or its contents, so your generosity is appreciated. The power of God’s love is with us. And the Supreme Court in Mexico upheld life in its 4-1 decision!
Our culture is misguided about God’s plan for life. I pray this column will bring truth to light about life. Keep the fire of love for Jesus in your heart! Help those in need; be patient, hopeful, prayerful and pro-life! Amen!
(Zoe Cannon is a member of SS. Francis and Clare of Assisi Parish in Greenwood, whose Gabriel Project Ministry partners with the Pro-Vida group at St. Patrick Parish in Indianapolis.) †