(California Catholic Daily) On Friday, March 21, 350 admirers filled the Patrons Hall of San
Francisco’s St. Mary’s Cathedral in support of one of only two crisis
pregnancy centers in the City. The event was a fundraiser for Alpha
Pregnancy Center, located in Mission Terrace. For those unfamiliar with
San Francisco, that is not one of the neighborhoods President Obama
visits during his frequent fundraising trips. Attendees included Father
John Jimenez, who recently celebrated Mass in front of San Francisco’s
Planned Parenthood to kick off this year’s 40 Days for Life; a number of
40 Days volunteers; and many veterans of the pro-life cause, including
the beloved and elderly Bea Smalley, one of San Francisco’s first
pro-life activists...
The final speaker was Alpha’s executive director Chastidy Ronan, the
story of whose personal trials, overcome by trust in Jesus, cannot be
summarized here. She eventually found and married a good man, and in
2006 they decided to move to San Francisco, where a job was waiting for
both of them—or so they thought. In 2006 Chastidy found herself out of
work and facing an unplanned pregnancy. She was gripped with fear, and
thought every day how much easier it would be to abort the child. She
recalled going through the aisles of baby supplies at Target and crying
because everything was so expensive. She went to Alpha for help—and she
received it. In 2008 she began working as a counselor at Alpha, and
within a year become the executive director. She said:
“I feel I was set in this place and in this time and in this season to
do what God wants me to do. Like in Nehemiah we must restore our city to
a place where God’s people understand the value of life. In this city
there are 7 abortion clinics and only two pro-life clinics. Every year
in San Francisco there are 16,000 births, but there are 18,000
abortions. When my mother was beaten to death, I learned that the
neighbors had heard screams but had not wanted to get involved. I vowed
then that I will never ignore the cries of those who need help. We are
called to seek the welfare of this city, of our wonderful city. We will
not ignore the cry of the 18,000 killed every year and we invite you to
join us!”
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