special edition / terri schiavo
PRAYER: As always, pray for and expect a miracle. Although Florida’s bishops have for the most part remained silent in this case, there is one heroic priest, Msgr. Thaddeus Malanowski, who has been consistent in his efforts to respect Terri Schiavo’s life. We pray that God continues to give him strength and courage. Please see the family’s web site for additional information.
FLORIDA LEGISLATURE: It is reported that lawmakers will introduce a bill at today’s special session that would slap an immediate moratorium on pending starvation deaths in Florida until lawmakers can further address the topic in special session. The bill is specifically aimed at saving Terri Schiavo, a disabled woman whose feeding tube was removed last Wednesday.
(Action: The Miami-Dade Christian Family Coalition has launched an online e-mail campaign asking Florida lawmakers to approve the bill. Floridians may e-mail their state representatives and senators online)
(Reading: “Will ‘Terri’s bill’ save her life now?” World Net Daily, 10/20/03)
HOLY COMMUNION: According to media accounts, a priest was forbidden to give Terri her last Holy Communion. A police officer reportedly told the priest he would be physically restrained if he tried to place the Host in Terri’s mouth.
(Reading: “Sacrament pits family against hospice,” Tampa Tribune, 10/20/03)
LEGAL POSSIBILITIES: The Thomas More Law Center says there are ways Florida Gov. Jeb Bush can legally enter the dispute over Terri Schiavo’s starvation. The center says Bush can launch a criminal investigation, which could lead to replacement of Terri’s feeding tube.
(Reading: “Former prosecutor of Jack Kevorkian delivers emergency letters to Governor Jeb Bush in Terri Schiavo euthanasia case,” Thomas More Law Center news release, 10/16/03)