Interim Staff
Priests for Life, an association of clergy who give special emphasis to promoting and defending the sanctity of life, has recently been established in Canada, with the support of Fr. Frank Pavone, National Director of PFL in New York.
Cardinal Lopez Trujillo, President of the Pontifical Council for the Family, Vatican City has said, “I remember when I first came to know Priests for Life and now see to my great satisfaction, how the association has grown!” The purpose of PFL is “to bring together and encourage clergy to fight the culture of death, particularly abortion and euthanasia.”
PFL Canada’s recent press release states, “The movement in the United States, after years of virtual ‘abortion on demand,’ is experiencing some success. Part of this success must be credited to a group of American priests who call themselves ‘Priests for Life’. A new Canadian group is now ready to draw on that success to make pro-life one of the most important issues for Catholics in Canada.
“Canada is not far behind. As in the U.S., Canada also has its share of dedicated pro=life priests. But more needs to be done. Doctor Bernard Nathanson, a former abortionist, has often commented to clergy: “We would have never gotten away with what we did if you had been united, purposeful and strong.” Today, the abortionists would not be getting away with it if all Catholics would be united behind their clergy to fight abortion.
PFL’s main objective is to link up actively pro-life priests throughout the country to encourage their colleagues to promote life. Another main aim is to link priests with local and national pro-life groups.
National Director Needed
PFL is intended to be run mainly by priests and for priests. Fr. Paul Burchat of Madonna House is currently helping with spiritual direction, under the permission of his superior and Bishop O’Brien of Pembroke. However, the group still needs and is looking for a National Director to be the leader of PFL Canada on a full-time basis.
As soon as a National Director and clerical support is in place, Priests for Life will be able to travel the country providing much needed resources to priests and pro-life groups. Jennifer Leddy, from the Committee of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops, has been informed of the group’s intent. PFL hopes to work closely with all pro-life organizations to further the cause of life.
