Holy Triad Works under Direction of the Holy Trinity

How truly beautiful is the cooperation shown by those who provide intervention and subsequent assistance to pregnant women who have been scheduled to have their unborn children terminated.

It starts with sidewalk counselors and their prayer supporters.  On almost a daily basis, they place themselves in harm's way on the sidewalks and streets in front of abortion mills in San Diego County.  Gentle words of love and encouragement, along with frank conversation about the abortion procedure and the practices of the actual abortion providers, are shared with those who move toward the doors of the abortion chambers. 

(Photo at right: volunteers spend time in prayerful support of sidewalk counselors in front of Family Planning Associates near Balboa Park)


Religious articles such as Rosaries and prayer cards are routinely given to those who are comfortable taking them.  And, in miraculous fashion, women and those who accompany them experience changes of heart.  They turn back.  Sometimes they do so on the spot; sometimes they turn around following rough treatment at the hands of abortion center staff.  In every case, the sidewalk counselors recommend that those who leave make an appointment with Dr. Delgado at Culture of Life Family Services (COLFS) in Hillcrest that day.  With cell phones, appointments can sometimes be made during the actual intervention.  This offer of medical assistance seems to be the most effective antidote to "death-as-the-solution" when the precious gift of life is experienced as a seemingly unbearable burden.

The second phase, the offering of life-affirming medical services, begins at COLFS.  It has become evident to those of us who support these efforts, that without a competent, pro-life, compassionate, and readily available physician with a practice near the center-city area, many, many children alive today would not be with us. 

(Photo at left: Bishop Cordileone blesses the newly remodeled COLFS medical office suite)

How often we hear in reports from sidewalk counselors, "we encouraged the client to make an appointment with Dr. Delgado at COLFS," and then, a day or two later, we get an e-mail from COLFS saying, "a young woman, C., came in yesterday to see Dr. Delgado. She needs so many things..."  The practice of referring directly to a physician, especially one who will see clients unable to cover medical costs, is key to establishing trusting relationships with clients.

Although COLFS will provide pre-natal care, post-natal care, family medical care, and some material assistance, it cannot do everything. COLFS, in turn, will often initiate phase three - a referral to a pregnancy support center in the neighborhood nearest the client.  The many centers throughout the region offer client families literal "life support."  

(Photo at right: Janet Pineault, a volunteer at Life Choices, a pregnancy care center in Poway, spends time straightening baby clothes in the Center's resource room)

This assistance comes in the form of companionship, prayer, essential baby items, parenting classes, support groups, referral to essential services, among other offerings.  In fact, it is not uncommon for women who use pregnancy care resources to stay connected to the centers long past their time of need, often moving from client status to serving as volunteers.  How good it is to receive help from someone who has experienced first hand what is needed. 

And thus, the triad is complete: 1) abortion facility diversion ministry, 2) life-serving medical care, and 3) neighborhood-based pregnancy care services. 

May Father, Son, and Holy Spirit bless this beautiful cooperation in ministry, and may each of us do all we can to assist, through prayer and sacrifice, all those who serve abortion-seeking families as they attempt to solve their problems by opening death's door.  May we be beacons of hope, helping to make a decision in favor of life seem realistic.  For as we know, there are troubling circumstances surrounding too many pregnancies of young families today.  May Death's Doors be ever padlocked!  May our doors remain ever open!

Finally, may God bless all expectant mothers and bring to them the joy due as unexpected co-creators of the miracle of human life.

For more information on sidewalk counseling and prayer, Culture of Life Family Services, or the pregnancy help center in your area, please contact the Office for Social Ministry: 858-490-8324.

Thank you and God bless!