In This Issue

Dear HLI Family, In his latest book, Seek First the Kingdom, Cardinal Donald Wuerl, Archbishop of Washington, DC, reminds us of our responsibility to confront and engage the culture by living our Catholic Faith. In the opening chapter, in speaking of the sacrifice required in fully living out the Gospel and bearing witness to the Kingdoms presence, Cardinal Wuerl quotes Saint Justin Martyr, who penned this powerful statement in the year 155: Fr. Shenan J. Boquet President And when you hear that we look for a kingdom, you suppose, without asking, that we speak of a human kingdom. Instead, we speak of something that is with God, as can be shown from the confessions of faith made by those who are charged with being Christian - even though they know that death is the punishment awarded to those who so confess. For if we looked for a human kingdom, we would deny our Christ, so that we might not be killed. We would try to escape detection, so that we might get what we hope for. But since our thoughts are not fixed on the present, we are not concerned when men cut us off; since death is a debt which must at all events be paid. (First Apology 11) HLIs team of pro-life warriors understands Saint Justins words, as they embrace with charity and love the call to protect and defend innocent life at every stage. The earthly kingdom and its attachments do not motivate them, but only the Kingdom proclaimed by Jesus. No matter the obstacles, temporal or spiritual, these faithful disciples confront the death peddlers of our age who are determined to promote and implement their agendas of death. Regardless of the sacrifices required to grow a Culture of Life, our pro-life warriors tirelessly and selflessly make sacrifices as they cultivate the seeds of life around the world. I hope as you read this current publication you will be inspired, as I am, by the bold witness of our regional directors, affiliates and team of pro-life warriors around the world, who enter the public square proclaiming the Gospel of Life. Nothing daunts them from their tasks; they are not afraid. Motivated by love of God and neighbor, they relentlessly speak for the voiceless and defend the defenseless. They confront governments, lawmakers, politicians, educators, professionals and anyone determined to undermine the dignity of life and sustain a Culture of Death. Thank you for taking time to read our August publication. I am most grateful for your faithful dedication to growing a Culture of Life. This is our work and the accomplishments proclaimed in this issue would not be possible without your support and care. Please continue to pray for our pro-life missionaries and the success of our mission. Our Lady of Czestochowa, pray for us. Sincerely in Christ,

Father Shenan J. Boquet President of Human Life International

CONTENTS
FEATURES 8 An Ocean to Ocean Pilgrimage with Our Lady of Czestochowa 10 US Politics and the Culture of Death 14 David is Advancing: Young Pro-Lifers on the March in Europe 15 Young Activists Leading the Pro-Life Charge DEPARTMENTS 3 News from the Missions 7 Development News & Progress: In-Kind Contributions Support HLI in the Mission Field 12 Domestic News

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NEWS FROM THE MISSIONS

Region: Africa
HLI Director: George Wirnkar (French speaking) and Emil Hagamu (English speaking)
KENya Fr. Wanjohi continues his Radio Maria programs, pastoral counseling, lectures and talks at various venues where he has been invited and of course his work of teaching and forming pro-life leaders at the university and professional levels. In recent weeks he held his large-scale annual 5-day Pro-life Seminarians conference, which was followed by the annual Pro-life Priests national conference. He welcomed HLIs Emil Hagamu as an expert speaker. Presentations focused on strategies and priorities in the pro-life apostolate, and attendees were educated in the tactics of the anti-lifers. Emphasis was also given to the particular role of the priest and how to best make use of pastoral situations for the furtherance of life-related issues. The end of the conference was marked with solemn commitments to propagate the Gospel of Life, with a unanimous resolve to follow up with frequent meetings, events and programs at the

The following are brief glimpses of the work being done by HLI affiliates and associates around the world.
grass roots level. The clergy in attendance forged a strong bond and will be working together in the future. This years program welcomed 5 transitional deacons, which is a real sign of growth and hope because they will begin their priestly ministry committed to understanding and promoting the Gospel of Life. ETHIOpIa Fr. Aloysius tells us that a recent presentation to the national assembly of priests in Ethiopia has proved to be one of the best opportunities to make the pro-life message reach all corners of the country. The president of the association of priests approached Fr. Aloysius and asked him to give a 10-minute introductory presentation on prolife activities in Ethiopia to about 112 priests. Happily obliging (even if for only 10 short minutes), Father invited his college and university student representatives to come prepared to share their own experiences with the assembly of priests. This also enabled the strategic set up of pro-life materials for the assembly. And while the tight schedule had allowed only 10 minutes for the pro-life segment, impact of the presentation and sharing was so great that the

Emil Hagamu, Director of HLI English-Speaking Africa

George Wirnkar, HLIs Director of HLI FrenchSpeaking Africa

Fr. Aloysius addressing the priests of Ethiopia.

