News

Dear Pro-Lifer,

Blessed Easter season to you.

Our Lord has risen. From the tomb come our birth, our light, our forgiveness, our hope, our joy, and our life. (Click here to access the April newsletter.)

Praise be to Our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ!

The victory is ours…

… yet there are battles that remain.

Revivifying Quebec Society

One such battle is tormenting our fellow citizens. It is the lost of hope and the signs are many.

Abortions continue. Many have turned their back on life and relationships; these are viewed as disposable, replaceable. And in so doing, they are scarred in the process – scarred psychologically, physically, and spiritually. Over 30 000 per year rends havoc in the women themselves and in then in those around her. I recently read that ten people are affected with each abortion.

Suicide is real yet seldom reported.

And assisted suicide and euthanasia has gained greater advocacy. The recently released report from the Death with Dignity Committee included a most worrisome recommendation - that the Quebec Government not prosecute physicians who help terminally ill patients to die.

So, the value of life has been lost to many of our fellow Quebeckers.

(It makes one wonder what has become of the once-familiar motto – "Joie de Vivre.")

Que se passe-t-il au Québec? (What's going on in Québec?)

Elsewhere in our society we are witnessing an indignant student movement, perturbed by legislation that will impact not only the level of their indebtedness upon finishing school but also, and more fundamentally, whether they will be able to go on with their studies.

Quebecers are also confronted with how their provincial government does business, particularly in the construction industry. The Charbonneau Commission is investigating how contracts are awarded and we have already seen arrests being made.

Absence of Religious Reflection

Yet, to many of us in the pro-life movement what concerns is the dearth of any religious reflection in these and other matters. We see a climate that has ignored and, more strongly, scorned and vilified appeal to divine assistance.

For example, during the just concluded "40 Days for Life" prayer vigil, I witnessed numerous instances of abusive behaviour directed towards me and many with whom I prayed. Also, I was told of similar occurrences during my absences. Yes, the notion of restrictions is a cause of this aggression but also the fact that we are, heavens forbid, are praying perturbed many of our fellow citizens. The implication by many is that prayer is outdated and belongs to a former era.

Yet the same vigil witnessed the participation of over 250 centres of prayer from around the world - including nine others in Canada, resulting in over 880 children saved from the scourge of abortion.

We at the Quebec Life Coalition, with your support, are ever present in this battle to promote hope.

• We have begun a sidewalk counselling program and telephone help line to combat the scourge of abortion.
• We seek to inform you daily via blogs on these and other topics.
• Organizing a three day faith service in early May; and
• Participate in a Christian March in early June to foster our Faith.

So, whether setting out on our own or in collaboration with other groups in Quebec, the rest of Canada, and in the United States, we hope to sprinkle seeds of hope within Quebec.

Thank you for your continued support.

Brian Jenkins

Coordinator for English and Multicultural Community Outreach

Quebec Life Coalition

Dear Pro-Lifer,

Blessed Easter season to you.

Our Lord has risen. From the tomb come our birth, our light, our forgiveness, our hope, our joy, and our life.

Praise be to Our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ!

The victory is ours…

… yet there are battles that remain.

Revivifying Quebec Society

One such battle is tormenting our fellow citizens. It is the lost of hope and the signs are many.

Abortions continue. Many have turned their back on life and relationships; these are viewed as disposable, replaceable. And in so doing, they are scarred in the process – scarred psychologically, physically, and spiritually. Over 30 000 per year rends havoc in the women themselves and in then in those around her. I recently read that ten people are affected with each abortion.

Suicide remains the hidden topic. A rare newspaper article, the Journal de Montréal treated the rise in suicide among our seniors.

And assisted suicide and euthanasia has gained greater advocacy. The recently released report from the Death with Dignity Committee included a most worrisome recommendation - that the Quebec Government not prosecute physicians who help terminally ill patients to die.

So, the value of life has been lost to many of our fellow Quebeckers.

