Previously, I have explained my decision to become Catholic. I have also explained the influence Fr. Frank Pavone has had on my life. After much planning, I recently found out that Fr. Frank will not be able to come to my Confirmation. I have written a letter to Bishop Zurek about my feelings. It’s posted below.
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Bishop Zurek,
This Sunday, December 4th, I am entering the Catholic Church. My journey has been a long one. I have gone from directing an abortion clinic to a pro-life advocate…my final step is my Confirmation. When I made this decision many months ago, I talked to Father Frank Pavone. Fr. Frank has been a huge influence in my life since I left Planned Parenthood. Because of that, I wanted him to be the person who administered my first Communion. The tentative arrangements had been made. Everything seemed to be falling into place…then he was sent to Amarillo. Now, my plans have come to a screeching halt. I am still getting confirmed, but I am now doing it without Fr. Frank. He has been one of the most influential people in my life…and he can’t be there.
I wanted to share this with you for one reason. The decision to keep Fr. Frank in Amarillo is not just detrimental to the pro-life movement. It is also keeping him from doing what he does best…bringing people to Christ and to the Catholic Church. That is what he is called to do as a priest, and now that ability has been stripped from him. This conflict has now gone far beyond the Diocese of Amarillo. It is affecting many. It is affecting the best day of my life…the day me and my family will become Catholic.
I am not writing this to ask you to do anything. I just needed you to know that your decision has tainted my Confirmation. A very important person in my life will not be present…a person who has led me to the Catholic Church…a person who has stood beside me in difficult times…a person who epitomizes what a priest should be.
Sincerely,
Abby Johnson
Abby, great letter !! Congratulations and welcome to the Catholic Church !!! I know Father Frank will be with you in spirit as we all will be.
In our prayers.. God Bless
Andrea
Hi Abby,I am so happy to hear you are becoming a Catholic. I have to say for some reason I am not surprised it seemed only a matter of time. I am however, so very sorry to hear that Father Frank Pavone will not be able to be the one to give you your first holy communion. However, I am elated to hear that you will be a fellow Catholic. I have tears in my eyes and have been deeply moved by your choice to convert as I have been so moved by your story in general. Thank you for all that you do. May God bless you and your family and all of the lives you have touched.
Much love,
Rachel
God bless you Abby as you come into the Church. I truly empathize with your dismay that Fr. Frank cannot be there. And I would hope that his bishop will bring this situation to a resolution quickly. There is no more dedicated pro-life priest than Fr. Frank and we are feeling his loss greatly.
Hi Abby. I’m sorry that Father Frank couldn’t be with you at Confirmation. I am currently struggling with the decision to join the Catholic Church. I was ready to take the first step with RCIA classes this fall but my wife became ill and when I couldn’t devote enough time to the process I decided to wait. One part of me feels as if I’ve let something very important pass by me but another part still questions if it’s the correct thing to do. What a joy it will be for you to have first Communion with your family present! For me, the thought of having an opportunity to confess my sins and receive absolution from Jesus is both frightening and joyful at the same time. I pray that things work out for Father Frank. I was extremely upset with what recently happened with Father John Corapi as he was an inspiration to me and has led me toward the Church. I’ll say a special prayer for you and yours this Sunday. Congratulations and God Bless.Randy Rainey
Abby, Be assured that nothing and no one of this world has any power to taint your confirmation. May Our Father imbue you with the peace of His Holy Spirit as you embrace the Church His precious Son, Our Saviour, instituted on earth, to reunite each of us, His children.
Very nicely done Abby. Please don’t let them steal your joy on your reception into the church. Truly the Lord has soemthing else in mind for both you and Fr. Frank for this occassion.
Thank you for all you have done for the pro-life movement. You will be in our prayers.
Kathy Swanson
Congratulations Abby! It fills me with joy to know that you will be joining us. You are a great inspiration to me. As President of an extremely new pro-life group on my campus sometimes I lose focus on what I need to be doing. Sometimes I become discouraged wondering if I really can make a difference, if I have what it takes to spearhead the assault against abortion. Thank you for all you do! I’m sorry to hear about what has happened with Fr. Frank. I applaud him for having obedience to the Bishop. I understand that the Bishop is worried about Fr. Frank’s head getting too big for a priest. I’ve felt the same way about Fr. Frank at times, he is first and foremost a priest. I know he’s your friend, but don’t let his absence take away from what will truly occur this sunday. It’s all about God. God Bless you Abby!
Abby,I am so excited for you to become Catholic this Sunday! I have met Fr. Frank a few times and interviewed him for a prolife documentary I did 5 or 6 years ago, and he certainly is as you put it perfectly, “a person who epitomizes what a priest should be.” I feel so bad for you that on your day, actually a day for the whole church as we rejoice with heaven in your coming home to Christ’s Church, that Fr. Frank can’t be there with you. All I can say is that if Bishop Zurek, does not change his mind, if you could offer the sacrifice up to our Lord for the conversion of the Bishop himself, that he will allow Fr. Frank to do the will of God as he has for many many years…
God Bless you on your day, and your family as well!
Vince
Abby, congratulations in advance on your confirmation! Welcome to the Catholic Church. It is a shame that Father Frank can’t be with you on your special day. Your letter is very well written and I hope it moves the heart of the bishop.I admire your courage in telling your story and I loved your book. I think it is wonderful that you will be a part of the Catholic family. I will keep you and your family in my prayers.
Praised be Jesus Christ!
Abby, I am filled with such great joy. You have been kind and candid enough to open so many people into a very personal part of your life, Fr. Frank included. All who have read your book have indeed been affected by it.
Welcome, my sister.
Fr. Frank means more to you than I can begin to think, and I’m sure you connect him deeply with the faith of jesus Christ communicated in its fulness through the Catholic Church.
Let the pain you feel be redemptive by joining it to the cross of Christ in intercession for the good conclusion of his situation.
Know many people’s prayers will be with you.
I am so happy to hear of your coming HOME to our beautiful Faith. Many blessings on your special day, and for the rest of your life. I am sorry about Fr. Frank not being able to be there….He has been influential in my life as well. Wishing you blessings, peace, and comfort…..
Dear Sister in Christ, I am so sad that Father Frank can’t be there. This makes me want to cry. I love Father Frank too. If it had not been for him..whom I met only one brief shining moment, it would have been tempting to step back and not do pro-life work very much. He kept me going because I know with all my heart how sincere he is..it is in his eyes, in his words, his actions. We stood by and watched as he helped bring others into our Catholic faith…folks who it seemed only a miracle would change their hearts! He uses the Gifts of the Holy Spirit so beautifully and although not huge in stature..he is huge in love and courage. At least you know an all but saint helped bring you to the Faith..it is the only thing that can help during this time of your Confirmation. You know he is very much there in spirit, as we all are. This letter to the Bishop is a wonderful tribute to our dear brother in Christ and I thank you for it! Love, Suzanne
Welcome home Abby! The decision to keep Fr Pavone in Amarillo may be a disappointment, but in no way does it taint your confirmation… rest assured, there will be many praying for you and I am sure that includes Fr Pavone. Part of what I love about Father is that he is willing to humble and submit himself to his bishop, just as he is supposed to. While I am sure he would choose to be there, just remember that the witness he leaves for others is just as important. We need more priests that remember that they are not a lone voice and if he can follow directives, how much easier is it for us, the laity?
Hi Abby!Congratulations!!! The Church welcomes you with open arms! I am 15 and have only been Catholic for five years, but I LOVE it!!! It warms my heart to know that you and your family are becoming Catholic. I also just wanted to let you know that you are a huge role model for me and thanks to you I plan on being a Pro-life advocate when I get older. God has blessed you with the amazing gift to be able to speak about the truth of abortion and PP; you are saving lives!!! I love you and you are forever in my prayers!
Abby, congratulations! I’m sorry that a dear friend is unable to be there for your entrance into the church. Just remember that you’ll be receiving Christ no matter which priest it is from. We are called to be obedient to the mother church, lay and religious alike.
Congratulations, Abby!
People come and go in our lives throughout our lives, sometimes we are blessed by their presence and love for a time. Other times the encounter is brief yet the love we shared continues to remain with us along the journey. You will be receiving Christ! Body Blood, Soul and Divinity…Jesus Christ!! It just doesn’t get any better this side of Heaven, honey! Although Fr. Frank will not be the first to feed you from that banquet he nonetheless guided you home. He led you to the source of life that will lead you the rest of the way home where we will all partake together…forever. I would say he has been a “Good and faithful servant…” Hold Father Frank and his brother priests close in prayer with Jesus as you receive Him for the first time. God Bless you, always.
Congratulations Abby,I know Fr. Frank is very proud of you!
I will keep you in my prayers as you
enter your journey into the Catholic faith.
Blessings and peace in the Lord,
Sheila
… “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.” MLK, Jr.
Abby, I believe when it comes to our faith and we are set on things being a certain way, God sometimes says it’s going to be His way. You are doing this for Him, and for your soul. Ultimately, that’s what’s important. God works in mysterious ways, and His ways are not our ways. But He is doing something In Father Pavone’s life right now, and He is doing something in your faith life right now…but on the night of your confirmation, all you should be thinking about is that permanent mark on your soul, and receiving Christ, and the fullness of the Holy Spirit. It doesn’t matter who God chooses to administer these things to you…what does matter is that you receive them. God bless you and keep you, all the days of your life.
Abby,I want to welcome you to the Catholic Church! You are becoming a part of the one, Holy, Catholic, & Apostolic Church in communion with the angels and the saints!
Jesus Christ founded His Church so that justice and peace could prevail. We are called to humble ourselves and obey.
Father Pavone is a great example to all of us. He has done great things to save babies lives and maybe more importantly to save the souls of mothers and fathers and abortion providers who experience conversion and repent. He is humbling himself and obeying his bishop.
Bishop Zurek has received his authority through apostolic succession and he does not make decisions without deep prayer and discernment. Father Frank is to be commended for his humility and obedience.
We should all pay attention and follow his example in following the Church’s teachings and our bishops directions. We must make ourselves smaller and less important so that Jesus, Our Lord, may grow larger and more important. Only then will we experience the grace and beauty of the Kingdom of God.
May God Bless you and your family on this most special of days as you continue your journey. Peace be with you!
Abby, I am so sorry to hear that the person who was instrumental in your conversion will be unable to attend your confirmation.
Miracles do happen though, so I will pray that one will happen for you on that special day.
I also believe it is time for Bishop Zurek to free Fr. Frank.
Abby, I’m glad you took the time to express your feelings and write a letter. Bishops need to know how their decisions are affecting the flock, and what an influence Fr. Frank has been to you. I believe he will be there in spirit and will continue to affect your life in a profound way. In some ways you are doing work that would not have been possible without him and now, you are carrying the torch in his stead. This is no small matter. God will always bring more torch-bearers into the world. I will keep you and Father Frank in my prayers. Most of all, right now I just want to say that I am so happy for you and am delighted to welcome you Home! 🙂 And your whole family. My husband and infant son became Catholic the same night in April 1995 and what a joyous moment it was for me, a cradle Catholic, to know they would be with me in my faith journey. Welcome to you all!
