Pro-Vita Awards finally presented to 10 champions of life

After a January snowstorm forced a delay, the 2024 Pro-Vita Awards Mass finally took place.  Ten people, who have worked in big and small ways to protect all human life, received honors on April 25 at St. Christopher Parish in Tonawanda.

Bishop Michael W. Fisher, main celebrant of the Mass, congratulated and thanked the recipients. During his homily, he spoke of a “crisis in gratitude” in today’s society.

“Part of what is creating that is also a lack of those who are now coming forward and volunteering,” he said, pointing to the Jesuit Volunteer Corps as an example. Once one of the largest nonprofit volunteer organizations in the world, it is now closing many centers due to a lack of support.

The bishop asked how can we call young people to service, particularly contributing to the corporal and spiritual works of mercy “where we’re expressing our appreciation of life, our appreciation of the dignity of every human being.”

He also noted the increasing acceptance, even within the medical community, of physician assisted suicide.

“Where is our society going?” Bishop Fisher asked. “I think what this is saying to us is how even more important the work that you do and the volunteer hours that you give to the protection of our young mothers and their babies and their families, as you work toward addressing the ills of our society when it comes to how we treat each other and how we treat our fellow human beings, and what we mean to God in His eyes.”

Calling the creation of human life an example of the “pinnacle of God’s power,” Bishop Fisher was distraught that more people don’t see it that way.

“I think the most difficult part of what we do, what we’re engaged in, is convincing our neighbor of this; convincing our society that at times only sees the human being as a means for profit or a cog in the wheels of production.”

Cheryl Calire, director of Life Ministries, and Cheryl Zielen-Ersing, director of Respect Life Ministries, announced the recipients of the Pro-Vita Award, presented to those who have served as an exemplary commitment to the gift of life.  

Deacon Mark and Theresa Kehl began serving babies and families about 20 years ago. Theresa’s confirmation class identified teen pregnancy as a timely and necessary outreach in the Arcade community. They opened the St. Nick Shoppe, a place where mothers and caregivers could “shop for free” to pick up needed clothing for their children, and assisted in the opening of a new St. Gianna Molla Pregnancy Outreach Center location in Perry last year.

Lindsay Adornetto uses her gifts and talents in marketing and fundraising to host events for young adults and raise money for pro-life causes.

Dr. John and Darya Brach define the term “quietly behind the scenes” as the two retired health care professionals work with the New York State Catholic Conference, Knights of Columbus, and the spiritual pillar in their Family of Parishes.

Sharon Kuczmarski, a member of the Respect Life Committee at Queen of Heaven Parish in West Seneca, joined the kitchen staff at Mother Teresa Home in Buffalo and later became a regular collector of supplies for St. Gianna Molla Pregnancy Outreach Centers.

Ann Wagner is led by her desire to help people. She also served at Mother Teresa Home and St. Gianna Centers.

David Kersten, CEO of OLV Charities, helped facilitate the opening of a St. Gianna Molla Pregnancy Care Center on the OLV Charities campus in 2022.

Madeline Liberty Langworthy, only age 9, already has several years of volunteering and service projects under her belt. Through her great-great Aunt Agnes, she has developed a love for helping the elderly. She makes regular visits to the Brothers of Mercy to visit residents without families.

One last honor, the Bishop Edward U. Kmiec Award is presented to a special family in recognition of charity and service. This year’s award went to Emma Sorensen, who became a first-time mother last year to twins who shared a placenta. After an emergency C-section after 32 weeks, both girls and mother experienced health issues following the birth.

“She has shown extraordinary strength and courage in advocating for herself and her daughters to ensure they had every chance for a healthy start to life,” said Zielen-Ersing.

After the Mass, The Respect Life staff welcomed guests to Classics V for the annual St. Gianna Molla Banquet.

Kuczmarski and Wagner consider themselves to be “people” people who want to help. 

“I do what I do because I love the Lord, first of all, and I really love people. I want to help them in any way even if it’s small things,” said Kuczmarski. “Wherever they need me, that’s where I’ll go.”

Wagner, a nurse, said helping people “makes life worth living.”

 “My whole life has been always to help and do as much as I can; to be there for people, to do things for people,” she said.

Listen to Michael Mroziak’s audio report.