(It makes one wonder what has become of the once-familiar motto – "Joie de Vivre.")

Que se passe-t-il au Québec? (What's going on in Québec?)

Elsewhere in our society we are witnessing an indignant student movement, perturbed by legislation that will impact not only the level of their indebtedness upon finishing school but also, and more fundamentally, whether they will be able to go on with their studies.

Quebecers are also confronted with how their provincial government does business, particularly in the construction industry. The Charbonneau Commission is investigating how contracts are awarded and we have already seen arrests being made.

Absence of Religious Reflection

Yet, to many of us in the pro-life movement what concerns is the dearth of any religious reflection in these and other matters. We see a climate that has ignored and, more strongly, scorned and vilified appeal to divine assistance.

For example, during the just concluded "40 Days for Life" prayer vigil, I witnessed numerous instances of abusive behaviour directed towards me and many with whom I prayed. Also, I was told of similar occurrences during my absences. Yes, the notion of restrictions is a cause of this aggression but also the fact that we are, heavens forbid, are praying perturbed many of our fellow citizens. The implication by many is that prayer is outdated and belongs to a former era.

Yet the same vigil witnessed the participation of over 250 centres of prayer from around the world - including nine others in Canada, resulting in over 880 children saved from the scourge of abortion.

We at the Quebec Life Coalition, with your support, are ever present in this battle to promote hope.

• We have begun a sidewalk counselling program and telephone help line to combat the scourge of abortion.
• We seek to inform you daily via blogs on these and other topics.
• Organizing a three day faith service in early May; and
• Participate in a Christian March in early June to foster our Faith.

So, whether setting out on our own or in collaboration with other groups in Quebec, the rest of Canada, and in the United States, we hope to sprinkle seeds of hope within Quebec.

Thank you for your continued support.

Brian Jenkins

Coordinator for English and Multicultural Community Outreach

Quebec Life Coalition

Hi,

For the March for Life on May 10th, Quebec Life Coalition has decided to accelerate its bus departure to Ottawa.

Please note the following changes: we will leave from Central Station at 7 a.m., and there will be a second stop at Fairview Shopping Centre at 7:30 a.m. Thank-you!

Thursday, May 10, 2012

--7a.m.: departure by bus for Ottawa (point of departure: Central Station, 895, de la Gauchetière West, Montréal, QC, H3B 4G1). 

--7:30a.m.: second point of departure at Fairview Shopping Centre (6815 TransCanada Highway, Pointe-Claire, QC, H9R 1C4).

The Triduum is three days of prayer, reflection and action for the cause of Life and Family, en route to the May 10 March for Life in Ottawa. JOIN US FOR A WONDERFUL CELEBRATION OF LIFE! “Building a Culture of Life and Family in Canada"

Join the event on Facebook ­­­­­­»»

Tuesday, May 8, 2012

•6:30 to 7:30p.m.: Rosary & Adoration at the chapel of the Franciscan Missionary Sisters of Mary (80 Laurier Avenue East, Montréal, QC, H2T 1E8).

•7:30p.m.: Mass at the chapel of the Franciscan Missionary Sisters of Mary (80 Laurier Avenue East, Montréal, QC, H2T 1E8).

•8:30p.m.: Eucharistic Procession (led by Father Couturier & Father Boquet, president of Human Life International) around Park Lahaie (1 Saint Joseph Boulevard East, Montréal, QC, H2T 1H2).

Wednesday, May 9, 2012

•11:30 –1:30p.m.: Lunch for priests of Montreal with presentations by Father Boquet , Raymond de Souza, & Brigitte Bédard (Buffet Vichy, 7205 Newman Boulevard, Montréal, QC, H8N 2K3 – parking included). Buffet menu.

•4p.m.: Adoration at St. Patrick’s Basilica (454 René Lévesque Boulevard West, Montréal, QC, H2Z 1A7).

