Many Catholics took part, driven by their belief in the dignity of every human person – from conception to natural death.
“This is personal for me, because as a sibling, I also have been affected by abortion,” said Yesenia Lepe of Fontana, who joined about 300 people who protested outside the Planned Parenthood Clinic in San Bernardino. “Being here is part of our family testimony to transform that chapter in our lives to something fruitful.”
Lepe credited Rachel’s Vineyard post abortion healing retreat with helping her family come to terms with the abortion.
Tim Adams from Calimesa decided to join the Planned Parenthood protest for the first time after seeing the videos, because “I was appalled at what I had seen,” he said.
“I was so inspired by the Catholic community. They come and pray together. There are no borders when it comes to this matter. We are all called to be the salt and light of the world.”
In Victorville, which has Planned Parenthood’s newest and largest facility in San Bernardino County, about 150 turned out to protest.
“The harvesting of organs has been going on for years,” says Lisa Hays of Holy Innocents Parish in Victorville. “Finally the public is learning about it.”
Added Leo Sandoval from Our Lady of the Desert Parish in Apple Valley, “It’s just that simple, defending life is part of our Catholic faith.”
Riverside area Catholics joined a crowd of more than 300 in front of the Planned Parenthood facility on Tibbets Street. In addition, Catholics from parishes in the West End of the Diocese joined in a protest in front of the Planned Parenthood facility in Pomona. Coachella Valley Catholics joined in a protest at the Planned Parenthood facility in Rancho Mirage.