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Monument to the Unborn

KC Rock

This rock donated by the Knights of Holy Family Council 11981, can be found in the courtyard of Holy Family Parish.

Through the efforts of Ken Dirnberger(PKG) the following background information was found on the rock.

"The rock was installed shortly after I joined the council. It was a project of PGK Joe Leahy - I remember him talking about some difficult negotiations with the parish in getting a suitable location. The rock was a pro-life project.- a memorial to victims of abortion. I don't recall any ceremony at the time the rock was placed in the courtyard, but the council used to sponsor pro-life prayer services and on at least one occasion, did a candlelight procession with an Honor Guard out to the rock. (The candles all blew out in the wind but we went ahead with the prayers.)

There is probably something about it in the meeting records from about six or seven years ago - probably initiated when Joe was Grand Knight, but not installed until a year or two later.."

writes Paul Bizek

"Kathy forwarded an email on a question about the Monument to the Unborn in the courtyard.

You can have someone contact me for more information. At the time, I headed up the Rosary and the Unborn program along with the Leahy's and Dick and Mary Evans and some others. We used to have 20-25 folks turn out monthly to pray the Rosary after the 4:30 Saturday mass. The Knights used to place extra Rosaries and instructions on how to pray the Rosary in the chapel.

I am certain there are some other "old timers" that can remember more details on the Monument. But as I can best recall, our Council placed the Monument there to mark the 30th or 35th anniversary of Roe v. Wade. There was a real push on by Supreme because of this milestone. When we had the dedication ceremony we had several priests and I think even the Bishop came out... It was a really big deal at the time.

I actually have a picture of the event with my sons (about age2) climbing on the Monument with me in Regalia and Kathy at the side."

Submitted by Kathy and John McDermott

"According to the minutes:

July 27, 2000 Brother Knight Joseph Leahy (Jim Leahy was leading his first meeting as GK) proposed the KofC pay for the purchase and installation of a Pro Life Monument for the Garden. Estimated cost $3000.

The stone proposed is pink & black; approximately 3.5'W x 2'D, 2400lbs; with a carved pair of hands holding and supporting an infant and inscribed with a verse from Issiah "I will not forget you, I have carried you in the palm of hands".

The motion was made for Brother Leahy to obtain approval from Fr. Pat Brennen & parish council. "

Reported by

Peter Salerno