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IN THIS ISSUE
From the Desk of
Fr. John Madigan, O.M.I.
An Oblate Partnership that Endured
Oblate Feature
A newborn baby is found in a dumpster or at
a rest stop along the highway.
When such tragedies occur, the story makes headlines in the media. But in Florida these horror stories are taking place less often, thanks to the work of a Missionary Oblate priest.
“If we just save one life then all our efforts have been well worth it,” says Fr. John Gordon, O.M.I.
Father John is an active member of A Safe Haven For Newborns, a program that serves as a safety net for mothers in crisis pregnancy and for newborn infants.
Instead of abandoning a newborn to an almost certain death, Safe Haven allows mothers, fathers or whoever is in possession of an unharmed newborn to leave the newborn at a designated facility. No questions are asked, and the person is free from the fear of prosecution.
Most Safe Haven locations are staffed 24 hours a day and have medical services, such as hospitals, fire and police stations, readily available.
Father John first learned about Safe Haven as a newly-ordained priest ministering at the Oblates’ Christ The King Parish in Miami. One of his parishioners was Nick Silverio, founder of A Safe Haven For Newborns.
Silverio created Safe
Haven after the tragic death
of his wife in an auto accident
caused by a speeding driver.
He wanted to preserve her
memory and spirit through
charitable works.
When Silverio learned about a Safe Haven law passed in Florida in 2000, he decided to take action to make sure the program would be available throughout the state.
“We started in Miami and today, through a grass roots approach
and our public awareness efforts, we reach all 67 counties in Florida,”
says Silverio.
As the program
grew,
Fr. John joined
the group’s advisory
board. When he
was transferred from
Miami to two
parishes in northern
Florida, he led the
effort to expand
Safe Haven into
rural communities.
At Fr. John’s invitation, Silverio journeyed to northern Florida to speak to members of the congregations at St. Vincent de Paul Parish in Madison and St. Margaret Parish in Monticello. The parishioners enthusiastically embraced the idea of working to enhance Safe Haven’s presence in the community.
“The parishioners were looking to expand their missionary
endeavors and we became the first two parishes in the entire state of
Florida to formally support the Safe Haven program,” says
Fr. John.
Parishioners have held barbeques and other fund-raisers for Safe Haven. They have also gone throughout the community hanging up posters in both English and Spanish to inform residents about the program. They have even placed stickers about Safe Haven on dumpsters.
Father John explains that isolated areas like northern Florida have added complications when dealing with child abandonment issues. It is relatively easy to gain access to hospitals and fire stations in large cities. In rural communities these options for Safe Havens are much more limited.
Father John also noted that there are many migrant workers in northern Florida who are unaware of the Safe Haven law. Educating these residents will help reduce the number of child abandonments in the state.
Now that Safe Haven is present throughout Florida, Fr. John hopes the program will expand across the United States. Several states have similar laws in place and are using Florida as a model to create Safe Havens in their communities.
Recently Fr. John and the other leaders of Safe Haven celebrated the 100th rescue of a baby in Florida from child abandonment. The child now has a name and a loving home, and is growing up surrounded by love.
“That is what it is all about,” says Fr. John.
For help with a crisis pregnancy, call Safe Haven toll free at
1-877-767-BABY (2229). More information about the program is
available at: Safe Haven For Newborns, 6801 NW 77th Ave. Suite 404,
Miami, FL 33166 or by going to their website at: www.asafehavenfornewborns.com.
Letters to A Safe Haven for Newborns:“How was I to know that three years ago, God would bring me face He is a happy, healthy, articulate, little blessing. Each day with Kristopher Michael is more amazing than the one before and just the thought that A Safe Haven for Newborns made this possible moves me to tears and determination to help your organization in every way possible.” A.I.T “Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all you do to save the lives of innocent little babies. If I would have had the chance that young girls and women have today with the Florida Safe Haven for Newborns option, I would have saved my baby’s life. There are babies now being fed, rocked and loved today because of everyone associated with A Safe Haven for Newborns.” Anonymous “Without Safe Haven our family would not exist as we know it. Our daughter may not have been given the same opportunity or chance at life that she is experiencing now and we certainly would not have been experiencing this amazing joy watching her grow into a happy, beautiful little girl. Thank you for changing our lives and the life of our daughter through this wonderful program.” M.S.F. “My husband and I were blessed to adopt a Safe Haven baby. Our precious gift has brought so much joy into our lives. He is truly a jewel that we believe the Lord provided for us. I would love to volunteer with the Safe Haven program, especially since I am a witness to the blessing of this program.” P.E.D. “What is more precious than a life, especially an innocent newborn. I pray that God will continue to bless your organization so you all may continue this wonderful mission of love. With sincere thanks for all you do for these newborns. They will all now have a future.” C.S.
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