Fr. Wanjohi and Emil Hagamu (both on left) at the Pro-Life Seminarians conference in Kenya.

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News from the Missions

original 10 minutes was extended to 1 hour and 20 minutes! The priests in attendance heartily welcomed and endorsed the apostolate and unanimously recommended that every diocese in the country have this apostolate included in its pastoral department! Fortunately, HLI Central had just supplied Fr. Aloysius with numerous materials. These materials were distributed, and more are now being produced. peddlers like USAID are freely plying their evil trade. Her first talk was for 50 seminarians and priests from all over the world who are studying at the Studium Theologicum Salesianum in Jerusalem, an affiliate of the Salesian Pontifical University in Rome, and all were very touched, particularly the rector of the seminary. Both he and a bio-ethics professor at Bethlehem University helped arranged additional talks and meetings with dignitaries for Ligaya that had not been previously planned. She tells us that one talk led to another and another and she ended up meeting with bishops to discuss future plans, such as a pro-life training program for clergy, seminarians, religious and lay leaders of the Holy Land, as well as a speaking tour. Hopes were expressed for the translation of HLI materials into the local language. pHIlIppINES HLIs ever-vigilant Dr. Bullecer is keeping very busy in the Philippines with a strong and multi-faceted program to fight the aggressive Reproductive Health bill that remains a very serious threat to the future of the Philippines. The Philippines is one of the countries especially named and targeted for depopulation by the sinister NSSM-200 document of the U.S. State Department, and so the death promoters are especially active and well-funded in this predominantly Catholic and life-loving country. A portion of Dr. Bullecers initiatives included the following: A Youth for Life press conference that exposed the evils of the RH Bill. A Youth Forum for Life for 300 youth leaders from 6 different dioceses and archdioceses, at which he emphasized that young people must stay informed about what is going on, especially since they are particularly targeted by the death promoters. A TV interview at the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines media office, with 10-minute segments in both English and the local dialect. An appeal was made for everyone to stand by the teachings of the Catholic Church and for non-Catholics to defend the Filipino pro-life Constitution. TV interviews on secular stations, where he discussed the current status of the RH Bill and his position on the proposed Anti-

Region: Asia and Oceania

Dr. Ligaya Acosta, Director of HLI Asia

HLI Director: Dr. Ligaya Acosta

Dr. Ligaya Acosta made an extensive missionary trip through Europe with the primary purpose of instructing Filipinos there; but she was also able to reach many native Europeans in this region that has been so devastated by the Culture of Death. This European speaking tour brought her to Oslo, Norway; Copenhagen, Denmark; Frankfurt and Hamburg, Germany; Ljubljana, Slovenia; Vienna, Austria; Zurich, Switzerland; Milan and Turin, Italy; and to the eternal city of Rome. In all, Dr. Acosta travelled 17,914 miles, spoke to 2,190 people, and delivered 20 talks for the general public, youth groups, and leaders of the CFCFFL (Couples for Christ - Foundation for Family and Life). During recent weeks, Ligaya also made a missionary trip to the Holy Land, where she discovered that in the land where the Son of God lived and died, the Culture of Death is raging, and death

Dr. Ligaya Acosta with bishops and priests at the Studium Theologicum Salesianum in Jerusalem.

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News from the Missions

discrimination Bill otherwise known as the gay rights bill. A Pro-Life Leaders Convocation for parish leaders regarding updates on the RH Bill status, other anti-life bills, and a comprehensive review of Humanae Vitae and the medical effects of oral contraceptives. A Marian Prayer of Reparation and Petition, which was a 3-hour prayer rally where over 500 rosary and candle-bearing faithful joined Msgr. Cristobal Gracia (who attended on behalf of Cardinal Vidal and Archbishop Jose Palma). The event began with a solemn procession and recitation of the rosary. Then Msgr. Garcia urged all to remain vigilant and committed to stand in defense of the Church and her teachings. The event concluded with Holy Mass inside the Cathedral. Everything was covered live by the two regional TV channels.

Left to right: Joannes Bucher, Joseph and Therese Meaney, and Monsignor Barreiro at the largest Italian March for Life in history.

