Dear Pro-Life Friend,
Blessings from Ireland!
As Director of Youth Defence for the last 10 years, I have worked closely with Fr Terry Gensemer and CEC for Life on abortion and life issues. I have always looked forward to the that time of the year when the youth of CEC for Life would visit Ireland for a week of pro-life activity and discussion, and seeing the same young people return time and time again has been really encouraging for me. Teaching the Youth Defence model to these young people, and witnessing their motivation and eagerness to get involved with pro-life work upon their return, is an example of wonderful cooperation between two similar groups on opposite sides of the world.
The work of Youth Defence has been successful in keeping Ireland abortion free for the past 21 years, and that means over 100,000 Irish babies have been saved from abortion because of our pro-life laws. Ireland is one of the only countries in the western world that does not have legal abortion. That means no abortion clinics, no abortion doctors, no babies being killed in Ireland. As someone who grew up in that type of culture, I know that it is something that everyone should experience at least once in your life, particularly those who are growing up in an abortion-saturated country.
Right now Ireland is in a critical position with regards to abortion. Following a European Court Case taken by Planned Parenthood to challenge Ireland's abortion laws, and a series of events that ensued, Ireland is now on the verge of legalizing abortion. This is the most urgent time for Ireland as the Government prepares to vote on abortion legislation by its summer recess.
In the midst of this crisis the most sophisticated, organized and active pro-life campaign ever has emerged in Ireland, which has now become a day-to-day battle. We are crying out for help on all levels; prayer, resources and volunteers.
Youth Defence has a good and long working relationship and friendship with many of the leaders and youth of CEC for Life. The energy, passion for life and work ethic that I have seen amongst these young people when in Ireland would be of enormous benefit to us and our current struggle.
This is an open invitation to anyone who would be willing to come to Ireland and get involved with the pro-life campaign both inside and outside of our headquarters in Dublin.
On July 28 thru 31, Fr. Terry will come to Ireland following the 2013 Youth Camp in London. If you feel the Lord has put the case of Ireland on your heart, come with him!
And, though Fr. Terry will return to America on July 31st, we invite each of you to stay on with Youth Defence one, two, or even three weeks more. While we cannot assist with airfare, we can provide volunteer accommodation in Dublin.
Thank you for taking the time to read this letter. Please remember that Ireland's ban on abortion is not just something symbolic it is globally significant to all of us who care about unborn life. Ireland is proof that a country can love them both; mother and child, by protecting the unborn and safeguarding medical care for women. Please help us continue to be a shining light of hope to a world destroyed by the abortion culture.
God bless,
Dr. Eoghan de Faoite
Director of Youth Defence
