Prayer rally for marriage and family held in San Francisco

Published: 2004-04-12

SAN FRANCISCO (CNS) -- About 1,500 San Francisco Catholics participated in a prayer rally in support of traditional marriage sponsored by the Archdiocese of San Francisco and Your Catholic Voice, a lay Catholic public policy advocacy organization. Prior to the April 3 rally, many of those at the rally attended Benediction and Mass at Sts. Peter and Paul Church. The liturgy was concelebrated by San Francisco Archbishop William J. Levada and Oakland Bishop Allen H. Vigneron; Father John Malloy, pastor of Sts. Peter and Paul; and numerous diocesan and religious-order priests. In his homily, Bishop Vigneron said that even at a time when those opposed to traditional marriage and family life "seem to be making progress," those who "stand on behalf of God's truth" must remain hopeful. There is "no need for anxiety," he said. "Do not be afraid." Chris Guirlinger, from St. Dominic's Parish, emceed the rally on the steps of Sts. Peter and Paul Church, while participants held signs reading "Love and Tolerance -- Yes; Same-Sex Marriage -- No."

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