We priests have the privilege of administering the sacrament of baptism to many people, most of whom are infants. I believe all priests pray that the babies they baptize will respond to the graces given in this most essential sacrament and wonder what they will be or do when they grow up.
On Friday, Oct. 30, at the annual pro-life banquet at the Cornhusker, sponsored by the Nebraska Catholic Conference, Grace Hrnchir, a sophomore at St. Cecilia High School in Hastings won the state pro-life essay contest for the following poem:
Please listen to me, I want you to know,
what those 57 million other mothers didn't know.
You might not see it now, but some day you'll see,
that thing growing inside you is truly a baby.
She's truly a gift, don't let her go,
if you do you'll endure more pain than you've ever known.
She wants to see her mother, not be sent back where she's from,
so please don't do this; just show her your love.
Don't think you'll be enough? Soon you'll see,
That just being her mother is plenty to be.
Don't let them tell you that abortion is the right way,
you'll soon find out the gift that God gave.
Abortion doesn't take long if you choose that way,
for something you will regret for the rest of your days.
Can't afford her? Give her up for adoption,
you know it doesn't cost anything to choose that option.
It will all be worth seeing her face,
trust me it's nothing that you can replace.
God will help you he knows your way,
but please do let this baby stay.
If you need some help, I will give you a hand,
I know you will love this baby even if she wasn't planned.
If you choose to keep your baby, you'll be thankful to see,
those blue little eyes gazing back to thee.
I want you to know that I will pray,
for you and your baby every day.
Know that God will still love you no matter what you choose,
His forgiveness and His mercy will never refuse.
Just know you're not alone, I am still here,
always remember that God will be near.
I beg you not to give her up, don't let her go,
she truly will love you more than you'll ever know..
I was so proud of her when she accepted the award at the podium. When I baptized her as an infant, I had no idea I would witness this. I cannot wait to share this with the ladies at St. Gianna’s! Thank you Grace! I would like to thank her parents, Rob and Patricia, for being great role models!
