By Monsignor Noel C. Burtenshaw

The Seventies began by telling us once more we could win in Vietnam. So the violence continued and when at last it stopped on those foreign apocalyptic fields, it continued here at home with the approving nod of the judicial branch of the government.

In 1973, the Supreme Court gave to each woman the right to abort her baby. America had taken a huge backward leap into an arena long the possession of the tyrant. The fight to undo the awful injustice against innocent and defenseless human life began.

In the North Georgia area, the Archdiocese of Atlanta has had strong and courageous voices crying against the tyrants. Those voices have sounded a call to action. They belong to three outspoken ladies who dared the rest of us to say as much as possible but to act more energetically than our words. Through the leadership they gave over the last year to the Pro-Life movement, many hands have come forward to toil and many voices have come from the shadows to speak out.

They, we believe, the gallant fighters and inspirers of this sacred cause are our People of the Year. To each of them we offer our congratulations.

Mary Ellen Hughes, originally from Birmingham, Alabama, undertook the position of coordinator of Respect Life activities for the Archdiocese in 1978. Mary Ellen has been responsible for the development of the Natural Family Planning Program and has organized the Crisis Pregnancy Service for the Church in North Georgia. Through her efforts, 77 volunteers have stepped forward to be a part of the program.

Marietta Pompillo came to Atlanta from Mount Vernon, New York in 1968. Only last year Marietta came to the Pro-Life Office as coordinator. She is responsible for crowding those seminars on life related issues throughout our Archdiocese. Marietta is in touch with the parishes on one hand and the National Pro-Life Office on the other. She leads us all down the path that will bring a human life amendment.

Sheila Mallon is a native of New York City. For many years Sheila has been involved in community action representing the voice of the Church. She has been a popular columnist for The Georgia Bulletin bringing words of encouragement to women each week. In 1979, Sheila began her work for Pro-Life. She supports the work of parish groups, works with Congressional District Action Committees and acts as liaison with other churches.

These three ladies bring hope and inspiration along with determination that the gift of life will survive as a golden right. They are for the Church in North Georgia, the outstanding People of the Year.