Rosary procession encourages prayers for life

By KATIE LEFEBVRE, Globe staff reporter
October 21, 2004

A pro-life prayer vigil and rosary procession were held on Oct. 16 beginning in South Sioux City, Neb. and traveling to Sioux City.

Peggy McGinty, part of the "Helpers of God's Precious Infants" group who sponsored the event, noted that this event has been held since 1997.

The morning began with Mass at St. Michael's Church in South Sioux City celebrated by Father Dan Wittrock and Father Jose Mendoza. At the conclusion of the Mass, the Blessed Sacrament was exposed and incensed.

The rosary procession began at St. Michael's with the priests saying the Apostles Creed and processing out of the church following the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe carried by two sisters. The First Joyful Mystery was also started before leaving the church.

Those participating then traveled to Spalding Farm Park in Sioux City while continuing to say the Joyful Mysteries. When the attendees arrived at the park, they lined up to process to the Planned Parenthood abortion clinic.

"We want to bring attention to the fact that we do have a place in Sioux City where innocent children die and that we all need to be doing something about it," said McGinty.

Before starting the procession, Msgr. Roger Augustine, diocesan administrator for the Diocese of Sioux City said a few words. He wanted the attendees to continue to keep in mind that God is the giver of all good gifts and the greatest gift of all is the gift of life." He also wanted people to celebrate the Feast of St. Margaret Mary while they prayed.

Msgr. Augustine then led the procession to the abortion clinic while saying the Luminous Mysteries. Between each mystery the group sang "Ave, Ave, Ave Maria" twice.

People had to cross Gordon Drive before arriving at Planned Parenthood so a police escort blocked traffic to keep the procession together.

Once the group arrived at the clinic, the Sorrowful Mysteries were prayed. Each decade was said in a different language - English, Spanish or Vietnamese. Between each decade, hymns were sung including "Be not afraid," "Come Back to Me," "At the Cross her Station Keeping," "Were you there?" and a Vietnamese song.

At the announcement of the Fifth Sorrowful Mystery, The Crucifixion and Death of the Lord, those gathered were invited to kneel and pray in silence. Most stayed kneeling during the fifth decade. At the end of the Sorrowful Mysteries, Msgr. Augustine led the group in the "Prayer for the Closing of the Abortion Mill."

The procession back to the park began with the First Glorious Mystery led by Msgr. Augustine. At the conclusion of the Glorious Mysteries, Msgr. Augustine gave a few closing remarks thanking those in attendance for being a part of "this wonderful prayer to God our father for those are never given a chance to live in this world, those who have been suffering from abortion."

McGinty also said a few words. She thanked Msgr. Augustine and Fathers Wittrock, Mendoza, Raymond Weiling and Hieu Nguyen for their presence at the rosary procession. Also in attendance were two religious brothers, three religious sisters and about 60 other people.

"I have always had a strong desire to support the unborn and to always be part of the action on it," said Marge Stanek, a parishioner at Nativity Parish in Sioux City, who participated in the procession. "Prayer is essential. You have to be in prayer first and prayer leads to action. Therefore I wanted to be a part of it."

After the rosary procession, participants returned to St. Michael's in prayer for Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. Father Wittrock and Father Mendoza led the "Litany of the Sacred Heart of Jesus."

"I think it is important for us to always remember that it is only through prayer that we will touch the hearts of other people," said Msgr. Augustine. "We need to continue to intercede to God for all the help that we need. Most importantly that it keeps us focused on life as well as the need for praying that all life will be safe, secure and justly treated."