BELMONT — Noted international and African pro-life activist Obianuju Ekeocha provided a lively talk about pro-life efforts in Africa to Belmont Abbey College students April 17.
Ekeocha, an author and scientist from Nigeria, is the founder of Culture of Life Africa, which seeks to evangelize the pro-life message throughout Africa and has appeared on numerous media programs including EWTN and recently wrote “Target Africa: Ideological Neo-colonialism of the Twenty-first Century,” published by Ignatius Press.
Her talk focused on the economic pressures African countries face by western nations to accept contraception and abortion in their countries despite overwhelming local opposition. Specifically, Ekeocha highlighted western non-profits and government agencies, including those from the United States, which have pressured African governments to accept population control programs and abortion while simultaneously ignoring critically funding needs for water access, infrastructure development and education.
Ekeocha’s talk concluded by highlighting the successful effort of the Ugandan government to reduce AIDS by promoting virtue including abstinence outside marriage. The talk was sponsored by Our Lady of Grace Church in Indian Land, S.C., and supported by members of Crusaders for Life, Belmont Abbey College’s student pro-life organization.
— Mike FitzGerald, correspondent
STATESVILLE — Court St. Philip the Apostle 2593 hosted the Catholic Daughters of the Americas North Carolina Workshop April 14 at St. Philip the Apostle Church.
It was attended by 86 members from North Carolina, as well as National Regent Helene Shepard. Dawn McGinn, regent of Court St. Philip the Apostle, welcomed the women. Belinda Swager, state regent, introduced the head table which included: Father Thomas Tully of New Bern, who was officially installed as state chaplain; National Regent Helene Shepard; Essie Walker, national director from Charlotte; state officers Bonnie Fox, Gwen Parris, Teresa Cornett and Brenda Spizzo; and guest speaker Deacon Chuck Zlamal, chaplain of Court St. Bernadette.
The theme of the Spiritual Reflection Workshop was “How our works, especially the ones that benefit those who are facing challenges, can better bind us together as one family in Christ.” Breakfast and lunch were served, and awards were given out to Circle of Love, Education Contest and Newsletter Contest award winners.
— Connie Ries