WORCESTER — It was a larger than expected turnout yesterday as about 70 pro-lifers stood facing St. Paul’s Cathedral in Worcester prior to the 25^th anniversary mass of Worcester’s Bishop Reilly. Among the political figures invited was Senator Ted Kennedy, winner of this year’s "Champion of Choice" award from NARAL.

The pro-lifers started lining up around 1:30pm in preparation for the 3:00pm Mass. We positioned ourselves directly across from the cathedral entrance in a specially reserved area—arranged in cooperation with the pastor—that gave us high visibility from the cathedral entrance. Around 2:45pm the senator showed up, and although he lingered for a minute or two on the sidewalk after stepping out of his vehicle, we never saw him look in the direction of our display—which indicates that, in fact, he did see us.

Our signs asked of Bishop Reilly, "Why have abortion patrons (Ted Kennedy, et al.) been invited here?" Our two banners continued the plea that our pro-abortion Catholic politicians be excommunicated. For, as we have said before, if promotion of the greatest holocaust of all time does not warrant the penalty of excommunication, then what does?

 And when prelates have the will, such people can be excommunicated. In 1962, excommunication was imposed on Louisiana politician and ardent segregationist Leander Perez.

Today, by contrast, the political patrons of abortion are not only allowed the sacraments, they are invited to them! According to a priest who was inside the cathedral, Senator Kennedy—reportedly a daily communicant!—received the Eucharist yesterday, as he also did as an invited guest at Cardinal Law’s anniversary Mass in 1998. In addition, pro-abortion politicians have received faculty positions and honorary degrees at Catholic colleges; seats-of-honor at banquets; scores of photo-ops with bishops; and they occupy ministerial positions within parishes such as lector and catechism teacher.

One bishop who has grasped what is called for is Mexican Cardinal Norberto Rivera. In August, 2000, he responded to Mexico City’s push to liberalize abortion laws by stating that, "Anyone who promotes or practices abortion, including legislators and governors, will be excommunicated by the Church."

Among the 1500 attendees were some 300 clergy. One priest not in attendance—on the inside—was Fr. Tony Kazarnowicz, a sidewalk counselor for many years. He was outside at our prayer vigil across from the cathedral, leading a recitation of the rosary, which reverberated among the narrow confines of Chatham Street.

On the inside, Cardinal Law at one point addressed the congregation and made some remarks in defense of the unborn, which were interrupted several times by enthusiastic applause.

Naturally, an action such as this brings a divided response: we had a good-sized crowd, and one pro-life attorney boycotted the Mass. But some pro-lifers said they felt uncomfortable taking part in a protest against the bishop. And that’s a feeling we understand, having one time refrained from being part of a protest outside of a NH church that had a pro-abortion politician in some position of responsibility.

A Jesuit from Holy Cross e-mailed us to say that this kind of protest could have been done at some other time. "You risk doing more harm than good for the cause of the unborn by showing a lack of sensitivity to the celebration which the diocese of Worcester is marking." And it’s true, we do take that risk. But there’s a risk taken in not acting as well. We believe it was important to act when and where we did because the cathedral was the scene of the crime—of scandal and, we expect, of giving the Eucharist to Senator Kennedy and like-minded politicians. When Jesus came against the moneychangers, he did it right in the Temple precincts, he didn’t catch up to them in a tavern sometime later.

We would also compare yesterday to our efforts with the Catholic Action League last year outside of Holy Cross Cathedral in Boston. A pro-woman’s ordination group was picketing the cathedral during a Sunday Mass. The Catholic Action League set up a counter-demonstration and handed out leaflets in support of the Church’s teaching on ordination for men only. The key distinction between the Boston event and yesterday was that yesterday the dissenters were invited inside, and were dressed in suits and ties. And however well-meaning the bishop, it was still appropriate to defend the honor of the Bride of Christ, the Church.

We agree that there a distinction between the man and the office, which was cited as a justification by the Worcester diocesan spokesmen. But the distinction should not confused with the perception: what is the inference drawn by the average—unfortunately ignorant—Catholic who sees Senator Kennedy occupying a prominent place among Churchmen at a special Mass? In the course of the Phil Lawler campaign we’ve encountered all too many Catholics who reply: "Oh, I didn’t know Kennedy was pro-abortion!" Or: "I’m voting for Ted Kennedy" (regardless of his pro-abortion position).

The Monday, September 18 edition of The Worcester Telegram covered the event, but with only a brief mention of the protest along with a small picture. Also Life Dynamics interviewed us today for their "Life Talk" monthly video news tape.

Letters to the editor, in the Catholic Free Press, 10-29-2000; Worcester Telegram & Gazette, 10-29-2000.

Editorial: Catholic Free Press, 9-22-2000

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