Saint George raising funds for ultrasound machine

ST. GEORGE — The Pro-Life Ministry for Southern Utah and the Saint George Parish Knights of Columbus council have joined forces to raise funds for a portable ultrasound machine to allow pregnant women in southern Utah who may be considering an abortion to see a sonogram of their unborn child.

The fundraising kicked off with a concert featuring David Parkes, a former professional soccer player from Ireland who contracted Crohn’s disease and was healed after visiting Medjugorje. He since has become an international speaker and singer.

Parke’s concert, on Jan. 22 in St. George Catholic Church’s Kuzy Hall, "was a rousing success," raising more than $6,000 for the ultrasound machine effort, said Rita Silvestri.

Silvestri leads the pro-life ministry with Rose Medina. Both women are St. George parishioners.

Jan. 22 was the 41st anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court’s Roe vs. Wade decision, which legalized abortion in this country.

Parke came to St. George at Silvestri’s request; she had met him in Medjugorje and asked if he would help support pro-life efforts in southern Utah, she said.

About 250 people attended the concert, which was free, although a free-will offering was accepted. Since then, people have continued to donate to the cause, Silvestri said.

The portable ultrasound machine will be used throughout southern Utah to help pregnant women who may be considering abortion, she added. To purchase the machine, they must raise $18,000; the Knights of Columbus Supreme Council will match that amount.

"This program really struck a chord with me," said Richard Rivera, Grand Knight of the St. George Knights of Columbus.

Because an ultrasound shows the baby’s heartbeat, "the ultrasound machine becomes a very powerful weapon in proof of life," Rivera said, and that proof can help a woman decide to carry her child to term because "how can you possibly take a life that you created?" he asked.

With the success of the concert now behind them, the St. George Knights will be moving forward with efforts to raise the remainder of the amount needed to purchase the ultrasound machine, Rivera said.