August 28, 2022

Hundreds turn out for Rosary Rally for Bethlehem House

REGIONAL
Story and photos by Carolee McGrath

 

EASTHAMPTON – More than 200 people turned out for a Rosary Rally at Bethlehem House in Easthampton, in response to the recent vandalism and threats spray painted on the property. Springfield Bishop William D. Byrne and Father Daniel Pacholec, the director of pro-life activities for the Diocese of Springfield led the rosary at 10 a.m., Saturday, Aug. 27. Petitions were offered for the mothers and babies served by the crisis pregnancy center; for volunteers; for a conversion of hearts on the issue of abortion; and for those who were involved in vandalizing the property.

“The pro-lifers here in western Mass are amazing. Bethlehem House is an important place for moms to have a true choice, to come and get the support that they need, to receive the amazing baby baskets. It really is walking with the moms and dads in these crisis situations and it’s a beautiful ministry,” said Bishop Byrne.

Easthampton police are investigating vandalism that occurred at Bethlehem House on Aug. 18. The pro-life ministry, run by volunteers, provides women facing a crisis pregnancy free diapers, wipes, formula, baby clothes, strollers, pack-and-plays, car seats and strollers.

Vandals spray painted “Jane’s Revenge” on benches located outside the building and the message, “If abortion isn’t safe, neither are you.”

“Jane’s Revenge” is a pro-abortion group which has taken responsibility for various attacks on churches and pro-life pregnancy centers across the country since the leaked U.S. Supreme Court decision in the Dobbs vs. Jackson Women’s Health organization case. Ultimately, the case led to the overturning of the 1973 ruling of Roe v. Wade, which had legalized abortion across the country. The recent ruling gives the power to the states to decide their own laws regarding abortion.

“The vandalism is upsetting but not surprising. The evil one likes to stir chaos in the world, but some red paint is not going to stop us,” said Bishop Byrne. “We’re going to make sure law enforcement will do what they need to do, but we’re also going to fight this with our prayers.”

Bethlehem House, supported by the Annual Catholic Appeal, offers free pregnancy resources, including referrals for employment, health care, and educational services. The organization also helps families until the baby is 18 months old. In addition, Bethlehem House offers post-abortive counseling.

“It’s what makes us followers of Jesus. We don’t return evil or violence with the same. We offer prayer. We love our enemies. We hope that they will understand how passionately we feel about things and embrace peace in their hearts rather than aggression and violence,” said Father Pacholec.

In July, vandals also targeted two pregnancy care centers in Worcester, Mass.: Clearway Clinic and Problem Pregnancy. Clearway’s windows were smashed and the words “Jane’s Revenge” were spray-painted in black outside on the sidewalk.

Bethlehem House has been in the spotlight recently as the Easthampton City Council has been considering a proposed ordinance, “Deceptive Advertising Practices of Limited Services Pregnancy Centers.” A pregnancy center would be in violation and subject to a $300 fine if it advertised in such a way deemed “deceptive, whether by statement or omission, and that a limited services pregnancy center knows or reasonably should know to be deceptive.”

At recent council meetings, people on both sides have spoken in favor of and against the ordinance. There is only one pregnancy care center which operates in Easthampton, which prompted many in the pro-life community to be concerned about the intent of the ordinance and if, in fact, it would ultimately impact Bethlehem House.

Owen Zaret, councilor at large who co-sponsored the ordinance, has repeatedly said Bethlehem House would not be affected by the ordinance and called their work “laudable.” He also condemned the recent vandalism stating, “This is an act of extremism and terrorism. We settle disagreements through conversation, not through violence.”

Since the Roe decision in June, nationwide there have been political calls to crack down legislatively on pregnancy care centers that some believe deceive women. On Wednesday, July 6, Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey issued a statement claiming pregnancy centers use “deceptive and coercive tactics.”

A warning about pregnancy care centers is listed on her Mass.gov website. There is no mention of the vandalism that took place in Worcester or in Easthampton.

“In so many places across the country, it’s not really reported in the national media, but now it’s over a 100 churches and pro-life centers have been attacked in one way or the other. We have to follow that with prayer and strength with numbers. I think today was a beautiful example of how many people support our pro-life efforts,” said Father Pacholec.

Mabeline Burgos, a pro-life advocate who is also post-abortive, was in attendance.

“I definitely think it would have helped me a lot to have someone say, ‘Don’t do it. Here’s our resources. This is how we can help you. I wish I had that back then and I didn’t,” said Burgos. “To have someone saying we’re not obligating you, but here are the options – what do you need, is it diapers, is it milk, is it just to talk? I didn’t have that,” Burgos said, adding that crisis pregnancy centers are vital for women who are facing an unplanned pregnancy.

Bethlehem House has helped hundreds of families in the last two decades, and just this past winter assisted five mothers, all expecting twins.

“This violence harms the very women, babies and families who rely on us for help in a difficult time,” said Bethlehem House director, Pam Hibbard. “Please know that regardless of this attack, with God’s continued graces and blessings on our work, our volunteers and donors, we will continue to help our clients who need us.”

A video version of this story will be on an upcoming edition of “Real to Reel” which airs Saturday evenings at 7 p.m. on WWLP-22 NEWS.