April 5, 2026

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

REGIONAL
Story and photo by Carolee McGrath

SPRINGFIELD – Students from Pope Francis Preparatory School in Springfield led the annual Pro-Life Stations of the Cross on Good Friday, April 3 at 10 a.m. The group gathered on Wason Avenue in Springfield in front of Planned Parenthood to pray for the unborn, their parents, and those who work in the abortion industry.

Despite the rain earlier in the morning, fifty-five people were in attendance for the annual event which was organized by the Pope Francis Christian Leadership Class. 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, Father Daniel Pacholec, the director of Pro-Life Activities for the diocese and the pastor of Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Parish in Westfield led the Rosary, with Father David Aufiero, the chaplain at Pope Francis and pastor of St. Patrick Parish in South Hadley and Deacon Ted Tudryn.

“This pro-life witness is so important. Here we stand on Good Friday, on the day our Lord died on a cross, and we are standing essentially at the foot of the cross with Him and with mothers in crisis who are considering making a decision which can never be undone. God is calling us to be visible so that a woman considering an abortion can know that there are people who are willing to walk with her,” said Father Pacholec.

Several agencies supported by the Annual Catholic Appeal, including Bethlehem House in Easthampton; Clearway Clinic in Springfield; New Direction Women’s Center in Pittsfield; and Pregnancy Support Services in Pittsfield assist women facing an unplanned pregnancy.

“I am also extremely grateful for our young people who are courageous witnesses for life. They give me a lot of hope,” he said.

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 26,000 babies from abortion since 2007.

According to a report by National Right to Life, 63% of all abortions are chemical abortions, due in part to mail-order pills that can be shipped to every state.

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