•5:15p.m.: Mass at St. Patrick’s Basilica (454 René Lévesque Boulevard West, Montréal, QC, H2Z 1A7).

•6p.m.: Pizzeria Dinner with presentations by Father Boquet , Raymond de Souza, & Brigitte Bédard (Restaurant Il Focolaio, 1223 rue du Square-Phillips, Montreal, QC, H3B 3E9). À la carte menu.

Thursday, May 10, 2012

•7a.m.: departure by bus for Ottawa* (point of departure: Central Station, 895, de la Gauchetière West, Montréal, QC, H3B 4G1).

•7:30a.m.: second point of departure at Fairview Shopping Centre (6815 TransCanada Highway, Pointe-Claire, QC, H9R 1C4).

•10 a.m.: bilingual mass at Notre-Dame Cathedral (385 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, ON, K1N 1J9).

•12:00p.m. : gathering on Parliament Hill

•1:30p.m.: March for Life

•4:30p.m.: return trip to Montreal *To purchase bus tickets to Ottawa, please contact 514-344-2686. The cost for the round-trip ticket is $30.

MEET THE SPEAKERS!

Brigitte Bédard:

Brigitte Bédard is an independent journalist, researcher, and speaker. How can modern feminism be liberated of its erroneous conception of women? Interest in the history of feminism brings us face to face with the problems of modern feminism – an ideology which imprisons women by imposing its values, conception and customs on women first and then on the entire society.

Father Shenan Boquet:

Father Shenan Boquet is president of Human Life International, the largest international pro-life organization in the world. Father Boquet has given numerous presentations and conferences on the dignity of the human being, the nature of marriage, social justice, and moral theology. He has led retreats and educational seminars on the Theology of the Body, the Bible, and other theological subjects. Father Boquet has appeared on EWTN and Ave Maria Radio. 

Raymond de Souza:

Raymond de Souza is the founder and director of Saint Gabriel Communications, Australia's first international outreach to promote Catholic apologetics. He is the program director for Portuguese speaking countries for Human Life International - HLI - and of the Sacred Heart Legion in the United States. As an internationally renowned speaker, Raymond has given more than 2,000 talks over twenty-five years in defence of Catholic social teaching and apologetics. Raymond and his wife Theresa have been blessed with eight children.

I wonder if someone can point out to Isabelle Maréchal the inconsistency in her editorial endorsing assisted suicide in today's Journal de Montréal.

I see a couple of flaws.

At the outset she rightly laments the present deplorable state of our elderly population right here in La belle province.

• Lack of humane treatment in our hospitals and long term health facilities.
• Many suffering from loneliness.
• Rising suicide statistics.

Yet she endorses a permanent solution - assisted suicide, to a temporary problem.

Even more baffling in her logic is the inconsistency of her claims. First she expresses her empathy for persons she does not know.  Rightly so. We live in a community and have cares and concerns for our fellow human beings, be these be beggars in our Metro or our dear family members.

Yet the inconstency in her logic arises in her concluding thoughts. Seemingly oblivious to the compassion she has just endorsed, she argues that she is prepared to end her own life if a deplorable quality of life warrants it.

Vivat l'individualismum!

I wonder if someone can point out to Isabelle Maréchal the inconsistency in her editorial endorsing assisted suicide in today's Journal de Montréal.

I see a couple of flaws.

At the outset she rightly laments the present deplorable state of our elderly population right here in La belle province.

• Lack of humane treatment in our hospitals and long term health facilities.
• Many suffering from lonelinees.
• Suicide among the elderly is on the rise.

Yet she endorses a permanent solution - assisted suicide, to a temporary problem.

Even more baffling in her logic is the inconsistency of her claims. First she expressies her empathy for persons she does not know.  Rightly so. We live in a community and have cares and concerns for our fellow human beings, whether these be beggars in our Metro or those dear family members.

