Today Marks Fifth Annual National Memorial for 'Terri's Day'

Contact: Margaret, Priests for Life, 888-735-3448 ext 251

AVE MARIA, Fla., March 31 -- Fr. Frank Pavone, National Director of Priests for Life, will be the celebrant and homilist tonight at the Annual National Mass for Terri's Day at the Ave Maria Oratory of Ave Maria University in Naples, Florida.

"On March 31, five years ago, Terri Schiavo died a court mandated and government enforced death," said Fr. Pavone. "I saw for myself, as I held her hand and prayed at her bedside that this death was not 'peaceful' and 'beautiful' as euthanasia advocates want us to think. Moreover, as health care is placed more and more in the hands of the government, we have to be more vigilant than ever to protect the Terris of today and tomorrow."

"Terri's Day" was established by Terri's family and Priests for Life to foster education, prayer, and activism to counter discrimination against the disabled. We urge Churches, schools, organizations, families, and individuals to observe this day. Suggested prayers and activities are at www.TerrisDay.org.

The National Mass for Terri's Day will be held tonight, March 31, at 5:00 pm, at 5040 Ave Maria Boulevard, Ave Maria, FL 34142. A light reception will follow.

Priests for Life is the nation's largest Catholic pro-life organization dedicated to ending abortion and euthanasia. For more information, visit www.priestsforlife.org.