Abby,
Congratulations and welcome to the Church of Christ!!!
I am so sorry that Fr Frank wont be there. He too has been very instrumental in bringing me back to the Catholic Church. My spouse who was once a non practicing Jew also came around because of him. We heard him at a Divine Mercy conference and the rest is history.
I don’t think Fr Frank knows about the impact that he made on my life, my families lives and to others like us. It is very nice to know that your life was also touched by this humble servant of God. I continue to pray that Bishop Zurek understands Fr Frank’s importance not just to the pro life movement but the Church. I call the Amarillo Diocese everyday and sometimes even twice a day to get a Fr Frank update and all I get from a Deacon Ashley is “read the Amarillo Globe.” Anyway, I continue to pray for this diocese and it’s leadership.
For what its worth Abby, I truly believe that God loves you so much that he used Fr Frank (a future saint in His Church) as an instrument to bring you back home.
God Bless you and the precious babies you protect!
We love you,
The Anapolous Family
Abby,
First of all, congratulations on becoming Catholic! Your conversion story is incredibly powerful and your testimony has had a profound impact on countless individuals. I can’t help but wonder if Bishop Zurek has taken the time to consider just how extensive and far-reaching the repercussions of his actions have been. This situation strikes me as somewhat odd – for all practical purposes Fr. Frank seems to be basically imprisoned in Amarillo. If he is indeed a priest in good standing, as Monsignor Waldow confirmed several weeks ago, then why does he not have permission to travel to your Confirmation? Given that he would have been unable to give you Communion anyway (not having the ability to administer the sacraments outside the Amarillo diocese), I can’t see what fault Bishop Zurek could possibly have found with a simple request for Fr. Frank’s presence at the ceremony.
Thank you for the courage and conviction you have demonstrated in your journey to seek the Truth over the past couple of years.
I really wonder what this Bishop was thinking when he did this to Father Frank? Did he consider all the lives that would be affected by his unjust treatment of this good priest? Or was he just thinking of his own axe he was grinding? And why can’t Father Frank confirm Abby? Is he being held captive in Amarillo?
Abby is a sign of hope for all of us sinners, while the Bishop is a sign of what we hope against – hardened hearts that do their own will instead of God’s..
Congratulations, Abby! We are Anglo-Catholics and have often considered becoming Roman Catholics. Maybe we will make the journey one of these days.I am sorry about Father Frank, and it is good you wrote the letter. There is much injustice, as you know, but as Christians we know God will turn it all into grace. He will bless you and work his own miracles on your day of Confirmation.
This day is all about you and Christ. Father Frank pointed you to Our Lord and his Body, the Church. He will rejoice that he was part of this uniting.
Blessings to you and your family,
Christine
Welcome home Abby! God bless you and your family … I will be praying for you. And though it is sad that Father Frank cannot come … God bless him for his obedience. God will bring good out of all things! I am so happy for you! (40 DFL leader)
All of my love and prayers for you and your family during this special time. Father Frank is a wonderful inspiration to us all and it is so special that he has touched your life in such a personal way. History tells us the stories of many of our saints who are restricted, silenced, even hidden from the people they are meant to serve. As believers we know that GOD is more powerful than our human persons and definitely able to bring glory out of any situation. This situation is perplexing to say the least, but time will show us the wonder of God’s plans for Father Frank, the Bishop and you. All are loved by our Lord and I believe that Father Frank is truly the man and priest I have believed him to be, his actions in this matter speak louder than any words. God bless you and your beautiful family.
I know you’re disappointment well. My daughter’s Godfather is a priest and was unable to attend her Christening. But in spirit he was there and so will Father Frank be at your Confirmation. Symbolically and personally, it would be wonderful if he could attend, but it will still be a wonderful joyous occasion regardless. For me, with my daughter’s Christening, I had to look long and hard to see what God wanted. I didn’t want to, I didn’t like it, but I made myself do it. May God’s grace bless you through this experience and welcome to the family!
Abby,
I am so happy that now is the time that the LORD has chosen for you to be united with His one holy and apostolic Church. I am still on my own journey to the place where you have now arrived, as I have been waiting to come into the Church for 3 years. I celebrate with you in this tremendous event in your life!
Recognize in your disappointments, that there are no circumstances in our lives outside of God’s control. In this, understand that God is ordaining all things for our good (Romans 8:28), even when we can’t see the way ahead, or we can’t understand the bend that the road has taken. I encourage you to rest in God’s divine Providence in your situation as you gain a greater awareness of these words.
Know that God has placed all your authorities in the positions which they hold over you, and He has called each of us to be obedient to them (Romans 13: 1-7). Recognize, also, that any sufferings which we experience are not “bad.” Suffering calls us into a deeper fellowship with our LORD and Savior, Jesus Christ. The Saints before us experienced great suffering and disappointments in their lives. However, they recognized God’s divine Providence and met Him there in the midst of their tribulations. They were sanctified through their suffering. Understand that God may be calling you into a deeper fellowship with Himself through this very situation. Do not allow any circumstance of this earth to steal your joy. l Thessalonians 5: 18, “give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” Remember to take your eyes off of human attachments and place them on Jesus. l John 1: 3b, “…And our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son, Jesus Christ.” Christ is all you need!
I hope that these words have helped you. I couldn’t be happier for you in this momentous event. I want to leave you with the words of ll Corinthians 13: 14, “May the grace of the LORD Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you now and always.” Amen.
Resting in His divine Providence and amazing grace,
Diane Smith
Welcome Home, Abby.
I agree that Bishop Zurek has adversely influenced pro life work by sequestering Fr. Pavone, and wish the latter clergyman could have been with you, on your auspicious day. Some of the U.S. Bishops might want to ignore the very necessary connection of pro-life ideology and activity with the advance of civilization, but the Catholic Church Itself ‘gets it’.
The Church is SLOOOOOOOW, and this is connected to Its longevity. Things will come around for Fr. Pavone, eventually.
Prayers for you and your family.
KB
Abby,
First, I would like to say that I was very touched by your story and it brings a smile to my heart. Jesus-1 , Satan-0! How someone can work for planned parenthood, an organization built up purely on the evils of society to becoming a servant of God amazes me. The catholic faith amazes me everyday! You bring hope to us all and in a world like this, we need that. I wish you nothing but well wishes on your confirmation day. Know that although Fr Frank will not be there physically, he will be there spiritually and that is something the bishop can not put a stop to.
Secondly,although your story fills me with happiness and courage and binds my faith to the catholic church even more than ever now, this Fr Frank situation really worries me. Is this a war? a classic battle between good and evil? How can a priest whose led two lost souls, yourself and Norma McCorvey’s, hand in hand, right up to the lord himself and be silenced? I pray everyday that someone takes this unholy blindfold off Bishop Zureck so he can finally see the damage he has done and put an end to this madness. I urge the bishop to set right what he has done wrong and be on our side, the side of saving babies.
Christina
Good morning, Abby:
Congratulations again and welcome once more to the Catholic Church.
I just wanted to say that one of your posters here mentioned calling the Amarillo diocese and was directed by Deacon Ashley to read a newspaper.
As a Catholic, it is a little disconcerting to hear (or read in this case), that a diocese would tell people to get their answers at a website. Perhaps there was some confusion or misunderstanding somewhere along the way?
Either way, we all need to gather together and pray for the immediate return of Fr. Frank.
Again, Abby, congratulations and welcome to the Catholic church.
Abby,
My curiousity got the better of me and I called the Amarillo diocese myself.
To say I am shocked at what I was told is an understatement.
Abby, I invite your supporters and friends to contact the Amarillo Diocese at (806) 383-2243 number and please ask to be connected to Deacon Ashley.
If they ask what the status is now between Fr. Frank and Bishop Zurek or ask if Fr. Frank Pavone can come home for Christmas to be with his family, they will be suprised at what they will be told.
After speaking with Deacon Ashley and being told what I was told, I am not surprised as to why Fr. Frank may not be at your confirmation since he was not even allowed to go home for Thanksgiving. Now what about Christmas?
Again, the Amarillo Diocese number is (806) 383-2243.
Abby,
I admire you for speaking up and bringing attention to the fact that Bishop Zurek’s actions have had a negative impact on many people, including yourself, beyond just Fr. Frank. One angle of this situation that everyone seems to be ignoring is the string of unfortunate consequences which have resulted from his approach. The continued existence of several other ministries which depend on Priests for Life for financial support, such as Rachel’s Vineyard, Silent No More and Stand True, has been jeopardized by the all-out assault Bishop Zurek decided to wage on Father Frank’s reputation. It always takes a great deal of time for all of the facts to surface in these types of situations, and I’m sure you would agree with me that it would be tragic if the world’s largest ministry for healing after abortion went under in the meantime.
God bless you,
Bobbi
God Bless you Abby! Stay strong in your fight and in your faith! Our prayers and love are with you and with Fr. Frank.God Bless you on your special day!
Lisa
Caroline,
Although it is disconcerting to hear that a diocese would direct someone to a website for answers it saddens me to say that it is nothing short of the truth. I myself have tried calling the diocese multiple times looking for answers and guidance with no avail. I was told on several occasions to look to the amarillo globe if i want answers. When Deacon Ashley first spoke those words i was so confused and upset, I thought, “hey! wait a minute now, your a bishop, aren’t you suppose to be guiding me?” but i prayed on this for days and I’ve come to some peace of mind finally. I understand there is a battle going on here and I will not let evil poison my mind. I will continue to support Priest For Life and Fr Frank until some kind of REAL evidence of fraud comes to light. I do not agree with the way the Amarillo Diocese is handling the situation and quite frankly i don’t agree with the bishops actions of imprisoning a perfectly innocent priest but i do agree that we all need to pray. We need to pray all day and all night until this is resolved. We need to pray for PFL, Fr Frank, Bishop Zurek, Abby, the unborn and all those on the front line. I pray this comes to an end soon so Fr Frank can enjoy the holiday in peace and with loved ones.
Welcome home! My prayers this week will include all your intentions.
Please be at peace over Fr. Pavone. Whether his Bishop is right or wrong about this, it is a blessing to have a priest submit and humble himself. In this way, Fr. Pavone is witnessing to a difficult teaching. Consider this a test, one that has felled many a ‘famous’ priest, and proven many a saint. If he is in the right, God Himself will vindicate him.
Congratulations Abby! Welcome to the Catholic Church. I am a recent convert to Catholisism once more and have found my peace with the Lord.
I am so sorry that Fr. Frank will not be able to be present for your confirmation. He is a good priest and a wonderful figure and voice in the pro-life movement.
I will tell my prayer group to pray for a miracle that Fr. Frank will be able to make it to your confirmation.
