Schindler Family Attends Mass for Terri Schiavo Hosted by Ave Maria University
by Steven Ertelt
LifeNews.com Editor
April 1, 2009
St. Petersburg, FL (LifeNews.com) — The Schindler family attended a special Mass on Tuesday, which marked the fourth anniversary of the painful starvation and dehydration euthanasia death of Terri Schiavo. Ave Maria University, a Florida-based Catholic college, hosted the mass, which saw the entire Schindler family attend.
Bob and Mary Schindler, Terri’s parents, joined their other children Bobby Schindler and Suzanne Vitadamo for a ceremony in Terri’s honor.
As the Schindlers prayed with participants for other disabled people who face the same euthanasia concerns, they placed a picture of Terri on her wedding day on the altar and joined more than 400 people in remembering her life.
The Mass was part of the International Day of Prayer and Remembrance for Terri Schindler Schiavo that the Schindler family jointly co-sponsors with the Terri Schiavo foundation and Priests for Life.
The two organizations established this day last year to foster education, prayer, and activism regarding discrimination against the disabled.
"God is using Terri to impact the world in a very special way," Bobby Schindler told the News Press.
Thomas Monaghan, founder and chancellor of Ave Maria University, told the newspaper the college was happy to help with the ceremony.
“We’re very big on pro-life,” he said. “Our purpose is to fight evil and pro-life is center stage, and that’s where we want to be.”
Fr. Frank Pavone, who was with Bobby and Suzanne at Terri’s bedside as she died, recalls that painful day and the support from pro-life advocates and others.
"As we consoled Terri and prayed with her, what I felt most strongly was the presence of countless people around the world who, by their love, prayers, and tears, accompanied Terri and her family through those difficult days," he said. "I am confident that these same individuals, families, and Churches will want to observe Terri’s Day."
Related web sites:
Terri’s Day – https://www.TerrisDay.org
Terri Schindler Schiavo Foundation – https://www.TerrisFight.org
Priests for Life – https://priestsforlife.org
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