Attendees make a cold loop or more around the Hancock County High School track at the Hancock County March for Life on Jan. 22, 2022 to pray for an end to abortion and healing for all who need it. COURTESY OF NEENA GAYNOR
Hancock County March for Life prays for end to abortion, healing for those impacted
Fr. Terry Devine, pastor of Immaculate Conception Parish in Hawesville and St. Columba Parish in Lewisport, prays to begin the Hancock County March for Life on Jan. 22, 2022. COURTESY OF NEENA GAYNOR
BY NEENA GAYNOR, SPECIAL TO THE WESTERN KENTUCKY CATHOLIC
On Jan. 22, 2022, the 49th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, over 100 pro-lifers gathered despite the freezing temperatures at the Hancock County High School track to pray for an end to abortion at the Hancock County March for Life.
What a blessing it is to live in such a supportive community. I want to thank everyone who came together to pray and celebrate the gift of life. This is only the beginning, something I hope will always be an event on Hancock County’s calendar, something to dream on, plan for, and pray over until we gather again.
At least eight churches were well represented at the event, each helping support with everything from smiles to signage, donuts to donated sweatshirts, and paper goods to prayers.
Fr. Terry Devine, pastor of Immaculate Conception Parish in Hawesville and St. Columba Parish in Lewisport, opened the event with a call to recognize the dignity of all people.
“Jesus came that we may have life,” he said. “As Christians, we are called to respect and protect life, to love and to serve life.”
Wade Gaynor presents Mickey Newton, wife of the late Harold Wayne Newton, with a commemorative vase and our community’s gratitude. COURTESY OF NEENA GAYNOR
Mickey Newton, wife of the late Harold Wayne Newton, was presented with a commemorative vase and the gratitude of our local pro-life community. Mr. Newton believed that all lives have value and deserve protection. He served on the Board of Directors for the Owensboro Right to Life for over 20 years. He was awarded the Life Award in 1999, which is given in recognition of dedication and service in protecting human life at all stages. Mr. Newton also served as a long-standing Trustee for the Kentucky RTL, during which time he and Mickey participated in the March for Life in Washington, D.C. in 1977.
It was because of this legacy of love and service that several of the Newton family and friends marched. It was in celebration of a life well lived and the promise of life abundant that others made the cold loop. Many came to support family, their church, or the youth.
I think at some point, everyone has to decide why. Why go against giants like Planned Parenthood and this culture of death? Can’t we just live quietly, turn a blind eye, let the cards fall where they may? Fulton Sheen once wrote, “The refusal to take sides on great moral issues is itself a decision. It is a silent acquiescence to evil.” I pray that we made some noise on Saturday—that our prayers continue to lift to Heaven in joyous celebration and that the littlest hears whispers of their worth.
About eight churches were well represented at the Hancock County March for Life on Jan. 22, 2022. Many offered hospitality items like coffee, donuts, and information. COURTESY OF NEENA GAYNOR
Four pro-life charities were promoted at the event. Birthright of Owensboro helps women with unplanned pregnancies get the support they need by connecting them with information and donations. Right to Life Owensboro’s mission is to educate the public on the dignity of human life, regardless of his or her circumstances, and to foster respect for human life from conception to natural death. CareNet Owensboro provides medical services and resources for expecting mothers. And, finally, 40 Days for Life campaigns against abortion through continuous prayer vigils.
My hope is that we can keep the momentum going. We’re starting the Hancock County Pro-Life Coalition, an ecumenical group to support each other and lift up the vulnerable. Saturday’s march would not have been possible without each church bringing their gifts and talents. It’s a generous community. I’m so thankful to be a part of it.
All are welcome to attend the first planning meeting of the Hancock County Pro-Life Coalition, to be held on Monday, Feb. 7, from 6-7 p.m. in the Immaculate Conception Parish Hall. To learn more, contact [email protected].
Neena Gaynor belongs to Immaculate Conception Parish in Hawesville.