Again, congratulations and a warm welcome to you.
Dearest Abby, you make me and my family very proud of you. The youngest of my grandchildren who is in middle school always talks about you and looks up to you.
I am so happy that you are now a part of our Catholic family. I know it is bitter sweet for you that Fr. Frank will not be there but I am sure he will be with you in spirit.
We will always continue to pray for Bishop Zurek to see the light and to stop his persecution of Fr. Frank and to let him go.
Bless you, Abby. Bless you.
Pardon me, but I forgot to add that it seems to be very quiet between Fr. Frank and Bishop Zurek. Has the Bishop agreed to a mediator? Perhaps “mediator” is not the right word to say but rather a “witness” is more appropriate in their case.
My family and I will be contacting our local diocese and will try to get our bishop to step up and get involved already.
I read from one of your posters below that it was rumored that Fr. Frank was not allowed to go home to spend Thanksgiving with his family but if that rumor was true and he is still not allowed to go to your confirmation, well, in my eyes, that is very “Un-Catholic” of him.
Be well, Abby. Keep your faith. We need more warriors like you and need your strength in the pro-life movement just as we need Fr. Frank back in this fight to end abortion.
Bobbi,
“he continued existence of several other ministries which depend on Priests for Life for financial support, such as Rachel’s Vineyard, Silent No More and Stand True, has been jeopardized by the all-out assault Bishop Zurek decided to wage on Father Frank’s reputation”
This is my fear, people are only seeing the surface. They aren’t grasping the snowball effect that will take place if Bishop Zurek continues on this path of destruction. Not everyone understands that by not supporting PFL several other ministries will go down as well. As catholics we can not allow this to happen. It would be devastating.
Kimberly,
I’ve tried to look at it through the whole “test” perspective and although i respect everyones opinion it’s just a little unsettling to me. This isn’t just testing a priest, this is far beyond it, it is contradicting our whole faith and religion and by our very own might I add, not even by those who already deem it questionable. I refuse to believe this is some sort of test while thousands of innocent unborn babies are being slaughtered daily. We can not afford to have one of our most prominent pro-life speakers sitting on the sidelines while the blood of the innocent is being still being shed.
Abby,
Please, if there is anything you know of that I can do to persuade the Bishop to reconsider please please let me know.
God bless you Abby in your special day and welcome into the Catholic Church! Be assured that Fr. Frank will be with you in spirit and you and your family will be in my prayers. Thank you for saving lives.
Abby,
Welcome to the fold! To say we are thrilled to have you would be an understatement. I was especially struck by your comment: “The decision to keep Father Frank in Amarillo is not just detrimental to the pro-life movement. It is also keeping him from doing what he does best…bringing people to Christ and to the Catholic Church.” Thank you for sharing these beautiful words, and for articulating so clearly an aspect of this situation that has been largely overlooked. Even though I’m a cradle Catholic who deeply loves her Faith, I’m having a hard time understanding – in light of the countless post-abortive men and women out there who are desperately in need of help – how Fr. Frank’s God-given talents are being best utilized for the good of the entire Body of Christ in his current situation. As you made clear in your letter, Father Frank possesses a unique ability for reaching out to these “walking wounded” and helping them find the healing they need. All pro-lifers know that next year’s presidential election will be of enormous consequence in charting the course of our nation’s future. Is it just me, or do you also find it odd that he was pulled off the battlefield at such a critical moment?
Congratulations many times over, Abby!
Congratulations Abby! From your letter to Bishop Zurek, it really sounds like you want Fr. Frank to be there with you. I’m so sorry to hear that he will be unable to attend. I will pray for both you and Fr. Frank.
Would you know if there is anything we can do to help or try to make this possible? Please let us know.
God bless you and welcome to the Catholic Faith!
JMJBless be GOD!
Dear Abby,
Many saints were put aside… If GOD allows it, there is a reason. GOD is Love, GOD is Just; GOD is not on Fr,s side…Fr. Frank Pavone IS ON GOD’s side…nothing to worry; the victory is his.
Let us keep on praying and in hope say:
JESUS I TRUST IN YOU.
Congratulations! Go out and evangelize
Yours in CHRIST
Fatima
Abby, don’t forget, Father Frank may not be there but Jesus will and he’s all that matters. Let Him be your God, and rest will take care of itself. I love you. Gina
Abby,
The whirl wind of different emotions i feel when i here your story and the Fr Frank situation has me spinning.. I’m happy, I’m sad, I’m joyful, I’m anxious, I’m most certainly hopeful, but most of all I am so confused. I understand the devotion and love you have for Fr Frank because i was saved by him and his ministry as well. See, i am a post abort, and i was walking down a very dark lonely path of drugs, alcohol, and depression until I had the privilege to hear Fr Pavone speak. Just the strength and passion in his voice was enough to move me and lift me up. After hearing him my life took a turn for the best and I will never forget it. I owe him my life. I know thats a bit much to say, but i truly would not be here today if it were not for him. I’m very sorry to hear that the man who helped you find your way back to the lord will not be there for your confirmation. Please know and never forget that Fr Pavone is very proud of you as he is very proud of anyone who follows in the path of our savior. A simple priest can change the life of many if that is what God wills him to do. I’d say it’s very clear that God has blessed Fr Pavone with the talent to save lives and restore faith, so why is he not doing Gods will? Well.. i guess that is a question best answered by Bishop Zurek, If he would be considerate enough to answer.
God Bless
Zita
It is very disheartening in what Bishop Zurek is doing to Fr. Frank. It is evident Father Pavone is being used as an instrument of God. Thank you Abby for your letter and sharing this. We as the Catholic Church have to stick together. A family that prays together stays together. We must remember the spiritual warfare battle is between us and the devil. Not between Bishop Zurek and Fr. Frank or “us” against “them”. We live in an imperfect community and in an imperfect world. However, we must not let that discourage us to strive to be perfect. Consequently, which means this should not hinder us from eliminating abortion 100%. Every ounce of effort and energy counts as it will be magnified 100x fold by the Holy Spirit. As you go through your confirmation Abby please ask the Holy Spirit to come down and bless you and the church. To enlighten us and light a fire within all of us to do what is right and to God’s will. We must end abortion yesterday. Not now, not tomorrow or in the future. We need a sense of urgency. With that sense of urgency we ask the Holy Spirit to fill us with His grace, patience, understanding, wisdom and knowledge to do great things.
Bishop Zurek – we humbly ask you do great things within the church not to be envious or jealous of people who do great things. Be the solution and not the problem. Be the shepherd of the church as a bishop should be. God bless and go forth.
God bless you Abby. FREE FATHER FRANK!!! FREE FATHER FRANK!!!
November 30, 2011
Abby, Congratulations and welcome to come into our Roman Catholic Church.
Respect Father Pavone, all of us are very upset with his situation, but the best news is that the base he made with Respect Life, nobody could destroy what GOD permited.
God Bless you and your family and keep Hope,
Olimpia
Dear Abby,Congratulations!! We are all so proud of you. Your book was great. God love you. The following is a letter we wrote to Troy Newman after I received the news from him about your letter to Bishop Zurek:
How many more lives has Bishop Zurek negatively affected and how many babies not saved???? This stinks!!! What about the upcoming Walk and March for Life that Father Frank has influenced and attended in past years? Why can’t Bishop Zurek’s superiors do something about this scandal? What can we do? Doesn’t the Church care about one of its best priests? Is Bishop Zurek abusing the virtue of Father Frank’s obedience? If the real reason for putting Father Frank on ice ever comes out, it just might have something political behind it since Father Frank is so effective, especially during elections! Thank you and God love you for all you and Operation Rescue do, Troy.
John and Elaine Testa
Supporters of Father Frank and
Future Missionaries of the Gospel of Life
I believe that Fr. Pavone and Fr. Caropi need to do what God intended them to do, God bless them.
I am a devout Catholic and would like to see politics go away. it is not of God!
Respectfully,
LMR
Congratulations, Abby! You are a brave woman and it’s amazing to watch God’s plan for someone’s life unfolding before our eyes. That’s exactly what we are witnessing with you.
I have no doubt Bishop Zurek is working for the other side. None at all. But why…WHY isn’t anyone else in the Church stepping in on Fr. Frank’s behalf?
Why aren’t we doing what Fr. Frank taught us to do and organizing peaceful, prayerful 24 hour a day protests outside the bishop’s residence and the place where Fr. Frank is sequestered? What’s that saying about the only way evil advances is when good men do nothing?
If the Church won’t hold Zurek accountable for what he’s doing, then we can at least be a presence both for Fr. Frank, and to help call attention to this man’s abuse of his power on behalf of whoever got to him.
It is so sad to see persecution from within the ranks of the Church. I guess it has been thus from the beginning that Judas has his successors as well, but woe to he through whom this evil comes.
John
Welcome Home, Abby! You have no idea how inspiring your book was to read!! You are a courageous soul!!Your letter to Bishop Zurek reminded me of that bravery! It brought tears to my eyes… As you probably already know, Fr. Frank was also God’s instrument in leading Roe from Roe vs. Wade, Norma McCorvey, home to the Catholic Church. He certainly is an amazing man. He may not be with you physically, but, know he will be with you spiritually for that special day.. so will so many! God Bless You!!!!!!!!!!!! 🙂
I am a convert of almost 3 years, and it was through the prolife movement and among other things that brought me to the Catholic church. It is not easy, as you probally already know,but it is worth every minute of it. I will be praying for you. I wish Fr.Pavone was not being treated the way he is. I got to meet him last spring and I felt like I was speaking to a Saint. I also hope that one day I will get the privelage to meet you too. I have been praying for you for years although I did not know your name. You’re beautiful and changing people’s hearts and lives. Keep up the good work and God love ya. God bless,
Sarah
Dearest Abby,
Your story reminds me of the story of the little boy and the starfishes in the beach. It goes something like this:
An old man saw a little boy walking down the beach and was picking something up and gently throwing it back in the ocean. When the old man approached the boy, he asked him what he was doing. The boy told the old man that he was throwing the starfishes back in the ocean because the surf was up and it was now low tide. If he didn’t throw them back in the ocean, they were going to die. The old man said to the boy: “Don’t you realize there are miles and miles of beach and hundreds of starfish? You can’t make a difference.”
After listening politely, the boy bent down, picked up another starfish,and threw it back into the surf. Then, smiling at the man, he said: “I made a difference for that one.”
You are Fr. Frank’s starfish, Abby. A stranded starfish no more.
We need more people like yourself who can help in making Fr. Frank walk that stretch of beach that we call life, so he can continue this fight to save lives and make a difference for each one saved.
Although Fr. Frank will not be around for your confirmation and your hurt and disappointment can be felt in the words you have written to Bishop Zurek, I am sure Fr. Frank is still proud of you and what you have accomplished.
Perhaps, one day … you may be able to see and speak with Fr. Frank when he is back full time in the pro-life movement.
Congratulations, once more and may the Lord bless you and the pro-life work that you do.
Hi Abby,
My prayers are with you. As you become a full member of the Church, i pray that the Holy Spirit will use your talents to spread God’s message of love to whomever He sends you.
I have sent several letters to Bishop Zurek but it seem to have all fallen into deaf ears. May not this create an early disillusion of the Church. I pray rather that it will make you even more strong and solid in your faith.
God’s blessings always,
Jose
God allows many trying times in our life; to purify us… drawing us deeper into holiness. This is our call, to be saints. We must respond to each moment of life with trust in God, living with the joy of Christ and His peace… witnessing by our actions that we are Christians. Read about any saint, and you will see them tested and tested again, but they always followed the Will of God… which is to obey our superiors in humility. When we live in the holy Will of God, great graces are drawn down! Wow… let us all participate in that tremendous blessing of the good Lord, God Almighty.Remember, Abby, your special day of coming into the fullness of the faith is about your relationship with God, not your relationship with Fr. Pavone. You know that Fr. will be with you in spirit, praising God for the good things He has done in your life.
Welcome home, Abby!
John and Elaine,
Finally! I was very happy to read your post. I guess I’m not the only one that thinks its a little suspicious that Fr Frank was pulled out around such a critical time. Coincidence? I think not..
If i had to guess.. I would say that there is blood money involved.
Bishop Zurek, there is still time for you. Our lord forgives.
While our hearts are breaking, we need to keep in mind the lesson of Padre Pio and many, many others who were called to obedience while on the path to sainthood. We need to understand that only the Holy Spirit can and will settle the matter. For even though we do not know God’s plan, we must walk with Him in trust. Please pray for all our Bishops. There seems to be a need………….Tess
Way to go Abby! Congrats!
Abby,
First of all, congratulations and welcome to the Catholic Church! I want you to know that I took Caroline’s advice and called the Amarillo diocese yesterday since I wanted to find out for myself exactly what the story is with Father Frank. I encourage everyone concerned about this situation to do the same – you will be surprised by what you hear. The number is (806) 383-2243.
Thank you for your heartfelt letter to Bishop Zurek.
I am so sorry that Fr. Frank will be unable to attend your confirmation.
However, just a quick question: Is it the bishop of Amarillo who is not giving his permission for Fr. Frank to be there for your special occasion? Doesnt the bishop of Austin have to give his permission as well?
Abby, if there is anything we can do for you to “help move mountains” so to speak, please let us know.
Dear Abby,
Your message is powerful. The previous message is very interesting, since it seems politics is everywhere these days, but it should NOT be some places where it is. May God bless you,
Sea Level
Congraulations Welcome Home Sister, may we meet in heaven one day.I want to personally thank you for your LIGHT, and TRUTH. Because of you and others like you, young women are choosing LIFE. I got to see my unborn 20 week old grandaughter for the first time yesterday. So excited to have a new life. Remember to offer that First Holy Communion for Father Frank. Because dear your prayers are very powerful on that most Holy day, may they be taken to the throne of God!Know that God named you ABBY for a reason, nothing happens by chance!
The meaning of the name Abby is ‘Father in rejoicing’, so know that the FATHER is indeed rejoicing that you have come home, he will hold you close to his sacred heart on that day! And he holds your family in his hands. Thank you for your book and for standing up for the truth. I will go to Mass and offer it for you! May God guard you with his most holy angels and may all the holy souls intercede for you on your day!
Sister n Christ- Cathy
Congratulations Abby! Welcome home dear sister in Christ!Tears filled my eyes and saddness filled my heart as I read your letter to the Bishop. I’m so sorry that Fr Frank will not be in attendence but I’m sure he is present in spirit.
I most appreciate the quality, charity,and humility of the letter. The final sentence of the letter, in respecting the Bishop’s decision, speaks volumes of you total embrace of our holy faith. Thank you for your witness to me and anyone who might be tempted to lash out in anger to the Bishop.
I am a supporter of Fr Frank Pavone and I saw him in our ProLIFE rallies in Austin some years back.
I do not know what’s keeping Bishop Zurek to do what should be done. I cannot speculate nor make insinuations.
What I know is he still IS a prince of the Church, and as such, I must pray for him. Jesus prayed for Judas until the last moment. Jesus loved Judas until the last moment. And I’m sure Jesus still loves him now despite everything because Jesus cannot contradict Himself: he is LOVE. Judas might not want His love, and that is his choice.
In the same way we are called to love everyone. Including His Excellency Bishop Zurek. I might not like personally what he id doing, but I MUST pray for him. I must love him. The moment I begin to judge him, then I start not to love him.
It is difficult to love everyone, if not impossible. Only by the grace of Jesus I could do so.
Oh Jesus, I am nothing without You!
Congratulations, Abby, on your Confirmation! Although I understand what you mean by “tainted” in regards to your disappointment, the Sacrament of Confirmation will be far from that! I am a convert and I don’t even recall the “presence” of others, except the presence of God and being filled with the Holy Spirit on that glorious,special day when I entered into the fullness of the Church! I will pray for you and your family and that your Confirmation is far from being tainted as you become a soldier for Christ. God bless your good works in His Holy Name!
The streets of Hell are paved with the skulls of cowardly bishops. I pray that this man doesn’t turn out to be one of them.
Let us pray that the good Bishop will not only let Father join Abby, but will let him march in the Walk For Life and also to show that he is not a bad guy, he also will join Father in these activities. How many lives has this good bishop saved in all of his Church activities: unborn, born, young & old?? +JMJ+
I am very sad at the way Father Frank is being treated. He has done so much for the unborn Babies as well as for fighting for the rights of the elderly and sick who does not have a say in whether they live or die. I just want to thank you for your Love for all People and your Love for our Lord Jesus Christ. God Bless and keep you always. Margaret Lindsey
Hi Abby!
I am thrilled to hear that you are recieving your confirmation! May the lord be with you always. Although there will be an emptiness in the room that day I am glad to hear that you will still continue on even with Fr Pavones absence. I can go on and on about how upsetting this all is, but words can not express it. I believe I can speak for many that we are happy to have you join our faith but shame on the bishop for welcomening you in this way. This is a special occasion, we should rejoice. This whole controversy should be set aside and Fr Pavone should be aloud to welcome you with open arms. After all, the best day of your life should be remembered with good memories to look back on, memories of friends, family, and the priest whose helped you see the light, Fr Pavone. Have a wonderful confirmation and welcome!
Liza
Hi Abby,
Note that I do not say “Dear Abby”, as that belongs to someone else. Ha Ha. Seriously, I have begun praying to the Blessed Mother for you so that you may have your wish granted and especially that you may be comforted. I do understand the grief you must feel. I had a priest who could not do my wedding because he became ill and that was a real disappointment. Abby, you are cherished and loved by you Catholic brothers and sisters. I will pray for you. I ask Our Lady to answer your prayer. In the meantime you could give thought to another priest for backup. Ours here in Richardson is like Fr Frank. Abby, you are a wonderful person to completely convert as you have. Our Lord and our Lady are proud of you and so am I. I joined the Pro-life movement as a young boy and I joined the Right To Life League in Southern California in 1971. I spoke to people and I even went on TV. The Blessed Mother has helped me when I nearly died of an unforeseen heart attack 2 years ago and since then we lost our home and had to move from the area we love and other horrible events and the Blessed Mother has come through for me to help me. When my wonderful mother died some years ago I thought life would forever be dead for me because she really was this young man’s best friend. Since then Our Lord and Our Blessed Mother have shown me their loyalty and love. I pray she comforts you and helps you. I also have come to accept that some suffering is necessary and can be used to bless Jesus and Mary and our lost brothers and sisters and indeed for the unborn. Offer all you sufferings up for the unborn to Jesus and to Mary as the babies and we need you. You are a gift of affirmation. Do not let any person or Satan steal your joy. You are a gift of love and do not let any hurts attack your faith. Our faith is for us to become holy so that we can lead others to our Lord. Watch the movie: The Miracle of Our Lady of Fatima (made in 1952) and you will understand. Please lets continue dialog and I will keep you in my prayers. I have a daughter your age. Go get ’em girl! God Bless you fellow saint of our Holy Catholic Church. I wish I could be there for you. Call or email me anytime sweetheart.
Love and Blessings,
James
(949)459-2888
Abby, as I was reading thru what people are saying here in your blog, I have read a few that mentioned they contacted the Amarillo diocese so I called there myself to try and appeal on your behalf.
At first I was transfered to an Eva’s voice mail then when I called back again to try and get a hold of someone, Eva picked up but would not answer my questions. She only directed me to Deacon Ashley but I also got a voice mail again.
When I called back and again was transfered to Deacon Ashley, I was informed that they have no comment on the matter.
I am very appalled.
Please know that I will still try to appeal for you. I will be calling their diocese a lot! Everyday if I have to!
First, congratulations on your upcoming Confirmation! I, too, am a convert and I know how amazing it is to finally come home to the Church. I’ll be celebrating the 7th anniversary of my Confirmation and first Communion next week, in fact.
But your Confirmation will not be tainted. I know you wanted Fr. Pavone to be there and administer your first Communion, but the priest or Bishop who does it instead is also God’s chosen minister. I am thankful for Fr. Pavone’s work, and I’m also thankful that is keeping his vow of obedience to his Bishop. I’m sure I don’t know the whole story, but until proven otherwise, I will trust the Bishop’s judgment, since he has been given this authority. I hope I’m not coming across wrong. I’m thrilled at your conversion and will pray and rejoice with you. May God bless you!
I will be praying for you and your family on Sunday. God bless you and Father Frank. I can’t wait to read your book!
Dear Abby,Congratulations!
Recall Our Lord’s words in Luke 8:15– “But that (which fell) on good ground are they who in a good and perfect heart, hearing the word, keep it and bring forth fruit in patience.”
Pray for The Holy Spirit to renew the face of the earth and to shine a bright light on the catholic church this day and every day.
God Love You!
Welcome home Abby! I agree with you, Father Frank has had a tremendous impact on many people. He was and still remains a force against evil, and hopefully he will return among us. The world needs him. When obedience to a bishop gets in the way of spreading God’s message then something is not right. Time for Bishop Zurek to examine his conscience.
Oh Abby, I am sooooo proud of you! May God bless you & our blessed Mother put her mantle over you! Thank you for opening your eyes to the unborn!!! I’m also so sorry about your disappointment with Bishop Zurek. You are not alone. Many Texans are not happy with what he did. Though many Bishops are doing the same thing. They need our prayers so much! They are not listening to God & are falling away from what God wants for his people Father Pavone was doing what God wanted him to do! I don’t understand it either, but I do know God is not smiling on Bishop Zurek. That’s OK. He will be judged when he goes before God & he better have a good reason for doing what he did to Father Pavone. I’m glad I’m not in Bishop Zurek’s shoes! God is smiling on you now & he will lead & guide you on your wonderful holy day and each day of your life! And rest assured….Father Pavone will be with you on your special day; in prayer as will my family & all those that have posted here. Congratulations again & may God bless your life always! With love in Christ, Linda
P.S. James….I will be praying for you too! Loved your message!
Congradulations!!! My love and prayer goes with you!!!As the Catholic Priest, you will be in my thoughs and prayers. With all due respect, at the present time we do not have a leader. Most of our bishops live out of touch and like Kings. They do not want to listen thir sheep.
I cannot believie that other bishops cannot speak up or to help this issiue fix for the good of people and the unity of the Church they supose to serve.
I can only give them words of Jesus our true shaperd:
Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples: 2 “The teachers of the law and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat. 3 So you must be careful to do everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach. 4 They tie up heavy, cumbersome loads and put them on other people’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to lift a finger to move them.
13 “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You shut the door of the kingdom of heaven in people’s faces. You yourselves do not enter, nor will you let those enter who are trying to. [14] [b]
15 “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You travel over land and sea to win a single convert, and when you have succeeded, you make them twice as much a child of hell as you are.
23 “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former. 24 You blind guides! You strain out a gnat but swallow a camel.
By Jesus Christ
Abby,
First things first: Praise be God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ for what the Holy Spirit has wrought in your life!!! I rejoice with you and for you, Abby!
Second, the title of this column and the date of your entry into the Catholic Church is my birthday. I am honored to share December 4 with you for separate but equally special reasons.
Third, I applaud on you on your decision to write your letter to Bishop Patrick Zurek and on the tone of your letter. You simply stated the facts and your feelings about those facts.
Although I have never met Fr. Frank Pavone, I can empathize with him in his current situation with the Diocese of Amarillo. Before he was ordained a bishop, Fr. Patrick Zurek was vocations director for the Diocese of Austin. In the face of strong recommendations from many sources he himself sought out that I should continue in formation to the priesthood, in 1988, he unilaterally discontinued me as a seminarian for the Austin Diocese. He told me, on the telephone, not in person, that I would never be a priest. He never replied to my letters to him or my requests to meet with him personally. My letter to Bishop John McCarthy was met with a reply that rubber-stamped Fr. Zurek’s decision.
In 1996, I was ordained to the priesthood for another diocese.
I pray, Abby, that your letter will be an instrument of Divine Mercy for Bishop Zurek, that he will submit to God’s call to be the representative of Christ on Earth that a priest and bishop is supposed to be. I pray that as you, Abby, were called from the darkness of error and sin though His unfathomable Divine Mercy, so, too, may Bishop Patrick Zurek be called from the darkness of his cold, manipulative, passive-aggressive ways to embrace and extend the warmth and compassion of the Father’s love in Jesus Christ.
Barring a sudden change of heart between now and Sunday, you will receive the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divnity of the Father’s dearly beloved Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, in Holy Communion for the first time from someone other than Fr. Frank Pavone. That someone will be a priest whose ordination is equally valid to that of Fr. Pavone and whose good standing as a priest in the Catholic Church is just as strong as that of Fr. Pavone. And while you are disappointed on the human level, you have it right on the grander scale: It is not who you receive from, but Who you receive.
Sunday will be a joyous day, Abby! You will say, with all of us, “Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof, but only say the word and my soul shall be healed.” He has said the Word of healing. His name is Jesus.
God bless you and keep you.
Welcome to the Catholic Church! WELCOME HOME!
Blessings Abby! As hard as it may be emotionally, get confirmed in Peace and receive Jesus with Joy. In the wisdom of God this may be part of your spiritual journey to grow in His Wisdom. The priest, all priests, only act in the place of Jesus himself so focus on who you are receiving, not by whom you receive Him from. This is the hardest part of he spiritual life–trusting. Go in Peace, embrace the priest and those who join you, and remember Jesus embraces equally all those who come back to or into His church. Every journey is as amazing as yours when you listen to peoples stories just humble your self gentle in Love and rejoice! I am proud of you.
Congratulations, Abby! We Catholics are very proud to be welcoming you as one of us!
I feel sorry that Fr. Pavone will not be allowed to attend your confirmation on Sunday. As you consider and rejoice in what his example has meant to you in your faith journey, though, here’s something that you may find comforting to bear in mind:
The Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25: 14-30.
In this parable, Jesus teaches us that our special gifts and talents are give to us by God and that we are meant to use them to His greater glory.
Nowhere in the parable, however, is there any guarantee that we won’t encounter obstacles to using our God-given gifts and talents in the way He most desires.
This is where Fr. Pavone is now–attempting to deal with obstacles in fulfilling the special mission that he vowed to God to make his life’s work. Your feelings of deprivation and sadness at not having him present at your confirmation could, if you chose to do so, be offered as a prayer for his swift triumph over those obstacles.
I’ll be thinking of you and praying for you on your special day!
Welcome Abby!!! I have seen you on The World Ovo you are familiar to me – There are many Bishops, Cardinals, and priests that are on the road to perdition – Power is an aphrodisiac for many of them – we don’t like to believe it but yes, they are still human and can sin – there is still racism, greed, jealousy and envy, etc. among our religious! Reminds me of other or more Padre Pio, Archbishop Sheen, and Father Corapi senarios: and yes, one can judge the behavior of others – in fact, Fr Mullady had a show on EWTN about the three times when one can judge – check it out people – it’s an interesting talk — Abby I hope your day will be beautiful in every way as I know your life will be from now on! God’s blessings to you and your family!
Dear Abby,I too want to add my voice to the others and congratulate and welcome you home. I will be praying for you and your family on Sunday.
Reading your post a verse of the Gospel came to mind “not the one who says Lord, Lord will enter the Kingdom, but the one who does the will of the Father”. You are doing the will of the Father by entering in the full communion with the Church and Fr. Frank is doing the will of the Father, in obedience to his bishop. Fr. Frank will be there with you in spirit in doing the will of God and that’s what matters.
God Bless you, Abby. Our prayers are with you as you receive your first Holy Communion. We are all praying for Fr. Frank and many have written letters to his bishop. We must continue to put our faith and trust in God, He always takes what seems to be bad and makes it GREAT!Dennis
Dearest Abby,
Congratulations!
Pray for Bishop Zurek. As another person suggested, you should offer your first Holy Communion for him and Father Pavone.
If you were not aware, it is a fact that in the 1930’s the communists infiltrated the Catholic priesthood to ultimately destroy it. Bella Dodd, a former Communist party leader and another convert to Catholicism, testified to this fact before Congress. She was brought to the Faith through Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen. He was another great priest like Fr Pavone who brought so many people to Christ’s Holy Catholic Church. You should read her story.
There is also a book called AA-1025: Memoirs of an Anti-Apostle, which is suppposed to be the diary of a man who was one of thousands of communists that infiltrated the Catholic priesthood in Europe.
I am not saying that Bishop Zurek is one of those comnmunist wolves in sheep’s clothing, but one must consider the possibility and one must pray that if he is, that he will be converted or exposed.
I cannot understand why a good bishop would try to ban Father Pavone. Pray that God’s will be done through this whole ordeal.
Your sister in Christ,
Flower18
Welcome to the Catholic Church, Abby! I know it seems unfair that Father Frank cannot attend your Confirmation. If you read about St. Padre Pio, you will see that he was doubted by many and put under intense scrutiny by his superiors. He was not allowed to say Mass publicly for many years, yet he remained obedient to God’s will and eventually, the truth came out that he was a very holy man. I will pray for you as you prepare to receive the wonderful sacrament of Confirmation. God Bless you and your family.
Congratulations and Welcome home, I thought this little tibbet Might help a llitle Father Franl Pavone was a priest in the Archdikcese Of New York. He was sent to Diocese Of Anirrlo by the Cardinal Egan, Preist For Life was formed by the late Cardinal O’Conner, Who also founded the Sister’s of life in Archdiocese Of New York. Fathe Frank’s home Parrish was in Staten Island New York. Now the Archbishop Of New York is also the President of UCCB has anyone written to Archbishop Dolan to appeal This might help.
You know, all this with Fr. Pavone reminded me of a Saint I heard about. Unfortunately I can’t remember his name,but he founded a religious order. Instead of getting to stay and direct it, though, he was recalled to Rome as a Papal advisor. Fr. Pavone, too, is being called this diocese at the moment, and i am i happy with his obedience,even though he, and many others, would prefer his tone back with Priests for Life. So be inspired and bolstered by his faith and obedience. 🙂
Abby, I am really happy for your conversion and welcome you once more to the Catholic Church and family but if I may because one of your posters wrote a very interesting comment below.
Mr. Famijoly, I am very curious as to what you have written. From the sound of your experience, it seems as if this is something Bishop Zurek does with clergymen or priests that he just wants to crucify for no reason at all.
Could you please tell us more about your experience and what we can do to help Abby so Fr. Frank Pavone can be “freed” by Bishop Zurek to make it to her confirmation.
And thank you very much for your post, Father.
Abby, I am still calling the Amarillo Diocese, the Austin Diocese and the retreat place where his is staying to get some answers and to plead on your behalf.
Famijoly,
I just read your post and it has enlightened me. I am no longer confused as to why Bishop Zurek has tarnished the reputation of a good priest. It seems to me this has nothing to do with PFL’s financials but a bishops abuse of power. Power should only be given to those who will use it for the greater good, unfortunately this bishop has decieved us all. Fr Patrick Zurek has no right to tell a man he will never be a priest, God welcomes all who are willing. The bishop seems to be confused as to who calls the shots and I’ll tell you one thing, it sure as hell isn’t him.. we serve our lord. Why are the bishops superiors not stepping in? Someone needs to “humble” the bishop and put him back in line, maybe he is the one who needs a little prayer and reflecting! How did a man like Zurek become a bishop and better yet, how is he still a bishop?
Jean
P.S I am curious to hear more details about your unfortunate meeting or lack of with Zurek. Could you be so kind as to enlighten us more?
Additionally, Abby, I urge your supporters and friends to contact the Amarillo diocese to help me plead on your behalf if Bishop Zurek could please allow Fr. Frank to be present at your confirmation.
The Amarillo Diocese number is (806) 383-2243.
I am going to be calling there today and everyday until your confirmation.
God bless you Abby.
Famijoly, I am so saddened by your story. This Bishop, bishop Zurek, seems to have greatly impacted a lot of people … but NOT in a good way! I wonder how many more has he victimized over the years!
Why isnt anyone or why hasnt anyone done or complained about him?
I wonder just how strong his political connection is!
I’m really sorry you had to go thru what you did and now, Abby is affected by Bishop Zurek too.
Conversion is no small feat and pretending that it is nothing is a shameful act by the bishop!
They are going to hear a very angry call from me today!
Thank you Halley S. for calling Bishop Zurek’s Amarillo Diocese too.
The more people call them the better!
Famijoly, I also would like to hear more about your story. If you would like to tell me more privately, then my email address is carolineschenck@hotmail.com.
