BURLINGTON CITY - Twenty-five years ago, Norma McCorvey became famous as the "Jane Roe" who prompted the landmark Roe vs Wade decision to legalize abortion.

Two weeks ago, the Rev. Frank A. Pavone sponsored the confirmation of McCorvey into the Catholic Church…

"This was one of the most joyful moments of my pro-life experience," said Pavone. 'We have great and tremendous ground for hope."

Pavone, the international director of Priests for Life, a Catholic pro-life organization, spoke about that experience and others last night during a fund-raiser for the Burlington County Right to Life organization.

The fund-raiser, held at St. Paul's Parochial School on James Street, was attended by about 200 people, including U.S. Rep. Chris Smith, R- 4th of Hamilton.

Burlington County Right to Life has received attention from Rev. Pavone, Smith and others for its aggressive marketing effort against abortion.

The group funds billboards in Burlington County that push healing, acceptance and assistance as an alternative to abortion.

The signs depict a baby enveloped within a large hand. The billboards also list a Bible verse and an address where the group can be reached.

During his remarks, Rev. Pavone praised the local group for reaching out to non-church members and those contemplating abortion.

"We of the pro-life movement oppose abortions, not the people who have them. Our doors are always open," he said.

But Rev. Pavone encouraged the group and local churches to do more. He said that although the message against abortion is being heard loudly, the church must also strive to provide alternatives and counseling for pregnant women.

"There's got to be the hand of charity also," Rev. Pavone said, prompting applause from the audience.

Rev. Pavone was ordained by the Archdiocese of New York in 1988 and has been traveling around the United States and the rest of the world since 1993 speaking against abortion.

Last year Rev. Pavone was asked by the Pontifical Council for the Family, headquartered at the Vatican in Rome, to help coordinate pro-life activities.

Smith also commended Burlington County Right to Life for its efforts.

"The idea of this billboard campaign is absolutely necessary," said Smith, a longtime pro-life proponent whose district includes several towns in northern Burlington County.

"We will continue to push alternatives, adoption and counseling, but I do believe in the power of prayer."

Priests for Life in the News