Detroit, Mich., Nov 27, 2009 / 10:45 am
On Saturday, nearly 700 parishioners of the Archdiocese of Detroit participated in a pro-life vigil led by Archbishop Allen Vigneron. The event, one participant explained was “rooted in genuine Christian love, not hate or anger.”
Parishioner of Assumption Grotto Parish in Detroit, Diane Korzeniewski told CNA that she was “moved by the sheer volume of participants this time who are learning of a peaceful and prayerful way to bring about an end to abortion.” The vigil was the last in a series of four held in 2009, and was presented by the apostolate, Helpers of God's Precious Infants of Michigan.
Mass was held early last Saturday morning on the Feast of the Presentation of Mary at St. Joan of Arc Parish, where Archbishop Vigneron told the congregation that Mary “stands with us in our work to serve the gospel of life.”
Archbishop Vigneron continued in his homily: “it is God's plan that the whole world would somehow reflect His greatness, and that we, men and women, the human beings of His who form the crown of His creation in this world, would cherish the capacity for the generation of life.”
Ours “must be a witness patterned after God Himself,” explained the Archbishop, “generous, kind, patient but undaunting and constant.”
After the Mass, vigil participants walked several miles to St. Veronica'a Parish where they gathered for a Rosary procession under an Our Lady of Guadalupe banner. Reportedly, this was the largest precession seen in the 10 year history of the apostolate.
The large crowd prayed all 20 mysteries of the Rosary while walking from the parish to the 8 Mile Road where two abortion clinics are located. Most of the participants knelt for a moment of silence following the prayers. Adoration and a benediction were offered following the procession at St. Joan of Arc parish.
Korzeniewski told CNA that “while the Archbishop said he was proud of the many who came out for the vigil, I know I speak for many when I say we were all proud to see our Archbishop's witness.”
“The volume of people attending is a sign that members of the flock are willing to follow their shepherd's lead.”