Catholic lawyers' group honors late Gov. Casey for his pro-life stand

Published: 2005-07-05

HARRISBURG, Pa. (CNS) -- This year the St. Thomas More Society of central Pennsylvania, made up of about 125 Catholics who are canon or civil lawyers, gave its annual Fidelis Award to the late Gov. Robert P. Casey of Pennsylvania. The award is presented to a lawmaker or public official in memory of St. Thomas More, the vice chancellor of England who in 1535 was executed by King Henry VIII for standing firm in his Catholic beliefs. Former first lady Ellen Casey said her late husband "never wavered" in his Catholic convictions about serving the common good, such as assisting the needy and protecting the unborn. For his stand against abortion and for the right to life, the Democratic Party, his party, denied his request to address the 1992 Democratic convention because of the issue. Although he died five years ago, the governor's life of public service rooted in Catholic teachings continues to have influence in the public square, Ellen Casey said.

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