By seminarian Daniel Greeson
The St. Ambrose Society, a St. Vladimir's pro-life student organization, held a public seminar on November 13, 2015. The event featured Maryl Turchi, the Executive Director of Life Options Center, a Yonkers crisis pregnancy center, and Keri Landeche, the Northeast Regional Coordinator of Students for Life of America.
Maryl Turchi provided wonderful insights into the daily realities of directing a crisis pregnancy center. Her years of service to young expectant mothers and fathers searching for advice and care were evident as she shared poignant stories, articulate advice, and a convicting message. The question and answer session with Mrs. Turchi was especially helpful. She described what it's like to be the one answering the call of upset and anxious clients: how she guides them to see the ramifications of their decisions, and encourages them with solutions they hadn't previously considered.
Maryl's practical counsel was particularly edifying for those preparing for the priesthood. Questions ranged from how poverty and instability impact families, to how new priests can connect and partner with crisis pregnancy centers when they enter new parishes.
Keri Landeche gave a presentation on the work of Students for Life of America, a group active on many college campuses. She shared the nuts and bolts of how the organization gets up and running, promotes itself, and how it equips young college students to engage with their peers. It was heartening to hear Miss Landeche's expression of hope, that the millennial generation will be able to turn the tide in America towards pro-life convictions.
The seminar ended with a joint panel featuring Mrs. Turchi and Miss Landeche. The combination of Mrs. Turchi's years of experience and Miss Landeche's work on the forefront of millennial pro-life activism made for a rich discussion. As these issues continue to be at the forefront of civic discussion in our country, it was very beneficial to have two pro-life veterans representing two different age groups commenting on the current struggles.
