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January 25, 2019“Every human life has inherent dignity and thus must be treated with the respect due to a human person. This is the foundation for the Church's social doctrine, including its teachings on war, the use of capital punishment, euthanasia, health care, poverty and immigration.” - U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops
Hundreds of pro-life supporters will gather at the Oklahoma State Capitol on Feb. 6 for the 28 th annual Rose Day.
Pearl Sullens of Saint Francis in Oklahoma City has been attending Rose Day for more than 20 years. A long-time member of the Archdiocesan Council of Catholic Women and former coordinator of their annual Rose Day Mass, she said attending Rose Day makes a difference to legislators and to women thinking about abortion.
“God created all of us and those little babies are so innocent. I don’t care what anybody says, there is life at conception.”
Last year, she said a lady was carrying a sign that said her mother could have aborted her but chose to give her a chance at life.
“These are miracles,” Sullens said. “If you attend Rose Day, you are making a difference.”
Human rights advocates begin gathering as soon as the Capitol doors open. They meet with and distribute roses to their state senators and representatives. Red roses symbolize the sanctity of the unborn and their basic right to life.
This year’s keynote speaker is Jen Bricker. Born without legs, Bricker’s biological parents left her at the hospital. She said the “hand of destiny” brought her an amazing adoptive family, who gave her one simple rule, “Never say the word ‘can’t.’” As a child, Jen was obsessed with gymnastics, and her idol was gold-medalist, Dominique Moceanu.
Moceanu helped inspire Bricker to start competing herself. Seemingly against all odds, Jen went on to compete against able-bodied athletes and became a state champion in power tumbling. As part of her amazing story, and as a twist of fate, Bricker later learned that Moceanu was actually her biological sister! (Read more about her story at http://jenbricker.com/my-story.)
Bricker’s incredible story has been featured on multiple shows, including 20/20 and Good Morning America. She is currently living in Los Angeles and has added a successful speaking career to her list of accomplishments.
She hopes to inspire and motivate others to believe that “Everything is Possible,” which is the title of her first book.
Children and students are encouraged to attend Rose Day with a parent or school.
Kedon Gumerson, a 13-year-old from Edmond and star of YouTube’s “Kid Catholic,” has attended Rose Day, and said it is important for youth to be involved in the pro-life movement.
“We were born into the culture of death, so we need to be the generation to change it,” he said. “We are kids. Kids are being killed every day. It is important for us to stand up for our peers.”
Mary Ann Schmidt, this year’s ACCW Rose Day Mass and breakfast coordinator, participates in Rose Day and also participated in this year’s “Walk for Life” in Washington D.C.
“As a member of the National Council of Catholic Women, I feel it is imperative to follow our mission statement, ‘Be the voice of Catholic Women,’ and as such, use our collective voice to stand up for the sanctity of life,” she said. “We must show our legislators that this issue is a priority! I am proud to lend my voice.”
Eliana Tedrow is a freelance writer for the Sooner Catholic.
Rose Day – Feb. 6
Registration/rose distribution – 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Rally, House chamber – 11:30 a.m.
Oklahoma State Capitol
Speaker – Jen Bricker
(Bring roses)