Region: America
HLI Director: Arland K. Nichols
HLI responded strongly to both the Stand Up for Religious Freedom rallies (see page 12 of this issue) and our Bishops call to prayer, fasting and action during the Fortnight for Freedom. HLI organized a rally for religious liberty in Front Royal, Virginia, and challenged the faithful to pray 1 million rosaries during the Fortnight. Father Peter West, Vice President for Missions, spoke on the steps of the Supreme Court the day the decision on the individual mandate was announced. He also spoke at HLIs Front Royal rally and preached at a parish in Virginia. HLIs President, Father Shenan Boquet, spoke at the Stand Up For Religious Freedom Rally on Capitol Hill, spoke in Bethesda, Maryland, and gave a number of national radio interviews highlighting our efforts to defend liberty. Arland K. Nichols, National Director of HLI America, spoke at the Stand up For Religious Freedom Rally in Houston, Texas, and gave ten talks and television interviews in six cities during the Fortnight for Freedom. We are excited to launch the new website for HLIs first annual In Life and Love Conference (see ad on page 13 of this issue), scheduled for October 18-20. This years theme is Praying in the Home, and it features a number of amaz-

ing speakers! We invite you to visit the conference website at www.inlifeandlove.org. You dont want to miss a wonderful retreat and conference at the beautiful Inn at Saint Johns in Plymouth, Michigan. Arland and the Fellows continue to be very active in writing and speaking engagements around the country to a variety of audiences. If you would like to arrange for talks at your parish or organization, email us at hlia@hli.org.

Region: Europe
HLI Director: Joannes Bucher
HuNgaRy HLIs Dr. Imre Teglasy reports that after an insidious attempt to impose availability of the death-pill RU486 on the Hungarian nation, efforts spearheaded by HLI Hungary have successfully achieved the necessary prohibitions against this infamous and dangerous abortion pill. After discovering the imminent threat of the pills acceptance, Imre and his colleagues staged a public protest that was covered by dozens of national papers, providing extensive coverage of the topic. Prominent speakers (including Dr. Andras Scoka, Neurological Surgeon; Gabor Jobbagyi, Professor of Civil Law at the Catholic University in Hungary; Margaret Cuthill of SPUC in the UK; and most notably Zsolt Semjen, Deputy Prime Minister) all spoke out against the death pill and exposed the scientific facts of its terrible side effects and dangers. Various professional and pro-

Arland K. Nichols Director of HLI America

Joannes Bucher, Director of HLI Europe

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News from the Missions

life Hungarian organizations joined their voices in support of the protests, including three bishops of the Hungarian Lutheran church, who echoed the 2005 statement of the Hungarian Catholic Bishops conference against the pill. By the grace of God, the pro-lifers were successful and this is all the more amazing since they were fighting the likes of billionaire George Soros and his intrusively dictatorial international death apparatus. ROME HLI Rome was a key organizer of the largest Italian March for Life in history. This important event took place on Sunday, May 13, and exceeded all expectations when 15,000 people came from everywhere (including foreign countries like France and Poland) to participate. The March was preceded by a conference at the Pontifical Athenaeum Regina Apostolorum and was entitled, Who saves a life, saves the whole world. Speakers included Monsignor Barreiro and distinguished bioethics professors. The conference was followed by solemn Eucharistic adoration, where Cardinal Raymond Burke gave a magnificent homily to a full Basilica at St. Mary Major. Cardinal Burke was present the next day as well for the March itself; both Monsignor and Joseph Meaney were interviewed on camera by David Kerr of Catholic News Agency. Monsignor was interviewed in English and Spanish. Joseph emphasized the growing demographic problems in Italy, as well as the good news of broad collaboration among pro-life groups who worked to make the March so successful.

Region: Latin America

HLI Director: Mario Rojas
In recent weeks, HLIs Colombia Foundation Culture for Human Life (Fundacin Cultura de la Vida Humana) President Gladys de Amaya and Marlene Gillette-Ibern, HLI's legal counsel for Latin America, attended the Organization of American States (OAS) Sixth Summit of the Americas, held in the city of Cartagena, Colombia. Each one represented a social actor organization from Colombia and Puerto Rico respectively. Each attended all forums of the event that were available for social actors to submit recommendations on the theme of the event, which was regional cooperation on various issues. As expected, the population control agenda was lurking behind many of the cleverly worded proposals and plans. Both Gladys and Marlene were able to speak out effectively in defense of life and family issues at this important convocation and at a time when the death agenda is notably increasing in Latin America. It was the first time that HLI sent a team to an OAS Summit of the Americas. The event is attended by presidents from various countries and takes place approximately every four years. As an important follow up to this, in June 2012, HLIs Coordinator for Latin America, Mario Rojas (who is a citizen of Bolivia) and Marlene GilletteIbern attended the OAS 42 General Assembly, where ambassadors of Latin American countries gathered for its annual meeting Cochabamba, Bolivia. Mario attended as a press correspondent for HLIs Hispanic Electronic Bulletin (Boletn Electrnico), which is a biweekly electronic newspaper on life and family issues. Marlene attended as a social actor representative from Puerto Rico. Also, Sonia Vera-Rodriguez, President of one of HLIs Bolivian affiliates (the Foundation for Life and Health Fundacin Vida y Salud) attended as a member of the Holy See Delegation at the event, which is a permanent observer at the OAS. Marlene was able to make important contributions by speaking out on life and family issues. Mario Rojas, along with Marlene and Sonia, were able to speak to the ambassadors from several countries, as well as to the Apostolic Nuncio of Bolivia, regarding the population control agenda at this OAS event.

