Southtowns Family of Parishes celebrates life spiritually and physically

The Lakeshore Catholic Faith Community had a surprise as they faithfully participated in the Spiritual Adoption Prayers established by Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen. 

In response to the Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision legalizing abortion throughout the entire nine months of pregnancy in 1973, Archbishop Sheen proposed that groups pray that one particular but unknown child’s life be spared from abortion with the following prayer: “Jesus, Mary and Joseph, I love you very much. I beg you to spare the life of the unborn child that I have spiritually adopted who is in danger of abortion.”

The Lakeshore Catholic Faith Community (comprised of the Respect Life committees of St. Francis, Athol Springs; St. Mary of the Lake, Hamburg; St. John Paul II, Lake View; and Most Precious Blood, Angola) gave their  child a name and prayed for nine months for its safety and well-being. Plans to gather and celebrate the “spiritual birth” in May changed as they prayed for God to bring them a real family facing difficult decisions regarding a pregnancy.  

They learned that a young single mother chose life for her child. The baby girl will be born in September.

The spiritual celebration plans at the end of the nine months of prayer evolved into holding a real party for a real baby and the local mom. 

On Sunday, May 18, at St. John Paul II Parish in Lake View, 45 guests “showered” the mom and the unborn baby with love and baby gifts, and provided information and resources for St. Gianna Pregnancy Outreach Center. They received a new crib, mattress, changing table, car seat, many blankets, clothes and diapers.

They enjoyed food, cake, cookies, games, prizes and fellowship. 

“We were beyond blessed to have the opportunity to love as God has called us to love and to celebrate the precious gift of life given by Our Loving God,” said Dolly Verdi, from Buffalo 40 Days for Life.

At the time of introducing the Spiritual adoption, Archbishop Sheen declared, “Our prayers can make a difference in the life of the unborn baby and can provide support for mothers facing unexpected pregnancies. Please share the love of life given to you by the Lord of all life and join in spiritually adopting a baby.”