Catholic Family Vignettes

Freedom of choice. What images do these words instill in the mind of the average person? Bumper stickers from Planned Parenthood and NARAL, perhaps? Slogans emblazoned across banners carried by feminists marching for the "right to choose?"

Certainly, one would not associate this particular slogan with the brand name of a feminine product (tampon, sorry guys...had to clarify!) And one would certainly never expect to see these words boldly proclaimed on a dispenser in a Catholic elementary school girl's restroom. Which is where they were found. Today. Check out the image to the right.

"Freedom of choice" is perhaps the most hateful slogan ever devised, as it promotes a freedom that is hardly free. A freedom purchased by the death of the unborn. Yet young students in a local Catholic school are being exposed to this subtle ideology with every visit to the restroom.

If you are still unconvinced, and think that "it's just a phrase and can mean many things," then type that "phrase" into Google. The very first listing is for NARAL and every other listing thereafter is for the pro-death camp.

Perhaps it is only a sick coincidence. After all, the school can't pick and choose the names of the providers of these services. It is, nonetheless, unsettling for those of us who see the rights of the unborn encroached upon at every turn.

I will be expressing my concern to the school and Diocese. As a home educator, I'm only too thankful that my own children are not being exposed to this subtle lie...though I don't think anyone would want their children to see this advertisement and fall for the line that "it's just a phrase, it doesn't really mean anything." Read more!

Cardinal Rejects Pro-Choice City Label

Philadelphia Council Adopts Resolution for New Status

PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania, JUNE 8, 2007 (Zenit.org).- Cardinal Justin Rigali issued a statement against the city council's new resolution to adopt the status of a "pro-choice city."

Cardinal Rigali, the archbishop of Philadelphia, in Thursday's statement called upon "all people of good will to join me in rejecting the divisive and erroneous label that Philadelphia City Council has forced upon the citizens of Philadelphia today."

"I reject the resolution because so many heroic efforts are made continually to safeguard unborn children from the evil of abortion, to protect vulnerable children and families and to defend all women and men in crisis," he said.


Cardinal Rigali, who is also the chairman of the U.S. bishops' committee for pro-life activities, continued: "In a city where so many people vigorously defend life at every stage, proclaiming Philadelphia 'pro-choice' is inconsistent with reality. It unfairly saddles those who support life at all stages with this shameful label.

"Philadelphia is experiencing homicide at a record rate; now is not the time to affirm the false choice of procured abortion. Rather, all residents should rally around the common cause of eliminating the hopelessness that generates violence.

"Everyone deserves to be born and live in a society that builds conditions conducive to life, not despair and death."

The 72-year-old prelate added: "The dialogue between individuals and groups working to build a just society is ill-served by City Council's unproductive resolution.

"I commend those members who opposed this resolution. Council members who voted for it should apologize to the thousands of Philadelphians they have offended today, and turn their energies toward improving the quality of life and the safeguarding of all residents."
Read more!