by Susan Brinkmann, OCDS
Staff Writer
(Feb. 20, 2008) The Terri Schindler Schiavo Foundation and Priests for Life have established March 31 as “Terri’s Day” to mark the court-ordered death of Terri Schiavo in 2005 and to encourage advocacy for those in similar situations.
“No family should ever have to witness what my family witnessed, watching a loved one slowly dehydrate to death,” said Suzanne Vitadamo, Terri’s sister. “We want Terri’s day to remind us all that persons with disabilities are never burdens and should be treated with nothing but our unconditional love and compassion.”
The full title of the commemoration is “International Day of Prayer and Remembrance for Terri Schindler Schiavo and All of Our Vulnerable Brothers and Sisters.”
Organizers hope that “Terri’s Day” will foster education, prayer and activism regarding discrimination of the disabled, as well as encourage advocacy for thousands of people who are in a similar situation.
The family has suggested a variety of ways of marking the day, including the recitation of a special prayer in remembrance of Terri which is available on their website. They suggest that parishes and schools conduct an essay contest about what happened to Terri, or to invite speakers to address these issues; to spend some time that day volunteering at a nursing home, hospital, or visiting a disabled friend or relative; write a letter to elected officials to encourage the passage of laws that will protect people facing similar circumstances; register to vote and challenge candidates on their views about Terri and those who face the same challenges.
“Terri’s Day” will be celebrated every year on March 31, but this year is special because it falls on the day that the Feast of the Annunciation is being celebrated due to the timing of Easter Week.
“This is actually quite appropriate,” the family says on their website. “The mystery of the Annunciation is the mystery of the Incarnation. God has joined Himself to our frail humanity and made it even more holy that it already was.
“All of our sufferings, weaknesses, and disabilities are joined in a particular way to the Divine Nature. The celebration of the Annunciation calls us to see the glory of God shining through every human body and ever human soul, no matter what affliction they may be carrying.”
Father Frank Pavone of Priests for Life, who was at Terri’s side in the last moments of her life, will concelebrate a Mass of Remembrance for Terri’s Day on March 31 at ST. Patrick’s Church in Largo Florida.
“Those of us who were with Terri will never forget her life and her death,” Father Pavone said. “For the sake of all the vulnerable, it is critically important that those who never knew Terri likewise remember the lessons that God taught us through her.”
For more information, visit the family’s website at www.terrisfight.org
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