BRIDGEPORT—Amid the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season, a group of Pro-Life supporters paused for an hour on Sunday afternoon to remember the unborn with a caroling event near the Planned Parenthood location on Main Street in Bridgeport. The strands of “Joy to the World,” “Away in a Manger,” and “O Come, All Ye Faithful” could be heard as cars whizzed past Commerce Park, many tooting horns in a show of support.
“This was an opportunity to proclaim in song the message of light and healing that Jesus brings to expectant mothers and indeed, the whole world,” said Tina Kelly, who organized this event, the 13th annual at this site. “It was clear from the shouts of encouragement that people were happy we were there.”
About two dozen attendees, wearing Santa hats and festive attire, represented one of many groups gathering around the country in the weeks before Christmas Eve to share the hope of the season outside abortion clinics. Aptly named the “Peace in the Womb” Christmas Caroling Day, this is sponsored by the Pro-Life Action League and, according to Kelly, is one of their most cherished events. Signs reading “Pray to End Abortion” and “A Baby Changed Everything” imparted messages of choosing life as the carolers in Bridgeport sang of Jesus’ birth.
“The focus is on the baby Jesus,” Kelly said, adding emphasis. “This seems to be the right time to encourage people to get strength and courage from Jesus and from Mary. She is the one who brought life into the world.”
Tony Grabowski, a member of the Knights of Columbus Counsel #33 who attended with his wife Barbara, brought along several microphones and a speaker with instrumental music to accompany the singers. A regular participant at the 40 Days for Life, Grabowski said he purchased the equipment specifically for this occasion so the joyous voices could be heard over noises of the city.
As Kelly thanked all attendees for their support, the carolers ended with the traditional hymn “Go Tell It on the Mountain,” encouraging all who passed by to choose life in this season when “Jesus Christ is born.”
