Ave Maria Parish and Ave Maria University hosted an Oct. 20, 2024, rally in opposition to Amendment 4, an extreme and dangerous proposed amendment to the Florida Constitution that would radically expand access to abortion.
Bishop Frank J. Dewane was among the featured speakers who described how the wording of Amendment 4 uses misleading language and if passed, the new law would be an immediate danger not only to full-term babies but also to mothers and girls.
Bishop Dewane lauded university officials for hosting the rally, which took place in the Field House before continuing with a rosary walk through the campus to the Parish church.
About 1,000 took part in the event where everyone was to reach out to 10 others about the dangers of Amendment 4, encouraging them to Vote NO on 4!
“Voting NO on 4 is a positive because it is crucial to saving lives,” Bishop Dewane said. “This amendment would embed within the Constitution of Florida unregulated abortion, establishing an unlimited right to abortion, making Florida one of the most pro-abortion states in the nation. Amendment 4 goes dangerously beyond even what Roe v. Wade included. It is extreme and it is unnecessary in the State of Florida. There is simply no need to expand an already expansive abortion law within Florida. I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to be a part of something like that. So, we have to stand up and Vote NO on 4!”
Sharon Lavesque, Respect Life Ministry Coordinator for Ave Maria Parish, was encouraged by the crowd of supporters at the rally, because each was there as part of God’s plan.
“We do not do it alone, for together we can do much,” Lavesque said. “We are the army of pro-lifers united in faith and determination to witness battle. We are the warriors for the babies, the moms and the girls. The defeat of Amendment 4 will give hope to other states. Now is the time God has put us here for this fight. Together we can stand for the life of the unborn and make a difference in the world.”
Father David Vidal, Pastor of Ave Maria Parish, offered the opening prayer, while other presenters included Mexican producer and actor Eduardo Verástegui; U.S. Rep. Mario Díaz-Balart (R-Florida); State Rep. Lauren Melo (R-Naples); Logan Church, National Political Director of Catholic Vote, and Manual Milanés, an “Ave Maria hero” who saved the lives of a mother and her four children by taking a bullet in the chest. In addition, also present were members of Doctors Against Amendment 4.
To learn more about Amendment 4, please visit https://dioceseofvenice.org/offices/offices-departments/respect-life/amendment4/.
