Augustinian Recollects at Life Chain Rally

October 3, 2004 , Nanuet, New York , Middletown Road/Route 59

"We support you! People need to hear that message!" shouted a lady to me from her car, as I held my sign in quiet witness that cool but sunny Sunday afternoon on the corner of Middletown Road and Route 59 in Nanuet, New York.

It was Sunday, October 3rd, when Rockland County witnessed the annual "Life Chain Rally." There were at least 200 people standing at the intersection of Middletown Road and Route 59. People of all ages and also of other denominations gathered that afternoon in silent prayer and in witness against the horrors of abortion and the legal status that protects such a heinous crime against human life.

Sure, there were some people who shouted unkind remarks and statements such as, "Find something better to do. Go back to the church and pray." Surely the Holy Spirit had to be leading us, as nobody on our side returned with any unkind remark or gesture. We would smile and tell them that we are going to pray for them too.

It may sound like something simple, to stand in silent protest. In reality it takes a strong inner core. What many of us discovered was that the silent protest against abortion is even more powerful than large, vocal rallies. The experience was definitely very powerful for all who were participating. One could just sense the power of God present in our prayerful gathering.

As my brothers and I from Tagaste Monastery reflected on the experience, we realized that what we believe and speak about also has to be brought to the "marketplace" of the world, where people gather. It is in that "marketplace" that we are able to bear witness to the love of Christ, who came not to condemn us for our sins but to heal us and bring us to share in the fullness of life that he offers us.

So you see, what better way to spend part of an afternoon than in prayer and silent witness against a terrible crime and also in witness to the love of Christ, who seeks to bring all men and women to himself? Sunday, October 3rd, will be remembered as a day in which we five friars, Fathers Marlon Beof and Frank Wilder and Fraters Matthew Alejo, Juan José Guzmán, and Sergio Bañuelos joined 200 other people in prayer for the end of abortion and for the healing of the victims and perpetrators of this evil deed. We all agreed that it was a Sunday afternoon well spent.

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