Joe Scheidler: 83 Year Young Godfather of Pro-Life Activism and the Next Generation

Catholic Online ^ | 4/8/2011 | Deacon Keith Fournier

[GonzoII]

Planned Parenthood's scared to death now, that they're going to lose their funding...We're getting the young people and a lot of good, young priests. And all across the country, we're getting good, pro-life bishops.. While you have life left in you, you've got to use it. I can't think of a better cause than saving babies' lives. CHICAGO, ILL (Catholic Online) - On Saturday, April 2, 2011, friends and colleagues of the man called both the "green beret" and the "Godfather" of Pro-Life activism, Joe Scheidler, gathered to honor his contributions at a Banquet Hall in Chicago. At 83 years young, this hero and defender of children in the womb is still going strong. Like those old Energizer Bunny commercials, he just keeps going and going and going. Now, he is training the next generation to continue the great human rights movement of our age; the movement to have the positive law of our Nation and all Nations recognize the Natural Law Right to Life.

Over the decades I have been inspired by - and crossed paths with - Joe Scheidler. I always think of one verse from GK Chesterton's "Ballad of the White Horse." "The men of the East may search the scrolls, For sure fates and fame, But the men that drink the blood of God, Go singing to their shame." Joe Scheidler is what we used to call "a Man's man," unafraid to confront evil, look it in the face and stare it down. How we need more men like him to carry forward this vital work.

At the foundation of his heroism is a strong Catholic faith instilled within him early on in a devout Catholic family.

[GonzoII]

[yldstrk]

This man is a real man and a hero.

[murron]

I met him 20 years ago at a Stop Planned Parenthood conference in South Dakota. He is a true warrior in the fight for life.