Catholics around the nation prepared for the worst, after an abortion rights group on social media called for demonstrations within churches during Mass on Mother’s Day. The call was in response to the leaked draft opinion indicating that the Supreme Court is prepared to reverse Roe v. Wade, the 1973 landmark ruling that legalized abortion.
At the end of the day, there were several demonstrations and acts of vandalism, but far fewer than had been expected.
As Aleteia reported, the Twitter account @RuthSentUs, prompted dioceses around the country to beef up security after it tweeted:
“Whether you’re a ‘Catholic for Choice,’ ex-Catholic, of other or no faith, recognize that six extremist Catholics set out to overturn Roe. Stand at or in a local Catholic Church Sun May 8. #WarOnWomen #MothersDayStrike”
That rallying cry, was followed by a more ominous one that called for destruction of the Blessed Sacrament:
Here’s what we know actually happened:
Disruptions of the Mass
In Los Angeles, a small group of protesters dressed in red costumes from Margaret Atwood’s “The Handmaid’s Tale,” interrupted Sunday Mass at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels. They were escorted out by security.
In New York City on Saturday, pro-abortion protesters gathered in front of Old St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Lower Manhattan. The demonstration forced pro-life activists to cancel their usual procession to a nearby Planned Parenthood abortion clinic.
A partially-clothed group holding signs calling for “Abortion on demand & without apology,” was photographed outside of Saint Patrick’s Cathedral in New York. A post on Twitter claimed that the photos were taken during Mass and in front of children.
Vandalism of pro-life pregnancy centers
In Madison, Wisconsin, a pro-life center was targeted by pro-abortion extremists who launched a Molotov cocktail into the building. The device failed to explode, but activists then set a fire causing extensive damage. A message that read: "If abortions aren't safe then you aren't either,” was spray-painted on the building.
In Denton, Texas, Loreto House, a pro-life center was vandalized.
Harassment of Supreme Court Justices
Over the weekend, abortion rights demonstrators gathered outside the homes of Supreme Court Justices expected to side with the majority in overturning Roe v Wade.
A group called Shutdown DC organized a protest in front of Justice Brett Kavanaugh’s home. The group said on Twitter that protesters also gathered outside of Chief Justice John Roberts’ home.
The group announced that it is gathering in front of Justice Samuel Alito’s House on Monday evening. On the website, people are invited to share their email addresses in order to receive the location of the gathering.
Short of condemning the “doxxing” (releasing of personal information such as home address) of the Justices, the White House issued a statement, warning against violence or vandalism.
"President Biden strongly condemns this attack and political violence of any stripe. The President has made clear throughout his time in public life that Americans have the fundamental right to express themselves under the Constitution, whatever their point of view. But that expression must be peaceful and free of violence, vandalism, or attempts to intimidate," the White House said in a statement.
On Monday, White House spokesperson Jen Psaki specifically mentioned the President's condemnation of threats against the Supreme Court judges:
