June 1, 2022

By Mary Beth Bracy
Contributing Writer

PLATTSBURGH – Dozens of faithful gathered on April 15 to pray the Stations of the Cross with the special intention of praying for victims of abortion. They took turns raising up Crosses to signify each station.

“Good Friday turned out to be a very good day for participants in Plattsburgh,” shared Nancy Belzile, Champlain Valley Right to Life (CVRTL) president. “Deacon Ken Lushia led us in prayer. Brenda Smith provided an outstanding and appropriate painting of the Infant Jesus held by Blessed Mary adorned by four angels holding the instruments of his crucifixion. It was a mild sunny spring day. We all were blessed being together to share in Christ’s Way of the Cross.”

Rose Blaise, Plattsburgh Pregnancy Center (PPC) office manager, noted Smith’s painting “was donated with several other pieces of art to be auctioned off to fund the Pregnancy Center.”

Smith explained, “The morning of the Stations of the Cross, I brought my friend Edna Turetsky to the PPC to show her the artwork. I happened to pull out this picture of the Blessed Mother.”

It seemed like a Providential image for Good Friday, she reflected.

“It was an added grace from Heaven that it fit so well with remembering His Passion,” said Blaise.

CRVTL thanked those who participated in the event.

“Many thanks to all who came to our Good Friday Stations, and a very special thanks to our CVRTL president, Nancy Belzile, for her unending leadership,” said Deacon Lushia, CVRTL vice president. “As a newly ordained Deacon, this year’s stations were powerful! I truly experienced St. Philip Neri’s words ‘Cast yourself into the arms of God and be very sure that if he wants anything of you, he will fit you for the work and give you strength.’”

Also the local coordinator for 40 Days for Life, Belzile noted that the prayers and presence of pro-lifers are making a difference.

“April 9 closed out another campaign for 40 Days for Life in Plattsburgh,” she said. “In total across all campaigns, 742 babies were saved from abortion! Ten abortion workers were converted. Another abortion facility was closed. We do sidewalk counseling and prayer every Monday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Planned Parenthood. If anyone would like to join us they are welcome.”

There are always opportunities to volunteer for CVRTL, Belzile added.

“It’s that time again to start talking about our local county fairs,” she said. “CVRTL has always had a presence at the Clinton County Fair and will continue to do so. Last year, CVRTL took that model of building a culture of life to the Essex County Fair. This year we are hoping to offer Franklin County Fair life blessings with our display. CVRTL was founded with the principal of education on life in each of these counties. So doesn’t it sound fitting to bring this county to the fold of our ministry? It will only take one or two committed people to stop in once a day during the fair to ensure our display table is replenished with life-giving information. If you think you may be called to take on this ministry please email me at nancys_56@hotmail.com or call me at 518-593-6024.”

Learn more at CVRTL’s new website, cvrtlny.com.