Thank you for opening up and telling us your life story.
God bless both you and Abby for all the good that you do.
Dear Abby, : )
Oh, how Fr. Franks heart must hurt, and it must be difficult for you Abby. Surely this blow is being felt by all the pro-lifers. Let’s hope and pray for the bishop that he doesn’t have the fate like Judas as some comments have suggested, but instead will come to see through God’s mercy, our prayers, your letter and the obedience of Fr. Frank the wrong that he has done. I hope like St. Dismas or the Centurion the bishop will reflect and be given the grace to see the good man and priest that Fr. Frank is.
Dear Abby,
Congratulations!!! We are proud of you,.
God Bless you.
Dany
A heartfelt welcome to you, Abby!I’m so happy for you and for the Church!
Blessed be Jesus Christ!
Abby,
I would like to congradulate and welcome you into our family. Your strength and courage inspires me. I am terribly sorry that Fr Pavone will be in attendance. I tried calling Amarillo on your behalf to request that Fr Pavone be aloud a leave of abense for a day or two to be with you on your special day but I am sorry to say I only got a voicemail. I pray for a miracle.
Famijoly,
Thank you for sharing your story but would you mind elaborating? How can Bishop Zurek have no respect for his sons? I am outraged that he had the audacity to tell you that you will never be a priest. Jealousy is a horribly irrational emotion and can be very destructive when one allows it to control their life! I’m so happy that the bishops harsh words did not discourage you! god bless you!
Jasmine Lopez
Im sorry, as per my last post i meant I’m sorry Fr Pavone will not be in attendance
Jasmine Lopez
“And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28 The Lord will work this out. Padre Pio was silenced for 7 years and not able to say mass for the public. Let us pray that this is not in store for Fr Frank but let us pray for the Lord’s holy will in this situation. Let us pray for Priests for Life and all related groups. Let us keep praying for Bishop Zurek and the church. May be it is up to the rest of us to follow Fr Franks lead and keep these organizations going. Abby may the Lord bless you abundantly as you receive your confirmation. God loves you.
Hi AbbyI am so very happy for you and your family. I will keep you in my prayers as you receive your confirmation. Fr Frank’s heart will be with you, I am sure. He is an amazing person/priest within the pro-life movement. Hopefully his bishop will see that.
I am a sonographer and see little babies every day. I have the great honor of showing parents their little ones. I hope one day everyone will value these precious little babies. Keep up the great work and you are in my prayers!!
God bless you and your family
Welcome Home, Abby!
Please do not let the actions of a bishop ruin your special day. They say that the bishops are supposed to be like the apostles of Jesus Christ and I guess this is the Judas amongst them.
I will pray that Fr. Frank could somehow be allowed to be present during your confirmation.
Bless you and your family.
Abby,
Congratulations on your Confirmation and First Communion in the Catholic Faith. I haven’t read your book yet but will get it after reading the above. I agree with much of what has already been said in the foregoing insightful comments, especially the letter by Flower 18. To the others I add my warm welcome to you to the true Faith begun and continued by Jesus Christ.
I would like to add that there are traditional Tridentine Masses that are said by many priests. I would encourage you to attend these. Though it was technically not necessary, sometime ago Pope Benedict decreed formally, in writing that this Mass was valid and legitimate. It is the same Mass that was celebrated unchanged for 2,000 years by every Catholic priest in the world.
Most of the text, rubrics, etc. were faithfully passed down from the time of the Apostles. There are websites that give directories on where to find these Masses. If I remember correctly, the decree by Pope Benedict stated that if there was enough interest by the parishioners, each parish could include one or more Tridentine, latin Masses in their Sunday and weekday schedules. I believe one of the websites is http://www.traditio.com
Of course, Vatican II changed the Tridentine Mass to the Novus Ordo Mass which has continued to undergo many substantial changes since then. Large parts of the original text was omitted, other textual additions were made and the changes continue even to the present.
I would encourage you, perhaps with Fr. Pavone’s help, to read about the Council of Trent, especially the text of “Quo Primum”.
Congratulations on making the best decision of your life.
May God bless you and strengthen you always,
Paula
I am not surprised that Bishop Zurek would like to silence Fr. Frank because Fr. Frank is one of the powerful voices and prominent figures in the pro-life movement.
I just find it so disheartening that a man from the Catholic Church would be so heartless and un-catholic to keep Fr. Frank from being present at Abby’s confirmation.
Is the bishop so afraid of Fr. Frank that he refuses his release?
I cannot believe how much of a COWARD Bishop Zurek is!
I have been doing what the other people here have been saying. I have been calling the amarillo doicese for quite a while now and believe me when I tell you that they are also a bunch of cowards.
Half way thru me asking (very nicely and politely at that) if there was any way possible for Fr. Frank to be present at Abby’s confirmation when Deacon Ashley HUNG UP ON ME!!!!!
I feel like an exorcism needs to be performed at the Amarillo Diocese!
May God bless us all and more power to you, Abby.
More power to Fr. Frank.
More absolutions for bishop zurek!
Abby,
I am still trying to get a hold of someone from the Amarillo Diocese. It goes beyond appalling that no one will even return any of mine nor my family’s messages to them.
We are appealing on your behalf to let Fr. Frank be allowed to be present on the day of your confirmation.
Am I and my friends and family the only ones who see Fr. Frank’s imprisonment?
That he needs to be “allowed” to be present for your confirmation?
This is really such a sad day!
Congratulations Abby! You are a woman of great courage and you have been open to the grace of God working in you. I have just bought your book and look forward to reading it. Your departure from Planned Parenthood and now your entry into the Catholic church must be Planned Parenthood’s worst nightmare. Truly, the truth WILL set you free. It will also eventually set Fr. Frank free – his passion for the unborn will light the fires of passion in many more people in the pro-life movement.
May God bless you on your Confirmation day and every day of your precious life.
Thank you for being an inspiration.
Nancy Davies
Abby, welcome to the Catholic Church. My heart jumps for joy at all the work that God is doing in your life!! Amen!! I am so sorry that someone dear to you is not being allowed to attend your Confirmation and I think it is great that you let Bishop Zureck know of your feelings about the situation and of Fr Frank. One thing I have learned is that God is triumphant all the time even when we do not see it and that God can bring about good from bad situations. As the body of the church and as a member of that church it is not my job to understand why Bishop Zureck might feel the need to do what he is doing; when I start believing that I deserve an explanation for everything, I am elevating myself to the position of a God. Which I am not. We should pray for Fr Frank and for Bishop Zureck and for the Pro-Life movement. It might just be in this time of trouble that a new Pro-life advocate might take the reigns, even if temperarily, and Fr Frank I am sure would lovingly accept God’s will. As it is God’s will, not our own that we should desire. There have been many times in my life I have experienced troubled times and I was confused why God might not allow me to use the gifts I know come only from him and it even seemed as though others were maliciously keeping me from God’s will. And at other times I have been on the other side, unable to fully explain my motives and being attacked for it. But I have learned that God has a grander plan (I am still learning daily) and His plan is always more perfect, even though it often prefers a bumpier and less direct route. I think Fr Frank would love everyones support and would love everyone petitioning for his cause but I also think he would prefer that we rally together for the pro-life cause even in his absence, because it is in his absence that we might just see God do unthinkable things. I do not say that in any way to say less of Fr Frank, but more of God. God Bless you Abby, your family, Fr Frank, Bishop Zureck, the Catholic Church and the Pro-life movement. May God flex His muscles and may we all fall in amazement.
One thing that someone being unfairly accused does, it wakes up the ire of the People of God!!! I met Fr. Frank when he has visiting and saying Mass at a church in a nearby town. He seemed like a good an Holy Man to me. I told him about a trouble I had had in the past; he listened and was very understanding. He was getting out the Pro-Life message with a little get-together on the Church lawn afterwards. I, too, called Bishop Zurek and told them (the people I talked, not Bishop Zurek) what I had experienced and would they please let Fr. Frank get back to work saving babies. I respect Fr. Corapi, too. Well the Church is fed on the “Blood of Martyrs” and I don’t think it just has to be a bodily torment, it can be spiritual as well. God Love You Abby and may He hold you in the palm of His Hand. Amen
Dear Sister in Christ,
Abby,
I join in with many that have contacted you, congratulating you on your decisions, God bless you. I too will keep you in prayer while at Mass on Sunday. As an Extraordinary Minister of the Holy Eucharist, I will keep you in prayer at that special time as well. In regards to Bishop Zurek, “vengence is mine sayeth the Lord.” As Roman Catholic/Christians, we must pray for the Bishop as one stated in another email. Bishop Zurek knows scripture well. “Whatever, you do to the least of My children that you do unto Me.” God grant you peace!
God grant Father Pavone peace. Please keep Father John Corapi in your prayers. He too has been persecuted in the same regards. Warm regards,LMR
Dear Abby,
I admire your courage and all that you have done for the Pro-Life movement. However, I want to make a brief comment regarding Fr. Frank and Bishop Zurek.
It must be very difficult for you knowing that Fr. Frank won’t be able to attend your Confirmation, especially because he has made such an impact on your life.
However, the obedience of a priest to his bishop is sacred, and we must respect this. All the saints in the history of the Church have been obedient to their superiors, even when those over them have made decisions that are difficult to accept or seem unjust.
It takes great faith and love to do what Fr. Frank is doing, and consequently he is a great example for all of us — both in his humble acceptance and in his ministry!
Let us pray that all of us may perceive and do the will of God each day.
In Christ,
Michael
CONGRAUTLATIONS also for joining the Catholic Church. I bought your book-Unplanned, at one of South Dakota Right To Life program meetings here in Mitchell, SD Very proud of what you have done. Father Frank is a wonderful person also. Seems like he is only one publicaly against abortion practices etc. I feel the other Bishops etc dont want to rock the boat, so they dont want to get involved with this issue so deeply. GOD BLESS YOU and Father Frank for all the work you are doing.
Abby, Let me assure you that all of this is a call to prayer and sacrifice. The fact that Father Frank will not be at your Confirmation is a huge sacrifice but God will use it for an outpouring of the Holy Spirit on you and others — maybe even Bishop Zurek. Your redemptive suffering is also noble and will lead to blessings that you may never understand! Despite its difficulties, this story is a beautiful one that will lead to a strengthening of the faith in ways that we will never know. Welcome to the Catholic faith!
Welcome home Abby. I love your book. As you already know, the fight for Pro-Life exists inside and outside the church. I thank you for all that you are doing and thank you for your leadership. You are an inspiration for many people. God Bless.
Abby –
Congratulations on your confirmation and God Bless you. I too am a convert. Jesus gave us the greatest example from the Cross when he said “Forgive them Father for they know not what they do!!!!!” We should pray that all people see the light!!!!!!!!!
John
Dear Abby,
I admire your courage and all you have done for the Pro-Life movement. However, I want to make a brief comment regarding Fr. Frank and Bishop Zurek.
