One word used to describe yesterday’s memorial for approximately 40,000 babies lost at the Hill Top abortion center was “otherworldly” …
About 150 people gathered and opened in song, led by the choir from St. Mark’s Church, and were led in an opening prayer by Fr. Mark Salas. Then there were some Scripture readings, including one by Nydia Correa, Director of the Guiding Star Pregnancy Help Center.
After a Gospel reading and reflection from Fr. Mark, the story of baby Joseph Thomas was shared by Karen, a long-time Sidewalk Advocate who was present the day his remains were discovered on the ground outside Hill Top on Good Friday 2011.
Then there was a heart-wrenching testimony shared of the pain of choosing abortion by Ester Garcia of Rachel’s Vineyard, followed by a reflection from her husband, and then a testimony from an amazing young mom named Jackie along with her son Andy after choosing life two years ago … despite having already paid for the abortion. Andy’s smile was a joyful yet sobering reminder of each individual child lost at Hill Top.
Then each person was invited to pay their condolences. A wreath included a framed print of the remains of Joseph Thomas found nine years ago which were denied a proper memorial or burial, and the ribbons read, “In Memory of Joseph Thomas and all babies lost 1984-2020”
Two infant caskets were donated. One from Trappist Caskets for Joseph Thomas which contained the photo of his remains. The second was donated from Perches Funeral Home in El Paso.
Each person was invited to pray and place one rose petal in the casket, filling the casket with 400 petals, representing approximately 100 babies lot per petal. During this time the Divine Mercy Chaplet was sung.
After praying, each person then placed their roses on the adjacent fence, creating a beautiful memorial for the 40,000 lives lost at Hill Top.
After a blessing from Fr. Mark, and praying a Litany in Response to Abortion, the Knights of Columbus Honor Guard held a brief ceremony to close the caskets as taps was played on a bugle.
The Knights then carried the caskets in procession to be transported for later burial.
At this point the memorial was over, and we pulled up our brand new Save the Storks Mobile Ultrasound Unit which is named after Jospeh Thomas and was blessed by Fr. Mark as an ongoing and life-saving memorial in his name.
Thank you for making this day possible through your support and prayers.
