Faced with the looming
construction of a multimillion-dollar, regional abortion facility by
Planned Parenthood Gulf South, New Orleans Archbishop Gregory M. Aymond
has cautioned local Catholics and businesses they would be "cooperating
with the evil that will take place" at the clinic if they participated
in its preparation or construction. In an open letter, published on the
front page of the Feb. 1 issue of the Clarion Herald, the archdiocesan
newspaper, Archbishop Aymond said the caution extends to any person or
business "involved in the acquisition, preparation and construction of
this (abortion) facility." The archbishop also indicated the archdiocese
would not do future business "with any person or organization that
participates in actions that are essential to making this abortion
facility a reality. This policy applies to all businesses, regardless of
religious affiliation or nonaffiliation," Archbishop Aymond wrote. "Our
fidelity to church teaching and our conscience necessitates this
stance." Planned Parenthood currently operates two clinics in Louisiana
-- in New Orleans and Baton Rouge -- but does not perform abortions in
the state. In its public statements about the proposed 7,000- to
8,000-square-foot facility, located about five minutes from two
universities and on a site easily accessible by public transportation,
Planned Parenthood Gulf South indicated it would seek a state license to
perform abortions.
The twelve apostles chosen by Jesus formed the bedrock of the early Church , and their Catholic identity is deeply rooted in their direct relationship with Christ and the mission He entrusted to them. The Catechism of the Catholic Church highlights this foundational role, stating that Jesus "instituted the Twelve as 'the seeds of the new Israel and the beginning of the sacred hierarchy'" ( CCC 860 ). These men were not simply followers; they were handpicked by Jesus, lived intimately with Him, witnessed His miracles and teachings firsthand, and were specifically commissioned to preach the Gospel to all nations ( Matthew 28:19-20 ). Their unique position as eyewitnesses to the life, death, and resurrection of Christ, and their reception of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, established them as the authoritative leaders of the nascent Church, a reality echoed in the writings of early Church Fathers like Ignatius of Antioch, who emphasized the apostles' authority as repre...