It must be very difficult for you knowing that Fr. Frank won’t be able to attend your Confirmation, especially because he has made such an impact on your life.
However, the obedience of a priest to his bishop is sacred, and we must respect this. All the saints in the history of the Church have been obedient to their superiors, even when those over them have made decisions that are difficult to accept or seem unjust.
It takes great faith and love to do what Fr. Frank is doing, and consequently he is a great example for all of us — both in his humble acceptance and in his ministry!
Let us pray that all of us may perceive and do the will of God each day.
In Christ,
Michael
Hello AbbyAm thrilled you will be confirmed on Sunday. May the Holy Spirit descend on you in a mighty way and fill you with His strength and courage so you can continue to touch countless others with your pro-life witness.
Fr. Pavone will be with you in spirit. Why not offer up your hurt re him not being able to attend for a pro-life related cause. One thing’s for sure…he would attend if he could.
Welcome Home, Abby. While I was very sad to hear about Fr. Pavone not being able to attend your Confirmation, we can walk together as sisters in Christ (I, too, am convert and a Silent No More participant) through our exercise in reparation by offering up our disappointments and the many challenges we face for an end to abortion. We are never alone. God bless you.
Dear Abby,
I have just recently read your book and what an awesome story!!….I plan to share it and keep the message shared. Congratulations also on entering the Holy Roman Catholic Church, which was over one billion sinners within her presence. Due to that fact, there’s tons of room for wrong doings and hurtful situations, BUT….as Jesus as our founder, we have nothing every to fear!!……..Walk high with you head held very very high. Satan will work extra, very extra hard on you to discourage your every move – HAVE HEART!!, tons of prayers go out to you, our Dear Blessed Mother Mary is his worse advocate, nothing but smiles can appear on our faces – WE HAVE NOTHING TO FEAR!!! God Bless and Thank you Dear God for calling Abby home.
Welcome home Abby! I hope Sunday was amazing for you! Keep up the good work and know that He is very pleased with what you are doing! I am currently reading your book. Thank you so much for sharing your story!
I hope that one day soon the problems Fr. Frank is experiencing will clear up!
God Bless You! Welcome to the Catholic Church!
-Scott
Welcome Home, Abby!
I am a Guatemalan journalist who writes on family and economics, and family policies. Everywhere family is under attack, specially, I guess, in these poor countries. UN and its agencies seem obsessed with feminism, abortion as a “right” (!!!) and “responsible parenthood” (that of course is the politically correct name for compulsory contraception)… but we´re fighting back, and that´s why I pray and support Fr. Frank and Priest for Life´s ministry.
I wholeheartedly agree with you when you say that Fr. Franks epitomizes all that a priest should be. Let´s continue praying for him and for the Holy Spirit to light up Bishop Zurek´s heart. Best, Karen Cancinos (Guatemala)
Abby,As long as there are humans in the church, there will be sinners in the church. What you are joining, however, is not a bunch of sinners, but the Bride of Christ.
There will always be small, mean spirited men in positions of power in our human manifestation of Christ’s Church. They are not the Church.
The King of Lies has his tendrils entwined in the souls of people in “power” who claim membership in Christ’s Church. They are not the Church.
You are the Church. Christ has told you that the gates of hell will not prevail against you. For your sake, not for Bishop Zurek’s sake, forgive him and let the Joy of Jesus fill your heart. Father Frank will indeed be with you on this happy occasion.
Peace be with you.
Lynn
I suggest we all fast for the intention of Fr. Pavone, even for a day, it’s a powerful weapon when combined with prayers, lets do it before Christmas.
Claude Marche
Sadly, the actions of bishop zurek are not surprising, given the state of the bishopric in the U.S. today and knowing that the smoke of satan has infiltrated the church. I wonder if some of these bishops truly understand how unchristian they appear to be with their actions… but the fact that they play politics with the Church of Jesus Christ is unfathomable. Hey bishop zurek, how about helping Christ’s Church save souls instead of playing politics with your USCCB buddies? You might actually find some grace in the latter rather than the former.
I meant “former rather than the latter”.
Sadly, the actions of bishop zurek are not surprising, given the state of the bishopric in the U.S. today and knowing that the smoke of satan has infiltrated the church. I wonder if some of these bishops truly understand how unchristian they appear to be with their actions… but the fact that they play politics with the Church of Jesus Christ is unfathomable. Hey bishop zurek, how about helping Christ’s Church save souls instead of playing politics with your USCCB buddies? You might actually find some grace in the former rather than the latter.
I’M VERY HAPPY FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. ITS MY BIRTHDAY TOO. I BOUGHT 4 OF YOUR BOOKS 2 I GAVE TO OTHERS,2 TO PASS AROUND FOR MANY TO READ,YOUR BOOK IS GREAT. IT IS SAD THAT A BISHOP IS NOT WHAT HE SHOULD BE.I LOVE MY CHURCH BUT THERE ARE PRIESTS,NUNS,ETC. WHO WISH TO TEAR IT APART SO WE NEED STRONG PEOPLE TO STAND FOR THE CHURCH AND THE BABIES, I’M VERY HAPPY YOU WILL JOIN US DOING BOTH. GOD BLESS YOU.
I know that obedience is one of the primary obligations of priests. And Fr. Pavone is demonstrating how good a priest he is. So, please Bishop Zurech, whatever the reasons you have to keep him away from his life saving work, please, release him as soon as possible! Babies are dying! lives need to be saved!
Abby–
Congrats on your embracing the fullness of Truth! You may remember my congratulating you on your departure from Planned Parenthood (I’m the pro-life editorial cartoonist at Veritatis: The Cartoon).
Sometimes we just have to be patient with our priests and bishops; St. Padre Pio is a perfect example of this. And remember that absolutely nothing good comes from rebellion, as the history of Christianity demonstrates. This thing, whatever it is, with Fr. Pavone, is passing. Fr. Pavone is a wonderful, devout guy; I’ve learned so much from him; matter of fact, while listening to him speak about the true nature of abortion, one of the best ideas I ever had for a pro-life cartoon popped into my head. (I’ll have to blog on that soon.)
Again, congrats and welcome!
Dear Abby not disappointed.God writes straight in a crooked line. He knows why Fr Frank could not be in the Mass for your first communion.Right now I am doing a novena to our Mother Mary for her feast. I go every day to the Basilica of the twelve Apostles here in Rome for the novena Mass in honor of the feast of Immaculate conception.My prayer is that Fr Frank will will be allowed to serve God and his people in the ministry he does best or rather where God needs him most for the work of building His kingdom on earth.In my thinking life is first because it is God’s gift. Saving Life is indispensable. Fr Francis
Dearest Abby:
My family and I were doing our best to contact both the Amarillo diocese and Austin diocese to make an appeal on your behalf but we were met with silence and mostly “no comments”.
I truly am interested in what your poster below, famijoly, had commented on. I will continue to pray for you, Fr. Frank, famijoly,and the rest of the pro-life leaders in the pro-life movement.
Abby, congratz on your confirmation! I am sorry that Fr Frank was not able to be there. We really tried to make a miracle happen for you, and I say “we” because im sure some of your other followers tried as well. Im so sorry but it was impossible to get a hold of anyone at the Amarillo Diocese. Have you had contact with Famijoly? I would really like to hear more from him. Some more insight on Bishop Zurek would be much appreciated.
Christina
God bless you and your family Abby. My family and I are praying for the immediate return of Fr. Frank to the Pro-Life Movement. We need more priests like him!
I have read on another site that Bishop Zurek has been doing this kind of tactic on priests that he feels is a threat to him. As a devout catholic I hope this isnt true because then he is the Judas amongst the apostles.
Bishop Zurek, I hope you or anyone of your staff is reading this: Whatever misguided or ill-advised or even perhaps paid-off “good” you think you are doing to Fr. Frank Pavone, to Priests For Life and to the pro-life movement – YOU are doing the EXACT OPPOSITE!
Stop hiding behind some politicians skirt or pants and BE THE MAN GOD GAVE YOU THAT RESPONSIBILITY TO BE!
DEFEND THE CATHOLIC CHURCH! DEFEND GOD’S WORK! DEFEND LIFE!
I am proud to be a Catholic but this time, the likes of Bishop Zurek makes me sick to my stomach!
God is all about LIFE! That is the most basic teachings of the Catholic Church but to blatantly b**ch slap catholics — TRUE CATHOLICS — in the face and in their FAITH is beyond sacrilegious it is SATANISTIC!
Why SATANISTIC? Why do I go to such extremes? Readers please think about this for a second: Babies are pure and SINLESS! To rip them apart limb by limb and dismember them in the most inhumane way possible is Satan’s way! Not God’s way!
To take away Fr. Frank from the pro-life movement is satan’s way! NOT GOD’S WAY!
Bishop Zurek – I hope your robe doesnt STING you whenever you don your clothing! it amazes me you don’t burst into flames whenever you walk in the church.
I guess it is easy to speak deceivingly to people with a forked tongue!
My family and I are constantly saying prayers and novena for Fr. Frank, Priests For Life and the pro-life movement.
We, not just reserved to the Catholics but to all the advocates of the pro-live movement, should not just be quiet about this whole affair! We should make our thoughts and feelings known to Bishop Zurek and to the Vatican!
Bishop Zurek must let Fr. Frank Pavone go back to the pro-life movement!
I called the Amarillo diocese just now and it is on voice mail. It would be nice to hear something positive and christian like from anyone there but to no avail.
Catholics, Christians, Protestants and all Pro-lifers everywhere must do their part in letting Bishop Zurek know that Fr Frank must be allowed to do his Pro-life work once more and NOW!
Dear Abby,
I hope your confirmation went well even without the presence of Fr. Frank. Your confirmation to the Catholic faith is a blessing. I will continue to pray for you and for Fr. Pavone. I will say a special novena for Bishop Zurek to let Fr. Pavone back to us in the pro-life work.
God bless you,
Erin
Welcome to the Catholic family Abby. More power to you and your pro-life work. I also would like to thank Fr. Frank for being a special part of your conversion. I hope we get him back soon. He is such a humble priest and when he speaks about saving babies and saving lives, it just burns a fire in your heart to join him in his work. I have been a donor to Priests For Life for over 15 years and will continue to support them and the pro life cause.
Welcome Home Abby! I pray you have felt the Lord’s loving and warm embrace during your confirmation. I am so heartfully sorry for Fr. Pavone’s absence during your special day but even Jesus had his time when he was agonizing in the garden. Fr. Frank is proving to be more of the Lord’s disciple than the bishop zurek since the very beginning. Temptations run even in the highest order. Let us pray for bishop zurek’s conversion back to the Catholic faith.
From my family to yours, congratulations Abby for coming back to the Lord’s home. Thank you also for your letter to the Bishop Zurek. He needs more prayers from us so he may see God’s light trying to show him the way back to Him.
