Belmont Abbey College Unveils Nation's First College-based Materni

[Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam]

I am very proud of my Alma Mater, Belmont Abbey College. Recently the monks donated land on campus to allow a new 10,000 square foot Maternity home to be opened on the campus of Belmont Abbey College for college age women who find themselves unexpectedly pregnant. This new home, which opened on the Feast of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, will allow mothers to receive emotional, spiritual, and practical support to continue their education not only at the Abbey but also at other colleges in the Charlotte area! This is the first Maternity home of its kind and tries to strike at the heart of one of the greatest causes of abortion: that young women feel they must choose between their education and their child. This will serve as a witness of love and support to these women (often single mothers) and their unborn children when they need it the most, to show them that they do have options, that they are not alone, and that people will love and help them.

Here is the local article about it: [url="http://www.catholicnewsherald.com/features/local/45-news/rokstories-local/2026-nation-s-first-college-based-maternity-center-opens-july-16"]http://www.catholicn...r-opens-july-16[/url]

Official Opening:
[img]http://www.rati.org/content/Portals/0/Ribbon_Cutting.jpg[/img]

The maternity home:
[img]http://www.rati.org/content/Portals/0/RATI_Belmont_Facility.jpg[/img]

Abbot Placid OSB, Bishop Peter Jugis, and Fr. Frank Pavone, National Director of Priests for Life, at the opening of the Maternity-home.
[img]http://www.ewtnnewsonline.com/images/AbbottSolarisBishopPeterJugisFrFrankPavone_EWTN_US_RoomattheInn_6_21_11.jpg[/img]

Edited July 24, 2012 by Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam

[Totus Tuus]

My son is named after Jon Scharfenberger, who dedicated his time to establishing campus resources for pregnant college students. He passed away in October, and I feel this home is probably an answer to his prayers from heaven.

[missionseeker]

I'm pretty certain that if was alive, he'd be in those pics.

[Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam]

*bump* because I like to see good news among so much negativity, especially around election time.

[Amppax]

This is excellent. Can't give enough props.

[inunionwithrome]

I wish that it was Catholic Specific, although I do know that we are to reach out to all peoples

[Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam]

[quote name='inunionwithrome' timestamp='1343414373' post='2459386']
I wish that it was Catholic Specific, although I do know that we are to reach out to all peoples
[/quote]

Why do you wish this was Catholic specific? It is right that we serve others. Christ washed the feet of others and we are called to do the same. Most in society fight to have their feet washed. Too few fight for the towel. This maternity home, which serves the greater Charlotte area, is run by an independent Pro-Life Organization called Room at the Inn. The land and the financing was helped by the Monks but it will not be run by them or their college. The house will serve multiple colleges and addresses abortion on a wider societal and city level because ALL women deserve better than abortion. WHEN contraception fails, and it will, we as Catholics have to be ready to witness to love and support all women and their unborn children when they need it the most, to show them they do have options, that they are not alone, and that people will love and help them. As Fr. Pavone of Priests for Life said "We don't serve them because they are Catholic, we serve them because we are Catholic." This is essentially the command of the Beatitudes right? The Church's ministries can never be and will never be simply for Catholics. I do not understand why you wish this was simply Catholic specific.

Edited July 28, 2012 by Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam

[Lisa]

Well said, AMDG. This is a truly exciting, beautiful endeavor.

[inunionwithrome]

Well, yes, I do agree with above stated. Yes, we are to serve all peoples and wash the feet of all peoples. I happen to live in the Diocese of Charlotte so I do know what is going on with this. However, sometimes, it seems that we are more concerned with serving others moreso than those of our own demonination. Just a statement. Not meant to be rude or impolite, just an observance and that's all I have to say about that. Bravo, for a Maternity Center for College-Aged women who find themselves in this situation somehow or another. I think it is wonderful that it happens to be the first of it's kind serving the Charlotte Metro Area in a central location. Now, that deserves kudos!

[Adrestia]

I love this.

[Papist]

My wife and I attended an open house there which included a tour. Place is excellent. Has a chapel inside the house.

[Lil Red]

[quote name='Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam' timestamp='1343248671' post='2458820']
*bump* because I like to see good news among so much negativity, especially around election time.
[/quote]

very amesome! thanks for sharing!