Mario Rojas, Director of HLI Latin America

Mario Rojas on a missionary trip to Bolivia.

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Development News & Progress

In-Kind Contributions
SUPPORT HLI IN THE MISSION FIELD
Bill Williams Development Manager

he most requested pieces of equipment needed internationally are laptops and projectors. These two pieces of equipment give us the opportunity to reach more people around the globe, whether in remote villages of Africa or parish halls of Europe. Recently, we were very blessed with an in-kind contribution of five Dell laptops. This wonderful gift will have a REAL impact, and all five will be shipped shortly to countries where they are most needed. We have also recently been given the in-kind service offer to refurbish used Dell laptops that are contributed to HLI. If you have a Dell laptop that you are not using, you can ship it to us, along with its software, and it will be refurbished and sent out to the mission field. This is a terrific way to support HLI when upgrading to a newer laptop, and you also receive an in-kind contribution for your gift. This applies only to Dells, as the gentleman behind this project has many of the parts needed to bring Dell laptops back to working condition. If you have a Dell docking station or a working projector you would like to contribute, those are very much needed as well. When we think about in-kind contributions, a variety of gifts can come to mind, especially in the area of personal property. Personal property donated can include items such as art work, rare books, jewelry, antiques, collections, supplies, equipment, etc. Over the years HLI has had many items donated that have been sold to support our mission, including art, gold coins, and diamond rings. We currently have a number of unique items that

Photo and 100 yen note signed by Hideki Tj on December 4, 1947 during the war crimes trial.

have been contributed to HLI, including World War II Great Britain Military Currency; an early (1800s) William Tell Bank; and something I find very interesting: a 100 yen note signed by Hideki Tj, who was the 40th Prime Minister of Japan (active during most of World War II). The photo that came with the 100 yen note was taken during his trial for war crimes. Tj, as he was known during the war by the Allies, was executed in December of 1948. These items, as well as other items we have received, are available for purchase from HLI. Regarding tax-deductions for in-kind gifts, the contributions are gratefully acknowledged by HLI, but we cannot state the value of the item. The responsibility of obtaining support for an income tax deduction for in-kind donations falls to the donor, who sets the value when filing their taxes. Unusual items can be appraised, but most gifts of personal property can be researched on the web. If you find different values for the same item, it is best to take the lower quote. If you are considering an in-kind gift or are interested in a possible purchase of some of the contributed items we are holding, you can reach me at: 540-622-5285 or wwilliams@hli.org. Thank you for all you do to protect babies and families around the world.

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 COVER STORY

An Ocean to Ocean Pilgrimage with Our Lady of Czestochowa

By Rev. Peter West

omething is happening in Russia right now that could be of enormous historic significance for life and the family in Russia and the world. It is called the International Campaign in Defense of Family and Life From Ocean to Ocean.
the Living God; and while the law was given through Moses, grace and truth came through Jesus Christ (John 1:17). In 1571, when the Bishop of Mexico heard that Europe was threatened with an invasion from a hostile Turkish Navy, he sent a replica of the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe to Pope Pius V. The Pope gave the image to Admiral Andrea Doria, who carried it into battle on one of the lead ships at Lepanto. On October 7, 1571, Christian forces defeated the much larger Turkish Navy and saved Europe from invasion. Icons are particularly venerated in the East. An icon is considered to be almost a living presence of the one who is venerated. Tradition holds that St. Luke the Evangelist himself wrote the icon of what has now become known as Our Lady of Czestochowa on a cypress table in the home of the Holy Family. (Traditionally, we speak of an icon being written, not painted). The Icon was damaged by Hussite raiders in 1430. She has also grown black with the smoke of candles throughout the cen-

In January 2012, I travelled to the Shrine of Jasna Gora in Czestochowa, Poland, to take part in the planning for this project. While there, I joined the Archbishop of Cracow in a special Mass to ask for the intercession of Our Lady of Czestochowa for the victory of the Culture of Life and defeat of the Culture of Death. A replica of the Icon of Our Lady of Czestochowa is now being taken to Vladivostok on the Pacific Coast of Russia. The Icon will be driven across eight time zones in Russia. Eventually, the Icon will travel across Europe to Fatima, Portugal, and hopefully to the United States in the spring of 2013. Throughout history, Our Lady has intervened at critical times to help her faithful people. Just as the ancient Jews carried the Ark of the Covenant into battle with them (cf. Joshua 3: 3-6), so the Christians of today carry icons of the Mother of Christ, the Ark of the New Covenant. In the Old Testament, the Ark carried the tablets of the Law and holy bread, whereas Mary carried

