Diocese young people: Unapologetically pro-life

By Jennifer Miele
Chief Communications Officer

HARRISBURG – More than 5,000 people braved the wind and rain that consumed Harrisburg Sept. 23 for the annual Pennsylvania March for Life. Among those huddled under umbrellas were 17-year-old Josie Cribbs and her 15-year-old sister, Bella. They, as much as anyone in the crowd, were marching for very personal reasons. 

Their mother, Danielle Cribbs, and her husband, Kevin, adopted each girl as an infant from women who freely admitted that each would have had an abortion had they discovered their pregnancies within the legal time frame. 

Cribbs, now a regional leader for faith formation in the Indiana area, recalls that one of the girls nearly died during delivery after crowning with the back of her head touching her spine and suffering a series of strokes. 

“Birth mom refused to have a C-section because it would result in too long of a recovery, and too many people in her life had no idea she was pregnant,” she said.

The other sister was exposed to methadone, cocaine and alcohol during gestation, as well as 10-20 bags of heroin a day. 

“God has blessed us immensely with beautiful, faith-filled, healthy daughters.  Josie and Bella have grown without major complications despite their difficult beginnings, and now they march for the lives of the unborn,” Cribbs said. 

Josie and Bella were part of a large group of young people from the Diocese of Greensburg who proudly wore shirts with the saying “Unapologetically Pro-Life.” 

The shirts caught the attention of the homilist during the rally’s closing Mass at St. Patrick Cathedral. Bishop Joseph Bambera of Scranton noticed the shirts as some of the teens carried up the gifts. He told the crowd how much he liked the saying and expressed his sincere thanks to all who attended.

“Thank you for the witness you give to our corner of the world and your commitment to the sanctity of human life,” Bishop Bambera said. 

The Pennsylvania March for life is hosted by the Pennsylvania Family Institute. Its president, Michael Geer, reminded the crowd why the March is held outside the Capitol in Harrisburg, in plain view and earshot of legislators. 

“We must support lawmakers who stand against especially strong headwinds these days to push for a culture of life here in the commonwealth,” Geer said. 

Five busloads of marchers were in attendance from the Diocese of Greensburg, including many seminarians. Joining them was Bishop Larry J. Kulick. 

“I’m so glad to see so many people here,” Bishop Kulick said. “This is a very important opportunity to advocate for pro-life. I’m so proud of our people.”

He joined bishops from across Pennsylvania on stage during the pre-march rally, including Archbishop Nelson Perez of Philadelphia.

“Listen to the Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI’s words,” Archbishop Perez said. “Each of us has a mission. Each of us is called to change the world to work for a culture of life. Now let’s go march for life!”

The crowd marched all the way around the Capitol carrying signs, singing songs and saying prayers for the unborn. 

Stay connected to TheAccentOnline.org for next year’s March for Life bus trip information. 

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