Life-affirming energy held sway at the fourth annual Mayoral Proclamation of Yonkers Respect Life Week. Speaker after speaker gave a powerful witness that covered the full spectrum of life issues from conception to end of life. The multi-cultural, interfaith event's many attendees were obviously pleased to have addressed their too-often dismissed belief that the daily destruction of thousands of children in the womb is the day's most pressing moral and civil rights issue, with concern for the nature of eldercare under Obamacare the newest developing assault on life. Recent statistics show that in New York 41% (!) of pregnancies now end in abortion, with Black and Hispanic communities' stats even higher.
Well over 400 attendees (see pictures below) filled the Polish Center to listen to Yonkers Mayor Phil Amicone issue a Proclamation opening Respect Life Week. Addressing the group along with Mayor Amicone was Timothy M. Dolan, Archbishop of New York as keynote speaker, and guest speaker County Executive Rob Astorino.
Richard and Marie Brand deserved their special recognition award for months of long and challenging work as organizers of the impressively comprehensive program.
Rabbi Rigoberto Emmanuel Vinas of Lincoln Park Jewish Center gave the opening prayer. Other speakers included the Rev. Thomas Berg, Ph.D. Executive Director/President of the Westchester Institute for Ethics & the Human Person; the Rev. James N. Hassell, Pastor, Kingdom Christian Cultural Center; Rebecca Hodges, Director of Life Options Center; Rev. Mother Genevieve Regina, LSP, Director Jeanne Jugan Residence and Dr. Nanci Coppola, Director, Healthy Respect. Anthony Felicissimo of Advocates of Life was Mastor of Ceremonies. Saint Casimir School Choir and the Kingdom Christian Cultural Center Choir entertained the appreciative audience.
Exhibitors included Advocates of Life, Center for Life, Children First Foundation, Elizabeth Seton Pediatric Center, Expectant Mother Care, Gianna Center, Healthy Respect, Hudson Valley Coalition for Life, Life Options Center, Little Sisters of the Poor, Lumina, Missionaries of the Gospel of Life, Montfort Academy, New York Sate Right to Life, Pregnancy Care Center, Right to Life Party, Baby Safe Haven, St. Joseph's Medical Center-Senior Services and the Sisters of Life.
The Rev. Abilene Rivera of Westchester Hispanic Clergy was pleased to offer the closing prayer. Her husband, who spoke at last year's event, sadly and unexpectedly passed away within months of that appearance.
That's Msgr. Rielly up front below reading the Program. He received a special award for his many years of work with and founding of the Helpers of God's Precious Infants that continues to help women and change hearts for life, nationally and internationally. Thank you, Monsignor. God bless you and all your helpers!
The Rabbi and Mayor Amicone commiserate below
Archbishop Dolan enjoys the view
Cameras capture the action and the joy
Mayor Amicone, the Archbishop and County Executive Rob Astorino. That's Reverend Thomas Berg of the Westchester Institute for Ethics & the Human Person in the back, far left.
The Kingdom Christian Cultural Center Choir raises the roof at the Polish Center!
Rev. Mother Genevieve Regina, LSP, Director of Jeanne Jugan Residence
That's Liam McLaughlin up front with the sash with the Knights of Colombus
Tony Felicissimo introduces the next speaker, a smiling Rebecca Hodges (c) Director of Life Options Center. The Rev. James N. Hassell, Pastor of the Kingdom Christian Cultural Center, who offered to house the Life Options Center (now six months old!) is sitting to her right. The Center has already helped several mothers give the gift of life to their unborn child. The Reverend's personal testimony about participating in an abortion in his own life was a rivetting moment in a day filled with inspiring testimonies. He spoke of the powerful healing and forgiveness he has received through God's Mercy and his support for Life Options.
Dr. Nanci Coppola of Healthy Respect received a $6 million government grant for her work!
Gerald Yeung and his hard working children Ben and Alison at the Missionaries of the Gospel of Life exhibitor table
Young Charles Rex was equally impressive at the Montfort Academy/Children First Foundation table
If you couldn't be here, spread these pictures and our website around to friends. Prolife event news coverage is always limited and this was no exception. We think that well-attended and impressive events like this should be made known to the people of Yonkers and beyond and the local media has a responsibility to our citizens and their viewers.
This is Mayor Amicone's last year in office. The prolife community will be working hard to continue this Respect Life Week by electing a new Mayor who will carry the tradition forward of respect for all human life and for the sanctity of marriage.
