In a recent letter to his priests, Bishop Morlino states, “Although there are several reasons to be optimistic as we come upon the historic inauguration we are about to experience, there are several reasons also for very real concern – not least of which is President-elect Obama’s promise to sign the proposed “Freedom of Choice Act” (FOCA) as soon as it reaches his desk. It is of paramount importance that this legislation NEVER reaches him.”
And this from Fr. Longnecker’s blog:
If you are opposed to abortion then there is bad news on the horizon. For those of you who do not know, the Freedom of Choice Act (FOCA) is set to be signed if congress passes it on January 21-22 of 2009.
Click the banner above to learn more about FOCA and sign the online petition against it
The FOCA is the next sick chapter in the book of abortion. If made a law then all limitations on abortion will be lifted which will result in the following:
1) All hospitals, including Catholic hospitals will be required to perform abortions upon request. If this happens Bishops vow to close down all Catholic hospitals, more than 30% of all hospitals in the United States.
2) Partial birth abortions would be legal and have no limitations.
3) All U.S. tax payers would be funding abortions.
4) Parental notification will no longer be required.
5) The number of abortions will increase by a minimum of 100,000 annually.
Perhaps most importantly the government will now have control in the issue of abortion. This could result in a future amendment that would force women by law to have abortions in certain situations (rape, down syndrome babies, etc) and could even regulate how many children women are allowed to have.
The Plan:
To say a novena (9-days of prayer) along with fasting starting on January 11th. For Catholics, the prayer of choice will be the rosary with intentions to stop the FOCA, or you may use this shorter prayer:
Begin with Three Hail Marys
Let us pray…
Heavenly Father, your Son Jesus Christ condescended to share human flesh by the Blessed Virgin Mary, and took the form of an unborn child in his mother’s womb. We pray that the leaders of our nation will have compassion on the unborn and work to stop the crime of abortion in our land. Especially we pray that hearts will be converted and minds enlightened so that the Freedom of Choice Act will be abandoned, and with it the culture of Death. This we pray through Christ our Lord. AMEN
Conclude with the Our Father… (With a focus on the phrase ‘deliver us from evil)
Needless to say this information is disturbing, but sadly true. As Catholics, as Christians, as anyone who is against the needless killing of innocent children, we must stand as one. We must stop this horrific act before it becomes a law.
Posted by Fr. Richard Heilman 
Mary\'s Anawim 