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Newsletter's content:
Editorial Letter to the Editor
Bioethics Course Prompts Bishops to
Consider Going on the Offensive
The Path to Victory
Linda Watson’s Rescue
Mission – Linda’s House of Hope
Dear lover of Life,
Last newsletter I asked for prayers for the Martellos to find a house. Well
the news is that we decided that it’s best to wait until we return from our
overseas trip to buy. We have definitely sold our home as of 4th February so we
are in a rather fluid situation till we go overseas at the end of March.
We will spend time in Madagascar where Nadir was a missionary for eight
years, and Italy where he was born and spent his childhood and some of his adult
years. We will of course be taking our commitment to the pro-life apostolate
along with us, and we will try our best to keep you informed of developments. So
please continue to pray for a safe and fruitful journey and return to Lismore,
and that Apostles for Life will continue to flourish.
While we are away Michele Marychurch has graciously agreed to be our contact
person for Apostles for Life. Thank you, Michele.
May the year 2002 be a year of ever greater effort to bring on the Culture of
Life in Lismore Diocese, as we work together for the building up of Christ’s
Kingdom and look forward to His Coming.
Maranatha,
Angela
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Letter to the Editor
Dear Angela
Thank you so much for your Newsletter this
year. I really appreciate getting different information about Life Issues. Could
you get me some more information, i.e. the address of Steve Mosher, President of
Population Research Institute. I hope to take at abstinence program into schools
in 2002. We had some training in November and it was a success. I recently went
to a protest about the cloning issue — so I appreciated your letter to MPs about
this — I intend to write to my MP again and it’s good to have more info. May God
continue to inspire and encourage you as you do His work. May Christ’s peace be
with you. Love Helen Glen, Michelton, Qld
Bioethics Course Prompts Bishops to Consider Going on the Offensive
Aim to
Overcome “Dogmas” of Pro-Abortion, Pro-Contraceptive Groups Zenit.org
Italy’s first bioethics course for bishops prompted the prelates to propose a
“counterinformation” assault to overcome media silence and distortion on
life-and-death issues. The proposal aims to dismantle the scientific “dogmas”
propounded by businesses and multinational organizations that promote
contraception, abortion and sterilisation. The 3-day bioethics course was
attended by 100 bishops and directed by doctors, scientists, geneticists and
moralists.
The course focused on information not often reported in the mainstream media.
For example, Father Angelo Serra, a world pioneer in human genetics and
Professor Emeritus of the Catholic University of Rome, cited research carried
out in artificial insemination centers, that in 18-25% of in-vitro
fertilisations spontaneous abortions occur; 27% are multiple conceptions; 29.3%
are premature births; and 36% result in underweight newborns. He went onto give
the testimony of French researcher in assisted procreation. Jacques Testart, who
in 1987, said: “I have decided to put an end to this mad race of scientific
exploitation. Scientists of the world: Stop and reflect!”
He also quoted French writer Dominique Grange: “Woman is reduced to a machine
of super-ovulation. First, they take away sex, then the heart, and finally the
mind. The couple ends up destroyed.”
Some bishops came away convinced that they must act with greater
determination. Said Bishop Martella of Molfetta: “In face of such a challenge,
the Church cannot remain in the rearguard. It is necessary to communicate our
reasons adequately, both in relation to the scientific world as well as the
laity. Bishop Michele De Rosa of Cerreto Sannita said: “We must be present in
the places of debate and scientific dissemination. Personally, when medical
congresses are held in the diocese, I am always there.”
Following the course, Auxiliary Bishop Armando Brambilla of Rome, responsible
for health care ministry, launched an initiative to establish grass-roots
contacts with doctors. “We often forget this network of good health agents that
can be of great help to families in difficulty,” the bishop said.
Archbishop Francesco Carucci of Bari noted: “Couples must be advised,
especially women, of the risks they take when they engage in certain practices:
economic risks but, above all psychological ones.”
The Path to Victory
Please join Human Life International in offering 1
million Rosaries for these intentions
End to the assault on Life, Faith and
Family
Conversion of those promoting abortion and the culture of death
Healing of all those hurt by abortion and the culture of death
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Courageous Linda Watson’s Rescue Mission
Linda Watson is making a stand against the legalization of prostitution in
W.A and is facing heavy persecution and needs prayer, and moral and financial
support. When I spoke to Linda on the phone she sounded amazingly courageous and
resilient, in spite of the ordeal she has been through, and in spite of very
poor health and the very little support she receives. Saving prostitutes is not
a popular cause.
The fourth attack on Linda’s House of Hope in Perth occurred on Boxing Day. A
window was smashed and a petrol bomb thrown into the room. One girl was in the
house at the time, fortunately in another room. She heard a great explosion, and
rushed to the room to find it in flames. A neighbour’s quick action prevented
the whole house from being destroyed. Men were seen running from the scene, but
once again police have not yet located any suspects.
In an attack on 6 October 2001, four holes pierced the front windows and
attempts were made to remove the glass, possibly to throw in a petrol bomb. The
attackers were frightened off but got away in their car before further damage
was done.
In the second attack on 24 November, one or two intruders removed tiles and
disturbed ceiling insulation - possibly attempting to cut the alarm system Linda
had installed after the first attack. The men were again frightened off before
they could do further damage.
During the third attack on 20 December, Linda was away, but neighbours who
called the police and fire brigade after a fire was deliberately lit in the
vacant block next door. Again quick action by a fireman neighbour saved her
home.
Linda has received threats against her ministry for many months, by phone,
and by rough-looking men coming to her door. Her car has been followed by
another car with no number plates. Linda has recorded a threatening phone call
from a prominent Perth brothel owner, and has given the tape to friends for
safekeeping. She has been warned to stop speaking out against the drugs, child
prostitution and other crime associated with the sex trade. The Mr. and Ms. Bigs
of WA prostitution want to present a ‘loving service’ image to the public in
their quest for legitimacy and legalisation.
“My problem is I know the truth,” Linda said. “I know that the vast majority
of sex workers are on drugs, and that the brothel owners are lying when they
deny it. I know that the customers want the younger girls, and that child
prostitution would become a nightmare if the sex trade were legalized. I know
the brothel owners’ links with biker groups and drug distributors. My family is
very concerned for me. They want me to get out before I get hurt. I often wonder
myself, ‘Oh, why am I doing this?’ But I know that I was exploited by the sweet
talk of a smooth madam and I got badly hurt as every girl does who goes into
this damaging industry. I want to stop more girls getting hurt. But I don’t know
how long I can go on.”
Her address: Linda Watson, Linda’s House of Hope, PO Box Z5640, Perth, ST
GEORGES TERRACE, WA 6831 Phone: 08 9358 2544 Fax: 08 9358 2561 |