The Icon of Our Lady of Czestochowa.

turies, so much so that she is often referred to as the Black Madonna In 1812, Russian forces carried an icon of The Reigning Mother of God into battle as they drove Napoleon and his invading army out of Russia. At the same moment that Tsar Nicholas of Russia abdicated his throne (3:00 PM on March 2, 1917), an icon of The Reigning Mother of God was found after having been hidden for many years in a basement. Many people began to venerate the icon and miraculous healings began to occur. However, the provisional government, and even the Church, gave the event little attention, and the crowds were not as great as were expected.

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Cover Story
The woman who helped find the icon after receiving a vision said that the Mother of God had told her that if the icon were marched around the Kremlin seven times, it would not fall into the hands of the Bolsheviks. But it was taken around only once, only after the sound of gunfire during the October Revolution. The Bolsheviks soon captured the Kremlin and millions of Russians died under Communism. From May 1-7, 1979, Polish people prayed continuous rosaries at the Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa that the Communist Polish government would relax its restrictions on the visit of Pope John Paul II to his native land. The seven-day prayer vigil was popularly referred to as the Siege of Jericho. On May 7, the last day of the prayer vigil, the Polish government unexpectedly relented and dropped the major obstacles that were preventing the Popes visit. We now turn to Our Lady again under her title of Our Lady of Czestochowa. She is venerated both in the East and the West. Her image will be brought from the far-eastern Russian port city of Vladivostok, across Siberia, Russia, and the rest of Europe to Fatima, Portugal, and finally to the United States. In 1920, Russia was the first country to decriminalize abortion for any reason. Now abortion is the main means of birth control in Russia, as there are currently more abortions than births. In 1917, Our Lady of Fatima predicted that Russia would spread her errors throughout the world. No doubt one of those errors is the killing of children in the womb. But now Russia knows she has a problem. Her population is declining. The total fertility rate of Russian women hit a historic low in 1999 of 1.16. By the Virgin Mary visited four towns Astana, Kokshetau, Pavlodar, and Petropavlovsk. Local media covered the event along the way. People of all ages came to adore the sacred Icon, many of them came with infant children. The faces of Orthodox priests and laymen beamed with joy. The Icon is now on a long and difficult journey to Vladivostok, where she will visit the main cathedral of the city

The Icon of Our Lady of Czestochowa will be driven across eight time zones in Russia. Eventually, the Icon will travel across Europe to Fatima, Portugal and hopefully to the United States in the Spring of 2013.
2010, it had risen slightly to 1.59. Even President Vladmir Putin has encouraged Russian families to have more children by offering economic incentives, but they are having little effect. The veneration of the Icon has already begun. From June 2-6, 2012, the icon was brought from Moscow to Kazakhstan on a special car designed to display the icon as she travels down the highway. During her pilgrimage through this land, the icon of to be adored by thousands of believers. On June 14, 2012, the International Campaign in Defense of Family and Life From Ocean to Ocean officially began. During this global pro-life action, the icon of Our Lady of Czestochowa will be carried on pilgrimage from Vladivostok to Fatima. Please pray for the success of this project and stay tuned to HLI for more information as we have it available about the progress of this historic pilgrimage.

The International Committee of the Czestochowa icon Pilgrimage.

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US Politics
and the Culture of Death

By Elisa Sumanski

2 0 1 2

lection season is fully upon us, and politics is currently on everyones mind. There is always a lot at stake come election time the direction of our country, the economy, wars and foreign affairs. This year is especially crucial as Catholics are fighting to maintain their constitutionally-guaranteed religious liberties, and much of Human Life Internationals mission may hang in the balance.
While most of HLIs work occurs overseas helping people from around the world defend life in their own countries politics in the United States has an enormous impact on our mission. For example, there is a direct connection between who sits in the White House and how much money the United States spends promoting abortion overseas. One of the first things President Obama did when he took office in January 2009 was reverse the Bush Administration policy that restricted federal funding for international organizations that promote or provide abortions. The Obama Administration, in collusion with an anti-life Congress, has since been funneling an average of over $45 million a year to the abortion-pushing group, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). The Bush Administration did not fund UNFPA at all. If $45 million sounds like a lot, consider the nearly $600 million spent in 2010 alone on the group USAID. USAID, under the Obama Administration, pushes abortion and contraception around the world. These are just two examples of how your tax dollars are being spent, in the midst of a recession with a dismal economic outlook, to promote abortion all over the world. And this money has very real, very devastating effects especially in the developing world. Fr. Wanjohi of HLI Kenya spent much of 2010 lobbying against the ratification of a new constitution that ultimately legalized abortion in his live-loving country. Their old constitution protected life from the moment of conception, and had the legalization of abortion not been so carefully hidden, it is almost certain that the Kenyan people would have rejected the new one because of it. Ignoring the culture and sovereignty of this developing nation, the United States spent over $23 million to support the new constitution money that went directly to pro-abortion groups engaged in lobbying and getout-the-vote efforts. Additionally Joe Biden and a string of Democrat congressmen visited Kenya in the months leading up to the vote, all encouraging passage. The U.S. did not just tacitly support the legalization of abortion in Kenya it

