A former abortion clinic converted into the Mother of Mercy Free Clinic

For 27 years, the pro-lifers who faithfully prayed outside the Manassas abortion clinic were forced to keep their distance… On the World Day of the Poor, Nov. 19, 2017, Bishop Michael F. Burbidge blessed the building as the new Mother of Mercy Free Clinic, dedicating it to the Virgin Mary.

Some 80 Catholics, many of whom had stood vigil outside the abortion clinic, gathered in the building and spilled out onto the sidewalk for the event. “It’s just an amazing thing to cross the threshold,” said McGinn. “It’s really crossing the threshold of hope because now this is a place where people who don't have access to medical care are going to be nurtured.”

During his opening remarks, Art Bennett, president and CEO of diocesan Catholic Charities, took a moment to remember those who lost their lives at the abortion clinic as well as the pro-lifers who prayed for the clinic to close. “Right out there is where the interventions were made and where the grace was built for the change that we’re seeing here today,” he said.

Over the years, those who prayed outside the clinic witnessed many miracles, said Mike Hadro. One of the doctors who performed abortions no longer does, he said. Women decided to keep their babies or place them for adoption. One of those children is now Hadro’s adopted granddaughter. “We’ve had so many fruits from this clinic.” ...

Bishop Burbidge expressed his gratitude that the blessing could take place on the inaugural World Day of the Poor. The motto this year is “Love not in word, but in deed.”

Lots of these people that are going to come to the free clinic were praying on the street for the former clinic to go away,” he said. “And people didn’t know this was going to happen. This is all God’s grace coming into perfect order.”

Taken from Catholic Herald