Yet the inconstancy in her logic arrises in her concluding thoughts. Seemingly oblicious to the compassion she hs just endorsed, she argues that she is prepared to end her own life if condiitions are decrepit.

Vivat l'individualismum!

The National March for Life Ottawa will be held this year on Thursday, May 10, 2012. Last year over 15 000 people converged on our nation's capital to call for an end this senseless killing of a human being.

If you are interested in participating yet do not wish to drive up yourself, consider joining us on our chartered bus.

Our deluxe coach will leave from Montreal's downtown Via Rail Central Station (935 de la Gauchetière West) on Thursday, May 10 at 7:00 AM, and return to Montreal at the same location for about 6 PM. Round-trip tickets are $30 per person.

For those of you living on the West Island or Laval, you needn't travel downtown to board. We will make a second pick up on the way to Ottawa at the Fairview Shopping Center - corner Highway 40 and St. John Boul.

To reserve, call Quebec Life Coalition at (514) 344-2686. Payment guarentees you a seat on a coach.

Join us this year in Ottawa as we gather under the theme that "Abortion hurts Everyone."

I invite you all to visit a new US pro-life site, abortionsafety.com. I am impressed with the work that has gone into collecting data for this site. Abortionsafety.com seeks to raise awareness of the risks and dangers of abortion for women. The site includes a compilation of many abortion malpractice cases recorded across the United States.

Women considering abortion should take a look at this site beforehand as it highlights many of the potential problems following abortion. The website includes a map of the United States- you can click on the state you live on or may travel to for an abortion to check if any of the clinics or doctors in the area have been accused of malpractice.

Abortionsafety.com also discusses alternatives to abortions and makes references to organizations that can help you locate a pregnancy resource centre across the U.S. Now if only there were something like this in Quebec... 

________________________________________________________________

More than ever, Quebec needs Quebec Life Coalition. This spring, Quebec Life Coalition needs you. Thank-you for making a donation.

A special notification for all mothers and pregnant women in Chateauguay, Québec:

The local pregnancy center, Options, will be giving out clothing for children aged 0-3, baby supplies, toys, and maternity clothes to pregnant women and mothers in need on April 14th, 2012, between 10a.m. and 1p.m.

Their address is 25 Anjou Boulevard, Chateauguay. First-come, first served There will be coffee and cookies. For more information please call 450-699-4357.

Today in the Montreal Gazette an article was published presenting the viewpoints of two former sex workers in response to Ontario's recent brothel ruling.

Though the feminists' camp is split on the issue of prostitution, I think it is important to listen attentively to the testimonies of these women who admit having been hurt and victimized by prostitution.

“This isn’t a choice and it’s not a job,” said Julie (not her real name). “There’s no more security in doing this inside a bordello.”

"The violence against women is not on the street, it’s between four walls,” said Marie. “There are escort services, massage parlours, all operating now with organized crime and street gangs. Bordellos will be the same.” 

Notice that Marie (not her real name) clearly calls prostitution "violence against women." The fact that Marie and Julie had to appear incognito infront of the press, covered with hats and sunglasses, reveals that these women feel imminent danger of harrassment and stigma.

The issue with legalizing bordellos is not only that it will fail to protect women from sexual predators - it will also give power to the consumers, making them feel that they have a right to use the bodies of others for their own pleasure, thereby giving them greater authority to abuse the 'commodity' they have paid for.

Finally, Marie and Julie both emphasized the fact that bordellos will lure in a great number of young girls which may dramatically increase the number of underage prostitutes. 

"Bordellos will attract the young, the thin, the cute – and the laws making solicitation a crime will still target the older, less attractive women on the street", Marie said.

“Minors are going to still be in prostitution and their numbers will increase,” said Julie, who was a sex worker from 16 to 18.

I thank these two women for voicing their concerns and expressing the pain of their personal experiences. I hope that more women (and men) who have suffered from the damage of prostitution will speak up against this terrible issue which scars our society.