V O T E

There is a direct connection between who sits in the White House and how much money the United States spends promoting abortion overseas.
aggressively and heavy-handedly lobbied for it. The United States bought abortion for Kenya with our tax dollars. And this is just one example among many of how U.S. elections directly impact HLIs work around the world. Unfortunately, the amount of money being spent to push the deadly sins of abortion and contraception on unsuspecting cultures is not our only concern. The current administration has also launched a direct assault on Catholics and our religious liberties. The now infamous mandate issued by the Department of Health and Human Services is a crystal clear example of the battle we are currently fighting. This mandate will force the Church, Catholic institutions, and Catholic employers to provide health insurance coverage for contraception which the Church defines as an absolute moral evil! We live in a country that was founded by settlers looking for religious freedom. But the Culture of Death has become so strongly entrenched in our nation, that our leaders are

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In Appreciation

IF

for your life-saving contribution to HLI of $49.90 or more, we would like to send you a copy of The Boycott List.
The Boycott List provides useful, updated information regarding companies that provide money to Planned Parenthood. This valuable resource provides the names of major companies, regional corporations and organizations with limited connection to Planned Parenthood. The list includes frequently asked questions and various ways to contact the leaders of these groups. With this information and guidance, you can ensure that your money is not being used to fund anti-life groups.

T AU TO G U D ST O N O RS

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT OF HLI'S MISSION!

poised to force us to violate our religious beliefs and to provide others with something we consider a great moral evil. It should come as no surprise that the Culture of Death has finally, publicly set its sights on the Catholic Church. The Church has long been the loudest and often the only voice that cries out in opposition to the evils of the Culture of Death. Can you think of another institution, religious or otherwise, that has remained steadfast in its position on such life-issues as contraception, divorce, and marriage? These arent merely political issues to discuss with our neighbors, they are true and absolute evils. And evils number one target will always be the Catholic Church, because the Church is the primary means of salvation for world. This evil has become so pervasive that society now considers contra-

ception and abortion to be healthcare even though there are mounds of evidence that the practices are actually harmful to those who use them. Various forms of abortion and contraception have been linked to breast cancer,1 depression,2 and even death3 of the mother (of course, in the case of abortion, there is always also the death of a child). Contraception doesnt exist to treat or prevent any sort of medical illness it exists only so that people can have sex whenever they want with whomever they want without consequences. Even if our liberties were not under attack, we would have a moral obligation as Catholics to vote in November. We must always vote against the evils of the Culture of Death, and this year we must stand up for our own rights as well. Come Election Day, we are the voice of the Church.

(Endnotes) 1. According to the National Cancer Institute, taking the pill seems to increase ones risk of breast cancer, cervical cancer, and ovarian cancer. http://www. cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Risk/ oral-contraceptives 2. The Alfred Psychiatry Research Centre studied 60 women, and found that those taking the pill containing both oestrogen and progesterone were almost twice as likely to be depressed as those who did not. 3. Complications from abortion and abortion-inducing drugs like RU486 have caused thousands of deaths. Conversely, in Chile maternal deaths dropped 70% after abortion was banned. http://www.lifenews. com/2012/06/01/maternal-deaths-dropped70-after-abortion-banned-in-chile/

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Left: HLI President, Fr. Shenan Boquet, speaks to a crowd gathered in Washington, DC for the Stand Up for Religious Freedom Rally. Below: Magaly Llaguno, HLIs Director of U.S. Hispanic Outreach, being interviewed at the 2012 March for Life in January. Middle of page: Fr. Boquet leads a group of dedicated pro-life activists in a decade of the rosary in front of a Chicago abortion mill on a cold Saturday morning in March 2012.

