April 18, 2025

Pope Francis Prep students lead Pro-Life Stations of the Cross on Good Friday

REGIONAL
Story and photos by Carolee McGrath

SPRINGFIELD – Seventy people joined Bishop William D. Byrne for the annual Pro-Life Stations of the Cross, held on Good Friday, April 18 at 10 a.m. The group gathered on Wason Avenue, in front of Planned Parenthood in downtown Springfield to pray for the unborn, their parents, those who work in the abortion industry and for all of those who have been hurt by abortion.

“Good Friday is the day our Lord suffered on the cross for all of humanity. He continues to suffer in the lives of all of those who suffer, especially in the most vulnerable among us,” said Bishop Byrne. “Who is more vulnerable than the unborn, than the mother who feels she has no choice, no options? We’re here to speak for life but also to walk with moms along the way. We are a resurrection people, to turn that suffering to life.”

Students from Pope Francis Preparatory School in Springfield led the Pro-Life Stations of the Cross. The annual event was organized by the high school’s Christian Leadership Class and Pro-Life of Pioneer Valley. The tradition was started more than 30 years ago in the Diocese of Springfield by Catholics for the Unborn.

After the Stations of the Cross, Bishop Byrne led the Rosary with Father Daniel Pacholec, the director of Pro-Life Activities for the Springfield Diocese; Deacon John Williams; Father David Aufiero, pastor of Holy Family Parish in South Deerfield; and Deacon Daniel Prats.

Bishop Byrne also emphasized the mercy of Christ, encouraging women, men and anyone involved in abortion to seek healing. The Diocese of Springfield offers a healing retreat weekend through Rachel’s Vineyard.

“It’s important to fight for those who don’t have a voice and if we can raise awareness and change one person’s mind, that’s one life saved,” said Jack Dias, a senior at Pope Francis Prep and member of the Christian Leadership Team.

In addition to students from Pope Francis Preparatory School, other youth and families joined the bishop to witness for life.

“I’m pro-life because I’m one of five kids and unborn babies don’t have a voice. So we have to stand up for them,” said Mary Kate McGrath, a sophomore at Pope Francis Prep.

Students from Pope Francis Preparatory School pose for a picture with Bishop William D. Byrne. The students led the Pro-Life Stations of the Cross on Good Friday morning, April 18.

  The Good Friday vigil followed the Lenten 40 Days for Life campaign which ended on Palm    Sunday. The 40 Days for Life also requires a public witness in front of the abortion clinic. Organizers report nationwide the peaceful, prayerful witness has been effective, saving more than 25,000 babies from abortion since 2007.

Massachusetts has one of the most progressive abortion laws in the country, allowing the procedure through the ninth month of pregnancy. Abortion advocates have said the focus is on changing hearts and minds on the issue of abortion.

To do so, Bishop Byrne has embraced the Walking with Moms in Need program of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). It involves connecting expectant mothers with resources, and helping women and their families after the baby is born. Several agencies supported by the Annual Catholic Appeal do just that, including Bethlehem House in Easthampton; Clearway Clinic in Springfield; New Direction Women’s Center in Pittsfield; Pregnancy Support Services in Pittsfield; and Alternatives Pregnancy Center in Greenfield.

For a full listing of pro-life resources and ministries, go to diospringfield.org/Ministries/respect-life-office/