Prayerful witness as Planned Parenthood Peoria resumes abortions
Jeanne Whalen, former family life director for the Diocese of Peoria, is seen witnessing at Life Chain outside the Planned Parenthood facility in Peoria. Earlier, she had contacted the facility posing as a 16-year old girl, and had been supplied with information. The Catholic Post Online/Paul Thomas Moore
Now more than ever, prayerful witness is required in support of the culture of life. That was the message that came through “peaceful and clear” across the Diocese of Peoria during the 37th annual Life Chain on Respect Life Sunday, Oct. 6.
“On the website, I ‘registered’ for an abortion as a 16- year-old Peoria girl, and was offered an appointment … It was with terrible sadness and disbelief that I read the matter-of-fact information that was provided me.” – Jeanne Whalen, former Diocese of Peoria family life director
In Peoria, Life Chain participant Jeanne Whalen, former director of family life for the Diocese of Peoria, said, “The abortion message is that (the reproductive system) is an opponent, and it’s not. The Theology of the Body teaches our entire body is good.”
Earlier, having heard reports that the Planned Parenthood facility on Knoxville Avenue in Peoria had resumed providing surgical abortions – in addition to the abortion pill – Smith decided to double-check for herself:
“On the website for the Peoria Planned Parenthood facility, I ‘registered’ for an abortion as a 16- year-old Peoria girl, and was offered an appointment for an abortion. It was with terrible sadness and disbelief that I read the matter-of-fact information that was provided me,” she said.
Other Life Chains took place across the Diocese of Peoria, including at Hessel Park in Champaign, and at the intersection of Henderson and Fremont in Galesburg.
We never know when someone might see a sign, or be the recipient through the Holy Spirit of a prayer and experience a conversion.” – Jeanne Smith, Life Chain co-coordinator
CONTINUED OPPORTUNITIES TO WITNESS
As well, continuing opportunities to peacefully and prayerfully witness for life are ongoing through the 40 Days for Life campaign from Sept. 25 – Nov. 3:
Bloomington prayer vigil location:
Planned Parenthood
1319 N Veterans Pkwy Bloomington
Contact: Daniel at bloomington40daysforlife@gmail.com
Champaign prayer vigil location:
Equity clinic
2111 West Park Court Champaign
Contact: Mandy Alman at a-alman@hotmail.com or 217-766-4384
Peoria prayer vigil location:
Outside the Planned Parenthood at 2709 Knoxville Ave., Peoria
Contact: Anthony Berlinger at 309-340-2002, or at anthonyberlinger@gmail.com
Galesburg “Day to Pray” Initiative
As in the fall of 2023 and this spring of 2024, in lieu of a 40 Days for Life campaign, Knox County Right to Life (KLCRTL) is inviting churches to join its “Church Adopt a Day to Pray” initiative.
Contact: Barbara Brody at 608-341-7705, or at brodybunch@comcast.net
Jeanne Smith was co-coordinator of Life Chain in Peoria. On the importance of prayer, she said, “The Battle is God’s and the outcome is, He wins.”
Jeanne Smith, co-coordinator of the Peoria Life Chain with husband Dan spoke to the core value of peaceful prayerful witness, ”We never know when someone might see a sign, or be the recipient through the Holy Spirit of a prayer and experience a conversion.”
She added, “The Battle is God’s and the outcome is, He wins.” Underlining that, a little further along the sidewalk on Knoxville, former Catholic Post editor Tom Dermody joined Kathleen and Jonathan Smith of Peoria’s Resurrection Presbyterian Church in singing, “How Great Thou Art” (Please see video clip on Catholic Post Facebook site.)
Please note: This list of 40 Days’ locations or other opportunities to support the culture of life may not be complete, so please check your local parish bulletin.
