VERONICA ECKART
STAFF WRITER
Christ the King Chapel was filled with students, faculty and over a dozen religious early this past Saturday morning to celebrate Mass in remembrance of all the children who have died from the tragedy of abortion.
During the homily, the Rev. Shawn Roberson, TOR, called the congregation to remember and reflect on the inherent value of life. He shared a poignant story of a child born without a brain who was still able to live a full and meaningful life. Doctors had told the child’s parents that the baby would be born without a brain and would probably die within hours of birth. However, the parents did not give up hope and the child grew up to live well.
“It is a striking witness to us because it is why we are here and because we know in our hearts what our Lady held close to her heart,” said Roberson. “That is the reality that every child has worth. Every child is a creation of God.”
On this feast of the Nativity of Mary, it was especially fitting to call attention to the fact that abortion is an attack on motherhood. Sr. Maria Corazon, OCD, who attended the Mass, said that “honoring the Blessed Mother reminds us of our humanity, that we are all connected to each other and that our Lord has given us a mother. Having a mother means celebrating life because what our Blessed Mother is to us.”
Roberson also commented on Franciscan University of Steubenville’s history of being actively pro-life. “Over the last 40 years we have dedicated ourselves to taking a very particular stance that we know to be true … that life is good, life is free and life is a gift from God that must not be impeded,” he said. Franciscan continues to uphold these values as it advances the pro-life movement through prayer and action.