At the Couples for Christ convention July 4 (from left): Margie Hermano, Manny Hermano, Nila Andrews, Edwin Andrews, Joe Scheidler, Frank Padilla, Gerry Padilla and Margi Paglinawan
Joe Scheidler spent a lively Independence Day eve in the very heart of the birthplace of “The Star Spangled Banner,” Baltimore, Maryland. The occasion was the annual convention of the Couples for Christ Foundation for Family and Life at the Baltimore-Washington International Airport Marriott Hotel. Scheidler participated at the invitation of Margie Hermano, coordinator of the Chicago area Couples for Christ.
Scheidler arrived as David Bereit of 40 Days for Life, was addressing the conference. Following David’s talk, Scheidler attended Mass celebrated by Justin Cardinal Rigali of Philadelphia. The Cardinal gave a powerful talk on the intrinsic worth of every human being, and how each person must decide what he will do to counter the violent attacks against our most basic human values. “The time,” said Cardinal Rigali, “has arrived for each of us to take a determined stand.”
Couples for Christ, Defending Life
On the Fourth of July, Scheidler was honored to deliver a keynote speech dealing with the spiritual dimensions of the pro-life battle. This special pro-life summit had been called in an attempt to find a strategic plan for Christians to sustain opposition to abortion and to build a platform to defend life and renew family values.
Other speakers included Fank Padilla, founder of Couples for Christ, Christa Lopiccolo, Adolfo Paglinawan and Rick McKinney.
Scheidler headed back to Chicago in time to join his family in their annual Independence Day celebration with fireworks in Glenview, Illinois.
