Bishop Malloy Shares Powerful Example at Life Mass
Patricia Szpekowski, Observer Correspondent
January 27, 2022
That was the description reiterated by people who attended the Mass for Life celebrated by Bishop David Malloy at St. Mary Church in Huntley on Jan. 22.
The importance of the Mass was immediately felt as over 20 Knights of Columbus members, who came from throughout the Diocese, reverently led Bishop Malloy, St. Mary Church pastor Father Christopher
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“With our faith, we believe that every person is created in the image and likeness of God.”
—Bishop David Malloy
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Over 250 people listened to a very poignant homily presented by Bishop Malloy, in which he gave a very personal and powerful encounter as to how abortion has become entrenched in our society and its very real effects.
“Today is the 49th anniversary of Roe v. Wade,” Bishop Malloy said. “Abortion has hovered around us like a dark cloud. Since 1973, 65 million babies have not seen the light of day. Both reason and science have determined that a child in the womb is a human person. With our faith, we believe that every person is created in the image and likeness of God.”
He continued that since the decision was made, proponents of abortion have wanted others who oppose the decision to be quiet and go away. “But this year there is a chance it will be different with restrictions or the repeal of the decision.”
Bishop Malloy presented a very personal situation he experienced 15 years ago following a Mass he celebrated at the Basilica of the National Shrine in Washington, D.C. when he worked with the United States Council of Catholic Bishops.
A young woman waited to speak to then-Msgr. Malloy after Mass. She asked him, “Would it be a sin to abort my baby?”
He suggested they take a walk.
“She said her doctor diagnosed the baby with genetic difficulties; an abortion was scheduled for the next day. I emailed her to offer support, but heard nothing back, even after weeks of my concerned emails.”
“Then one day I received a phone call from her,” said Bishop Malloy. “From the maternity ward, she told me the baby was born and the medical premise had been faulty.” She recounted that she had gone for the abortion, but the center found it too risky and asked her to go over the state line to another clinic. She did not.
“So today, somewhere, after all of these years, there is a 15-year-old boy in high school,” said Bishop Malloy.
In closing, Bishop Malloy noted, “We need to bear witness by staying true to our faith. That is the way this issue will be solved. It is our hope that abortion will not only be illegal, but unthinkable.”
“I found Bishop Malloy’s words on abortion very powerful,” said Mary LeRoy of St. Margaret Mary Parish in Algonquin. “I have been to the March for Life in Washington, D.C. and involved with Students for Life,” LeRoy said.
“Young people have really embraced pro-life. They have been persecuted by other students and even faculty for their beliefs, but I have great hope that this will change.”
As people left the church, they were able to take pro-life materials and car bumper stickers available from members of the St. Mary Respect Life Committee. The table was surrounded by bright blue signs
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