By Dorothy K. LaMantia | Correspondent

Bundled up against the winds and chill of a fading nor’easter, about 50 representatives from Ocean County parishes prayed and bore witness to the sanctity of life in observance of National Life Chain Sunday 2015, Oct. 4.

Joining scores of pro-lifers participating in similar life chains in other parts of the Diocese and around the country, these dedicated folks from Ocean County stood or sat 15 feet apart near the curb of Route 37, Toms River, holding up signs bearing pro-life messages. Many passers-by honked their car horns in support while a few heckled, yet the human links in the chain remained steadfast, praying and meditating silently.

The Right to Life ministry of St. Joseph Parish, Toms River, organized Ocean County’s participation in the hour-long event, which gathers pro-life activists in cities across United States and Canada together to pray for the end of legalized abortion. 

The choice of location was significant – in front of 651 Route 37, where American Women’s Services, a clinic which specializes in obstetric-gynecological health services, including abortion, is located.

“We chose this site to draw attention to the place because it is an abortion mill.  It’s Ground Zero,” said Ed Di Marco of St. Joseph Parish. “It is important that we pray on the site where the abortions are carried out.  It is good people see us here.

“Many of us come here on Mondays and Thursdays when [the clinic] is open.  About four or five of us hand out pro-life literature to women going inside and sometimes we even do counseling.  On Saturdays, we have a lot more people here reciting all 20 decades of the Rosary to put an end to abortion.”

Although participating in a Life Chain has elements of a demonstration, these are downplayed in favor of a spirit of prayer and repentance. Idle chatter among participants and physical or verbal responses to motorists are strongly discouraged.

The National Life Chain movement was founded in Yuba City, Calif., in 1987, and occurs each year on the first Sunday in October.  Last year, more than 1,500 cities participated.

Because a Life Chain is intended to be family-oriented, graphic images are deliberately missing from the signs participants carry. Instead, the front of the 18-by-22 inch signs bear life-affirming, prayerful  slogans. On the back are printed prayers, Scripture passages, and songs which the sign bearer can use to direct his or her meditation.

Dottie Mc Dougall of St. John Parish, Lakehurst, wanted to make a showing on behalf of life. “I try to get here on Saturdays to say the Rosary. Sometimes we save babies. Two weeks ago, one woman didn’t have an abortion after she looked at the information we give.”

For veteran pro-life activist Marie Sherry of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, Whiting, the annual Life Chain is a high point.  “It is amazing to meet these people every year and to report on the event back in our parishes. But, please God, I hope we can get this place closed soon.”

The people on the line are passionate about their faith and the sanctity of life, but they always look for more people to share that passion. David Chico, coordinator of the Ministry for Life at St. Anthony Claret Parish, Lakewood, said “Twice a month I come here the two days the clinic is open, but there are clinics open six days a week. We need people to go there to pray and to give out our literature.”

 Diane Lent-Simon of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton agreed. “We need to recruit new members to continue this work.  So many of our people here are in their 90s, and they’re still out here. We have to remember the words of Mother Teresa:  A country which will harm its young will not prosper.”