Nestled in the Silicon Valley of California, Our Lady of Peace Parish in Santa Clara opened its arms to the Global Family Life Conference sponsored by Population Research Institute, April 3–7. The conference started with a Mass and Rosary procession around the magnificent 32-foot tall statue of Our Lady at the shrine, led by Archbishop Lawrence Khai of Sakonnakhon, Thailand. Archbishop Khai also spoke at the conference about his near-martyrdom as a teenager at the hands of the Buddhist regime, and his lifelong struggle against the Culture of Death in Thailand.
Over 800 participants from all over California, the United States, and around the world listened and learned while attending five days of inspiring and informative talks given by some of the world’s pro-life experts.
The conference included four simultaneous tracks of talks, giving conference attendees a wide range of topic choices on all aspects of the pro-life movement, Some of the world-renowned speakers included PRI president Steve Mosher, liturgy expert Fr. Joseph Fessio, UN watchdog Austin Ruse, population scholar Jacqueline Kasun and Humane Vitae authority Janet Smith.
Other highlights of the conference included a powerful performance by RADIX on the Passion of Christ, and a Friday luncheon featuring Fr. Ray Devlin and Prof, Charles Rice.
A press conference on Friday, April 5, highlighted the evidence of the link between breast cancer and abortion. Among those speaking at the press conference was Saundra Duffy-Hawkins, who is suing the Planned Parenthood Federation of America for not providing evidence of this link. Among the media present at the press conference was the CBS TV affiliate in San Francisco.
In all things we must come to God in prayer and loving attentiveness to His holy will; through prayer, He guides and shows us how to use our unique talents for the glory of His kingdom. The Two-Day Youth Conference was designed with these thoughts in mind. With the help of many good speakers, including Fr. Richard Voigt, Barbara McGuigan, Msgr. Philip Reilly, Austin Ruse, and RADIX, young people attended both a spiritual and an educational retreat to deepen their understanding of the “power that will change our world,” the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, confession, and Eucharistic Adoration.
In order to change our laws, we need elected officials dedicated to promoting life. The Power of People Seminar on Saturday equipped pro-lifers to make their voices heard by getting involved in the electoral process, either by running for office themselves, by supporting pro-life candidates, or by lobbying elected officials.
Over 500 people attended the banquet held Saturday night honoring two holy priests — Fr. Paul Marx, founder of Population Research Institute, and Msgr. John Sweeny, pastor of Our Lady of Peace.
The conference ended Sunday afternoon with a closing Mass. Attendees returned home refreshed, inspired, and prepared to rebuild reverence for life and family in their own parishes and communities.