Human Life International has been busy in the United States as well as internationally. Since the start of this year, HLI Staff have attended over 100 domestic events.
Weve prayed in front of abortion clinics in Chicago, held a conference on endof-life issues in San Antonio, marched for life in California, and rallied for freedom in Washington, DC. Here are some domestic highlights from the last six months: January 2012 kicked off with the biggest pro-life event of the year, the March for Life in Washington, DC. Human Life International was present for the entire weekend event, with most of our staff in DC marching, providing interviews to local media outlets, manning our booth in the exhibit hall, and participating in pro-life Masses at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. In February, HLI made its first-ever appearance at CPAC Conservative Political Action Conference which is the largest annual gathering of political

Domestic News

Joseph Meaney, HLI Director of International Coordination, speaks at an HLI-sponsored bioethics conference in Texas, titled: Human Dignity at the End of Life.

HLI President, Fr. Shenan Boquet, gives the closing talk to over 350 people at an Archdiocese of Chicago conference on Theology of the Body.

HLIs Adam Cassandra (left) speaks to a patriotic attendee of the 2012 Conservative Political Action Conference the largest annual gathering of political conservatives in the country held in February.

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Pictured on this page: (Top) Fr. Peter West provides a radio interview for Catholic Insight with Tom Curran. (Middle) Janet Smith speaks to a crowd of nearly 200 in San Antonio, TX at the HLI-sponsored event Family as a Path to Holiness. (Bottom) HLIs Elisa Sumanski shows a March-for-Life attendee, who came all the way from Madrid, Spain, some of HLIs many Spanish-language materials.

conservatives in the country. As a cosponsor of this years CPAC, HLI had the opportunity to host a breakout panel of experts on how U.S. tax dollars are being spent to promote abortion overseas. Panel experts included Dr. Brian Clowes, HLIs Director of Research; Austin Ruse, President of the Catholic Family and Human Rights Institute (C-FAM); and Marie Smith, Director of the Parliamentary Network for Critical Issues (PNCI). March was especially busy, as HLI staff traveled to Texas, Illinois, California and Ohio. Early in the month, Dr. Brian Clowes traveled to Dayton, OH to speak at a rally and dinner hosted by 40 Days for Life. Meanwhile, HLI Vice President, Fr. Peter West, traveled to the west coast to participate in Californias March for Life. HLI sponsored two events in San Antonio, TX. The first featured the prominent speaker Professor Janet Smith on the Family as a Path to Holiness. The second, a bioethics conference attended by nearly 200 people, focused on the topic of Human Dignity at the End of Life. While in Texas, HLIs Arland Nichols and HLI President Fr. Boquet also both spoke at two different engagements at the University of St. Thomas. Fr. Boquet then traveled to

Chicago, where he addressed a crowd of over 350 at a Theology of the Body conference hosted by the Archdiocese. While there he stopped in on some HLI supporters and joined a group of local prayer warriors at their regular Saturday morning gathering outside a local abortion clinic. April highlights included a trip to Seattle by Fr. Boquet and Fr. West during Holy Week and Easter. They celebrated several pro-life Masses in the area, attended by over 6,500 people! HLI also attended the National Catholic Prayer Breakfast in Washington, DC and a 40 Days for Life banquet in Cleveland, OH. Arland Nichols spoke at the Catholic Leadership Conference in Philadelphia, PA. In May, Dr. Brian Clowes ventured to Connecticut for the states annual Right to Life Conference. He delivered two talks to participants, one on the population control agenda and the other on how to win pro-life arguments. And this brings us to our June highlights, which included Fr. Boquet speaking at a huge Stand Up for Religious Freedom rally in Washington, DC organized to protest the HHS mandate that will force Catholic institutions to provide contraception coverage to their employees.

Human Life International announces a national conference series, In Life and Love Conference: Fostering the Good of Marriage and Family Life.

Praying in the Home

For spouses, parents, family life ministers, and clergy!

Join us for this years conference:

October 18-20, 2012

Pray. Learn. Relax.

Welcomed by the Archdiocese of Detroit, MI

www.InLifeandLove.org
FrontLines August 2012 |

13

Around the World

David is advancing:
By Joannes Bucher nyone who has ever participated in the annual March for Life in Washington, DC has marvelled not only at the massive and joyful crowds, which include an amazing number of youth, but also at the abundance of prolife resources available: books, pamphlets, buttons, stickers, CDs, DVDs and so on. And in light of the comparably modest amount of pro-life material available in German-speaking countries, one may even be a little envious of the influential presence of the American pro-life movement in the worldwide battle to defend life, and even more so at their presence of its youth activism. We should of course keep in mind that in many, if not most, cases the tragedy of abortion is being exported by the United States to the rest of the world. It should come as no surprise, therefore, that the healing of the deep wounds that four decades of abortion have inflicted on the lives of countless post-abortive women and men should also begin in America. It can no longer be denied that

