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Fr. Pavone goes downee Ocean

Fr. Frank Pavone, the director of Priests for Life, in keeping with a longstanding Maryland tradition, went, to use the common vernacular, "downee ocean" on August 10.

But when he got to Ocean City, he did not hit the sand and the surf. Instead, he offered two Saturday vigil Masses at Holy Savior Catholic Church, preaching powerful anti-abortion sermons to packed and attentive congregations.

Then, Father Pavone and about a dozen area pro-lifers, carrying signs provided by Defend Life, hit the boardwalk for Ocean City's first mini-Face the Truth Tour.

The Face the Truthers and their signs attracted attention from the never-ceasing flow of humanity along the boardwalk-and threats to call the police from the owner of a nearby restaurant, who said his customers were complaining about the pictures of aborted babies.

The pro-lifers refused to leave, and a police officer soon arrived on the scene. He advised Father, "If you go stand somewhere else, you'll only get more complaints from the owners of businesses there; so why don't you just walk slowly down the boardwalk?" Father Pavone agreed, and for the remainder of the demonstration, the pro-lifers walked slowly, single file along the boardwalk.

Their attempt to bring the truth about abortion in graphic form to the ocean resort attracted many curious stares and some derisive and belligerent remarks from passersby.

But the pro-lifers' spirits were lifted when several onlookers were so moved that they spontaneously joined in the demonstration.