By Judie Brown
Fidelis: Latin for faithful, loyal
When we read the translation of the Latin word fidelis, we get a certain sense of who Father Fidelis Moscinski, CFR is. Father is a member of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal (CFR). He is a faithful, loyal priest, a committed member of the rescue community, and someone who has been described as “standing for life, while on his knees.”
Father Fidelis follows in the footsteps of another great priest, Father Benedict Groeschel, CFR, who was one of the founders of the order. When he died at the age of 81, he left a great legacy, including the order itself, which thrives today.
First and foremost, the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal are priests dedicated to Christ. They are men who embrace “our commitment to prayer and contemplation, the study of Sacred Scripture, and our fidelity to the Church and the Sacraments, our fraternal life.”
Father Fidelis has a deep love of preborn babies and their mothers. He has been rescuing babies from abortion since 1989, and as he said in a recent interview: “God is certainly calling me to do this rescue mission within the pro-life movement. And I know that He is calling others. Although it might appear difficult or extraordinary, in fact rescue activity is the sanest response to the abortion holocaust, and I can attest that God gives superabundant graces to those who are willing to respond to His call to ‘rescue those being led away to death; hold back those staggering toward slaughter’” (Proverbs 24:11).
When Father Moscinski was arrested recently, the CFRs supported him in prayer and solidarity. In a published statement, they said:
Through our prayers, public witness, and solidarity with the unborn, the elderly, and all those whose lives are threatened by death as the proposed solution to problems, we seek to uphold the right to life and the dignity of every human being. We try to accomplish this within a variety of apostolic works and commitments including supporting crisis pregnancy centers and homes for expectant mothers, prayer and counseling at places where abortions occur, spiritual retreats for those who have been affected by abortion, and providing programs for inner-city youth. . . .
We fully support our confrere, Fr. Fidelis Moscinski, CFR as he joins with others in the “Red Rose Rescue.”
Father’s love of Christ, his unwavering devotion to the babies, and his deep faith in the saving power of God’s mercy are reflected in so many ways. He is truly among the greatest spiritual leaders we have in the pro-life movement today.
Recently, when Father appeared in court, he issued a statement that summarizes the reasons why his leadership is admired and emulated by so many. In part, the statement reads:
As a Catholic priest I say to this Court that abortion is murder and no law or court decision can make legitimate what is intrinsically evil. Legalized abortion is an abomination in the eyes of Almighty God.
Now is the time for all of us to repent of our complicity in this national evil. It is time to seek forgiveness from God, in the name of His Son, Jesus Christ. It is not too late to turn away from sin and begin to respect the gift of life and the laws of God.
In finding me guilty this Court has refused to recognize the humanity and value of preborn children. Since I stand here in solidarity with them may God give me the grace to bear witness on their behalf.
I consider this Court’s judgment of me as guilty invalid and therefore any subsequent incarceration illegal.
Father Fidelis Moscinski, CFR, warrior for Christ, spokesman for the babies, tireless defender of truth, Christ be with you!