young pro-lifers on the March in Europe

abortion is deadly, for both the child and the mother, and it will take a concerted effort to end this holocaust. In German-speaking countries, many people, especially young people, are finally beginning to realize the truth about abortion. This development is the result of the tireless efforts of pro-life individuals and groups who have remained committed to raising awareness about its devastating consequences (despite constant ridicule by the media and the never-ending nature of the task at hand). Slowly, an appreciation for the beauty and dignity of every human life is spreading, and the issue of abortion and the healing of its wounds is gaining more traction in the public conversation. So whats next? Without a doubt, the challenge of raising awareness remains at the forefront of pro-life activities. Our American counterparts have been exemplary in this respect, as well as in showing that the pro-life cause is very much a cause of the young generation. Contrary to the medias portrayal of the pro-life

movement as a collection of backwards extremists, the images from the US March for Life and its European equivalents have put a new, young face on the cause for life. This year in Brussels, young prolife leaders organized thousands for the March for Life in the EU capital. During pro-life demonstrations in Slovakia, around 500 young people marched for the first time in Bratislava, and in the city of Kosice more than 1,500 people participated in the march. Young people filled the streets for the March for Life in Prague. And Romania had its biggest March for Life ever with 20 cities participating. Being pro-life is not simply a vestige of a generation gone by, but rather the passion of todays generation and, by all indications, of tomorrows generation, too. In Rome, Italy, estimates as high as 15,000 people of different ages and regions came to this years March for Life to express their solidarity with the unborn, many of them young pro-life advocates. It was a complete success, as organizers were expecting 5,000 people at most to attend. Monsignor Ignacio Barreiro, Director of HLIs Rome office, which helped to organize the march, told LifeSiteNews that the event was a demonstration of a new commitment to defend life in Italy, particularly among the young. So we have every reason to be optimistic that young pro-lifers will finally turn the tide. Endurance, tenacity, knowledge and courage are vital to our success, and so is faithfulness. Our young pro-life leaders in Europe have all these qualities and more. The abortion lobby may be a Goliath, but young David is here, and David is advancing.

www.hli.org

Around the World

young activists
leading the pro-life Charge
This year saw an outpouring of support for the pro-life movement from young leaders around the world. The following are just a few examples of how young pro-life leaders are influencing the culture in their communities.

BrusseLs
For the third year in a row, students organized a March for Life in the European Union capital. The number of participants has grown every year: 1,700 in 2010; 2,700 in 2011; and 3,400

gal in Belgium for 20 years already, so they wanted the youth to better understand the value of human life. HLIs Raymond de Souza was a speaker at the event, which was also attended by our European director, Joannes Bucher.

Dr. Bullecer (left) with a Philippines pro-life youth group working to defeat the RH Bill.

It is our welfare that is on the line, they stated. Young pro-life Filipinos also filled the galleries of Congress to show elected officials their support of the protections for life and family guaranteed by the Filipino Constitution. HLI Philippines director, Dr. Rene Bullecer, has worked closely with the pro-life youth groups to defeat the RH Bill.

Kenya
At the 12th annual Universities and Brussels March for Life. Colleges Pro-Life Conference in Nakuru, Kenya, 44 young pro-lifers from colin 2012. The fact that so many young PhILIPPInes leges and universities across the country people participated and gave up their Young pro-life activists are leading the participated in a conference organized Sunday afternoon to defend life gar- fight against legislation threatening by HLI Kenya director, Father Raphael nered lots of local attention. According the Filipino culture. A group of young Wanjohi, which focused on strengthento 22-year-old Liesbeth Ronsmans, a leaders representing a coalition of or- ing moral values and fortifying the proco-organizer of the march, three years ganizations in the Philippines recently life movement in Kenya. The students ago, young people like herself faced signed a youth manifesto, Our Voice, shared reports about the pro-life activithe reality that abortion has been le- Our Vote, opposing the Reproductive ties and challenges on their school camHealth (RH) Bill. puses. Several of Kenyas pro-life leadThe youth are the foremost ers gave presentations to the students, victims of the Reproductive including one on the new pro-abortion Health Bills pending in both constitution, which highlighted imporhouses of Congress. It is our tant clauses that affect the right to life. generation that will face the re- The new constitution presents many ality of the many risks so inti- challenges to pro-life students, as promately involved in this measure. abortion groups are now taking advantage of the laws that fail to protect the Left: Kenyan students gather for the 12th unborn and use those laws to advance annual Universities and Colleges Pro-Life their anti-life agendas on campus.
Conference in Nakuru.

FrontLines August 2012 |

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