I have been reading some of the previous comments here and I feel for those angered by what Bishop Zurek has done not just to Abby but to the entire pro life family! I dont even want to know what my reaction will be if it is proven that Bishop Zurek did an attack on Fr. Frank and Priests For Life on purpose because:
1. He was paid to silence Fr. Frank because of the upcoming elections.
2. He is pro-choice
3. He is jealous of the Fr. Frank’s success in the pro-life movement.
I will not, however, blame the church. This will be Bishop Zurek’s actions and not the church’s. How was the church to know that they had a Judas in bishop’s clothing!
With the holiday’s coming up i really hope Bishop Zurek doesn’t pull a grinch and not allow Fr Frank to come home for christmas. That would be ashame! Everyone should be allowed to be with their loved ones for the holidays. It’s a time of peace, love and happiness which Bishop Zurek is clearly not familiar with.
I read thru some of the comments here and found a few who mentioned calling the diocese of bishop Zurek. I wasnt sure if they were saying the truth or not but when I called the Amarillo diocese, I was really shocked that what your posters were saying here was true! I did not get any straight answers from the diocese. There was not even statement from them saying to pray for either Fr. Frank or Bishop Zurek! I told them what I thought about that and I was told that they had no further comment.
Just for that, I am going to keep on calling the diocese to tell them what I think about their “Catholic” answers and the reason why I am so incensed by their flippant and “I could care less” attitude is because I am a recent convert to Catholism and a failed abortion survivor!
That is the reason why I am a hard core pro-life supporter and will continue to do so until the day God Himself calls me back home by His terms … and not by the hands of a politician, an abortion doctor and most definitely NOT by the hands of a PRO CHOICE BISHOP ZUREK!
“Whatsoever you do to the least of my breathren, this you do unto Me”
Let us all remember what Jesus said to us. We are all called to be like Him, in all his goodness and in all his likeness.
I will not stop praying for Fr. Frank’s return but I will also pray that more people will step up and be more like him. The fight to end abortion does not stop because he has been held back by his bishop. All the more we should be steadfast in our beliefs and be Fr. Frank’s voices in standing up and fighting for life because all life is precious and it BEGINS at the moment of conception and NOT by the definition or by the standards set by the Pro-Abortion consorts and cohorts.
Praying is one thing – but standing up against the cloud of darkness that is threatening to eradicate the sanctity of human life is an action we, who declare are staunch pro-lifers, should take on.
Fr. Frank did it. Why not us?
Hello Abby, thank you so very much for your letter to the bishop. I hope this will help and make bishop zurek turn around and realize that his actions is in fact affecting millions of people from around the world.
Bless you, Abby.
“The decision to keep Fr. Frank in Amarillo is not just detrimental to the pro-life movement. It is also keeping him from doing what he does best…bringing people to Christ and to the Catholic Church. That is what he is called to do as a priest, and now that ability has been stripped from him. This conflict has now gone far beyond the Diocese of Amarillo. It is affecting many.”
Abby, all I can say is : BULLSEYE!
You hit the nail on the head but the problem is if Bishop Zurek will truly understand what that is all about.
If only we could make a mass appeal like the ones being done in the cities to amarillo maybe the bishop will allow fr frank back in the pro-life ministry where he is most gifted at.
My dear Abby,
Christmas is around the corner and I pray that Fr. Frank will be able to come back to us by then. Wouldn’t that make for a wonderful Christmas gift to all of us.
Fr. Frank, I never have stopped praying for you.
God bless you both for your unending devotion for the unborn.
More power to you both,
Jessica
Abby, I also wrote a letter to Bishop Zurek and to the Papal Nuncio’s office.
Your letter to Bishop Zurek was very heartfelt and direct. Thank you for writing that. I hope they have the chance to read what we have written. There is no hate in our letters. Just absolute facts of what his actions are doing.
I really pray the Vatican will say something soon.
A time will come when all shall come to light but in the meantime, we all must pray for the continued success of Abby and the freedom of Fr. Frank and his return to the prolife cause. The babies that need saving need him.
Dear Abby,I was so happy to get to know you have joined the Catholic Church last Sunday. I have read about your joining pro-life movement a couple of months ago.
I do not know if Fr. Fran was finally present at this ceremony, but I hope was a great day for you!
Welcome home!:)
God bless!+
Living in a world that seems to be filled with hate, prayers may be a strong powerful tool but let us also all do our part in ending abortion. Let us gather friends and church goers to attend a prayer session outside of abortion mills just like Fr. Pavone. If we cant do one big thing or event then we start small scale first. Taking it one step at a time.
Congratulations Abby. God bless you and all the hard pro-life work you do. More power to you and Fr. Frank and the pro-life cause.
Abby,
thank you so much for writing that letter. We need more pro-life leaders to reach out to Bp. Zurek so he may see that Fr. Frank is more than just a simple priest. Fr. Frank has been obedient enough. He needs to come back to the cause.
God Bless you Abby and Fr. Frank. We must all be united as children of God who upholds His words that all life is important to Him therefore must be protected.
Dear Abby, what an injustice Fr. Pavone could not attend your Confirmation. Congratulations to you and your family for your courage and strength to pursue becoming a member of our Catholic family. We welcome you.I have only become able to not totally despair of our societal problems and church problems by believing I am a member of the church established by Christ himself and we are dealing with more than just evil people. We are fighting against something much larger and insideous. If I may, I would like to recommend 2 books by Judy Brown of American Life League that does help to better understand what has and is happening in our church leadership. “Saving Those Damned Catholics” and “The Broken Path”. As Bobby has done, I will write to Bishop Zurek and the other errant Bishops mentioned. The USCCB.org may be helpful in finding addresses. And if you are a subscriber to Readers Digest and recall the last issue with Michelle Obama’s picture and quote “Everything we do must be for our children” you may also want to send that page to her and ask if that includes the unborn. Her address is Michelle Obama, The White House, 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington DC,
20500. Be sure to put your return address on it or it will not be delivered. These actions are a small way in which we can be actively involved in the pro life movement. They need to know we are aware of what they are doing that we object to. May God continue to bless us all, give us courage and strength as we continue to pray for an end to abortion.
Congrats on your confirmation, Abby! I am very sorry that Fr Frank could not attend, though. I believe Fr Frank has been obedient enough. God’s will can be no different than this corageous priest returning to where he is most needed right now. God was clear enough when He told us to go out there and stand for the weak, the poor and the defenseless; on what grounds is the stubbornness of a single bishop more important than God’s will?
Thanks a lot for restraining one of the most compassionate and inspiring prolife leaders from doing what he does best, whom all Christians – be them catholic or non catholic as myself – respect and admire. I hope the Vatican pronounces itself soon enough and that Fr Frank will be fully back to his most important duties at Priests For Life.
Congratulations on entering the Catholic Church, Abby! We are all very proud of you. I pray that your witness to life will grow even stronger and more powerful in the years ahead, with the added benefit of your new Catholic faith.
I am pleased to be a lifelong Catholic who is married to a convert. We are richer to have you as part of our holy Church. Keep up the good work, and keep speaking out about the preciousness of life.
I am thankful for what Fr. Frank has done for you, and for what he means to you, and pray that these issues will be resolved very soon.
Abby,Welcome home! Do not waste the suffering of not having Fr. Pavone at your confirmation. Offer it up to our Lord, that He may use it (along with Fr. Frank’s assured suffering) to further bring about the conversion of others who work at abortion clinics. God bless you.
Abby, I have been thrilled to read about you from the start in the emails from Shawn Carney during that fateful 40 days for life, and I finally bought your book and just finished reading it. What a joy and a delight to hear of your dramatic conversion! I am amazed by the power of Love and Prayer! Your story gives simple catholics like myself, just doing our thing i.e. raising our families (I have 5 kiddos) which are no less than miracles in this culture saturated in contraceptives, greater hope and assurance that this is a beautiful life which God has planned for us. As you meet Christ in the Mass, this Christ-mass, may your heart swell with joy!!!!! So glad you are catholic now!
We have yet to read your book, but are familiar with what you are doing with getting the truth out about Planned Parenthood. Your mission is a challenging one because so many in our country have chosen to not do the research and seek the truth for themselves. Unfortunately, this is the case with the division in our modern day churches as well. Here is a link for a free e-book that you may find enlightening about testing all things with God’s Word. http://pro-gospel.org/media-items In addition, the book by the late Ron Carlson, titled Fast Facts on False Teachings is a great place to start in learning how to reach the lost. Thank you for taking a stand.
Welcome to the Catholic Church, Abby! I read your book, Unplanned. What seems unplanned to us is really all part of God’s mysterious Providence. As I was reading your book, I kept on telling you: “Can’t you seeeeeee!” But finally God made you see and you allowed him to show you the way,… back home to Him! God bless you, your family and the good work you are doing.
Abby, all I can say to you about your confirmation situation is that maybe if you “let go and let God” something good will come out of it. In my life in and out of the church, I have come to realize that ALL things work for good for those who Love God (and trust Him)! Keep your chin up…you are doing SO much GOOD!!! I think maybe you should join forces with other people who were in the abortion industry and go on speaking tours! God bless you.Fran
Welcome to the Catholic Church! I heard about your book from a friend during a Light Weigh (Catholic Spiritual Weight Loss) meeting I was attending at church one evening a couple of weeks ago. She said how powerful your book was to read, and so, during Lent, I decided it was a book I needed, and wanted, to read. I wept as I read it…sometimes tears of sorrow, and other tears of joy. But as I finished the book, I wondered: did she ever find a church where she could worship? And I kept thinking and prayed that you would find the Catholic Church. I finished your book this morning, and then googled to see if you had found a church. I cried with joy when I discovered you had found your way to the Catholic church. I pray that you continue to grow spiritually in the fullness of the Catholic faith. A writer above encouraged you to offer your suffering up as sacrifice. She is so right. As I continue to work with the Light Weigh, I use a bracelet of St. Therese sacrifice beads to offer my struggles to Him while simultaneously praying for those who are in need.Here is a website about it. http://thelittleways.com/
Blessings and prayers for you and your family. Again, welcome to the Catholic church! (P.S. I can completely relate to your sadness at not having Fr. Pavone at your side. I converted in 1986. My mother was distraught. Even though I had not been brought up with any formal religion and I had been encouraged to “explore” to find my faith, she was devastated when I chose Catholicism. I prayed that my family would be at my baptism and communion on Easter. But alas, it wasn’t to be. I had some friends there that day, but no family. It broke my heart that my family could not rejoice and look past their own biases and stereotypes to see the joy I had found in my faith. It hurts to not have those near to you who you love, regardless of the reason for their absence.)
Abbey,I just learned recently about your book and documentary and then was shocked and awed that you became Catholic! Welcome home, sista! My hubby and I converted in 2005 (he was 28 I was 26). Keep up the awesome work and we’ll keep you in our prayers.
peace and blessings in Christ,
Jocelyn