Mother’s day is celebrated across cultures in some way or the other. Though highly commercialized, our culture seems to be in need of this day as it might be the only occasion for some moms to hear from their children. While families and organizations have their own way of celebrating this day, we do it through hosting ‘Cradle of Love’ in our parish.

Newbies to the prolife movement often ask these questions: What can I do? What can I do about this abortion holocaust? What can I do to stop abortion? What can a single person do about such a massive evil? If I were to answer them, I would ask them to begin with ‘The Cradle of Love’ project in their community.

Why Cradle of Love?

Cradle of Love is an easy and fun project which people from all walks of life can do. It is very powerful since it creates a direct impact in the community, by supporting crisis pregnancy centers (CPC) which help women vulnerable to abortion. CPC’s provide life-affirming options to pregnant women. They often help with more than just counseling or ultrasound services. CPC helps mothers with schooling, rent, shelter, medical and legal assistance and also adoption. Often, they continue to support mothers even after pregnancy. Unlike abortion centers, the services offered in CPCs are completely free in most cases.

How it’s done? 

A Cradle/crib is decorated and set up in front of the Church or a prominent place for people to see. Cradle of Love contacts the nearest CPC to aks what items they’re in need of at that particular moment.  Tags containing the names of the required items like diapers, baby wipes, reusable maternity items, toiletries, baby clothes are tied to the decorated cradle for people to take. People are informed about the event through announcement or bulletin to take the tags that they can afford and bring back the items the following week. The items are handed over to CPC exactly as given by the community. People often take extra care to show their love and how much they care through attractive packages and little notes for the pregnant mother.

Recourse to conscience through beauty

The Cradle of Love accomplishes several things. It reminds people in the most gentle and beautiful manner of their duty towards their neighbor (the pregnant mother vulnerable to abortion). It gives parents the chance to instruct their children  about the issue of abortion. It shows women that they’re loved and not simply judged, and, it gives people a chance to make a direct impact and be an active participant in the prolife movement.

Sisters of Life receiving the items collected through Cradle of Love program. They serve around 800 mothers each year.
 The beauty of Cradle of Love appeals to the conscience of the community in a powerful and positive manner. Having to host this project doesn’t cost a lot except for few dollars for balloons and ribbons. Oh yes! The crib doesn’t count because we always get them for free from craigslist and once the event is done even the crib goes to a loving home for the new baby. If setting up a crib seems like a challenge then go for a bassinet over a table. There’s lots of room to be creative and to make it interesting. You could do it on your own or with a friend or with a group. Having Cradle of Love on Mother’s Day helps us to be in solidarity with mothers in difficult situation. It also appreciates mothers who made the brave choice to give life amidst the most difficult circumstances. Even though it might seem small and simple, it creates a ripple effect in the community. It is also counter cultural. When governments and institutions are presenting women with abortion as a quick fix to their hardship, they only magnify and multiple the problems. By offering our support, we send a message to these women that do not have to kill their children to achieve their dreams.

 

 

 

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Carmel Nisha Pius Franco

Carmel Nisha Pius Franco

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