Monsignor at the press conference after he unsuccessfully tries to give Terri viaticum. The lady sitting next to him in the blue dress is Pat Anderson. She is the attorney for Terri's family. Chris Ferrara credits her with being the heart, soul and backbone of the Terri's legal team. Please keep her in prayer as well.
Can someone ping the freepers at the vigil to look for Pete. He is wearing a red Alhambra shirt and accompanied by a very pregnant wife.
At 1am, he posted the following, after Terri was refused viaticum by orders from her husband.
I hope to be posting some pictures later on, but there's been some serious happenings go on today at the prayer vigil for Terri.
1) The most serious is that Monsignor attempted to give Terri Holy Communion today, but was stopped by the police and the nursing staff. Although Monsignor was willing to be arrested, he was stopped by all present. This is a serious violation of Terri's First Ammendment rights. The civil attorney for Terri's parents was on the phone with Chris Ferrara almost as soon as it happened, and I can now confirm that Chris is working away on this as hard as he can. Chris and I shared a few candid words about the situation, and we're pretty much in agreement about a lot of things here, although he obviously is better versed in the civil legalities of what's going on. It goes without saying that he's very concerned for Terri. He refuses to give up the fight, however, but he needs everyone's prayers right now.
2) I spent about half an hour with Terri's parents. They are good people who are being held together by our prayers and the strength of their son Bobby. Sonya and I presented Terri's father with a St. Benedict Rosary that a St. Blog parishoner and Alhambran had asked us to give the family on behalf of everyone at St. Blog's and the Alhambra. It just happened that Terri's father had misplaced his rosary and so he was very happy to receive it, as well as our prayers, because he has been borrowing rosaries for the past month. The rosary he misplaced had been blessed by the Holy Father. I told him that there is someone at St. Blog who has a rosary blessed by the Holy Father that they would be willing to share with Terri's parents. If that individual is you, please email me at petevere@msn.com . I will be more than happy to reimburse the overnight shipping costs. It would mean a lot to Terri's family right now.
3) Both Monsignor and Terri's parents would be extremely grateful if Fr. Johansen could join us. Monsignor is visibly tired, as he maintains a full Mass schedule in addition to being present at the vigil whenever he's not saying Mass. Not only would Fr. Rob not be a burden, but they were very specific they could really could use his assistance in the coming days.
4) There was a special on double-cheeseburgers at the McDonalds nearby. So once again the evangelicals insured that we were well-fed. They also had some bananas and muffins. Apparently, the evangelicals have really settled into their ministry of providing food to those who come and pray. It is appreciated by everyone there. Tomorrow, a number of local evangelical churches will be holding their service just outside of the hospice where Terri is being starved.
5) Terri's father and mother are extremely grateful for all the prayers they are receiving from St. Blog and the Alhambra. He is getting over a thousand messages a day from people praying and supporting Terri. Since he cannot physically answer them all, he and Terri's mom asked me to express their gratitude to St. Blog parishoners and the Alhambra.
God's will be done, and if Terri dies from starvation/dehydration, we must try to find what we can do about this politically.
I don't claim to understand all the legal obstacles involved, but if it is true that Governor Jeb Bush has his hands tied in this matter, then we must get legislation going that would untie his hands.
Our Founders could never have envisioned that the doctrine of "separation of powers" would be invoked to legitimize a court-approved execution of an innocent woman.
Many FReepers won't like the answer. 'Cause when I see the videos of Terri I have two reactions. First, I pray for Terri. Second, I pray that if I was ever in that condition, my wife would do everything she could to pull the plug. I can't speak for Terri, but as for me, I would want to go and be with my God rather than living a hell on earth.
I beleive most Americans, contrary to the real and strong feelings here, feel the same way.
Thanks for your kind note. It has been a very difficult day emotionally at the vigil, given that Terri was denied Holy Communion. God blessed me with the opportunity, soon after that, to spend about half an hour with Terri's father. He is well aware of FreeRepublic's efforts in other cities to organize and hold prayer vigils for Terri. In fact, Freerepublic was mentioned by name and he was in tears as we discussed it. Freepers form a big part of the over 1000 messages of support he receives over email each day, and these prayers are what holds him and his family together.
He would like to respond to each one individually, however, it is physically impossible for him to do so, especially with all that is going on as he fights to save his daughter. But his words of gratitude were spoken from the heart, amidst tears. Please extend his gratitude and the gratitude of the entire family to FreeRepublic.
Pax Christi,
Pete Vere
Link to Spanish News Site translated
http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=es&u=http://www.laopinion.com/salud/salud_home.html%3Frkey%3D00031015220832040924&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dterri%2Bflorida%26start%3D10%26hl%3Den%26lr%3D%26ie%3DUTF-8%26oe%3DUTF-8%26sa%3DN
I want to digress a bit to point out how important it is for Evangelicals and faithful Cathlics to work together in the pro-life cause and in other traditional moral causes such as defense of the family.
There are a few bigots here in FR who don't seem to grasp that point. Yes, Catholics and Evangelicals differ on a number of theological points. Nevetheless, they are natural allies in the struggle against the Culture of Death.
Although I am Catholic, I donate to Operation Rescue West and Survivors, both primarily Evangelical organizations. I would not be suprised if they are involved in the Terry Schiavo vigil. It's the kind of thing they do, and they do it well and faithfully.
In other words, don't bash your allies.
Please notify me via Freepmail if you would like to be added to or removed from the Catholic Discussion Ping list.