VERO BEACH | Faithful of all ages participated in the seventh annual Butterfly Release event Oct. 27, 2024, at St. Helen Parish in Vero Beach, sponsored by the Respect Life ministry.
The release, recognizing the loss of a child through miscarriage, abortion or stillbirth, helps people to reflect, grieve, heal and honor the unborn babies. On a memorial set up for the event, people placed messages written on paper hearts in remembrance of the children. Tina Zayas said, “The butterfly release is releasing those unborn babies to God.”
“St. Helen’s Butterfly Release in remembrance for unborn babies is a significant way to support women in their trauma and loss of their babies,” said Deanna Herbst-Hoosac, Catholic Charities’ Respect Life director. For those in need of healing from abortion and miscarriage, she recommends Rachel’s Vineyard.
Parishioner Alex Giorgetti, an Olympic world champion water polo player and co-founder of Giorgetti Athletics, said, “My aunt lost two daughters, so I came here today because of them.”
Father Emmanuel Ajah, St. Helen’s parochial vicar, leading the faithful in prayer, said, “This sacred space will lift up the memories of babies lost to miscarriage, abortion and stillbirth.” He added, “Let us take a moment of silence in our hearts and minds, inviting the Holy Spirit to be present among us.”
Susan Baldwin, the parish’s Respect Life chairwoman, gave recognition and tribute to Holli Ann Skrapits, who passed away from an illness on Sept. 8, 2021. “As many of you know, the Butterfly Release was started seven years ago by a Respect Life ministry member, Holli Skrapits,” she said. “Holli had an incredible passion for protecting the unborn and for helping heal those who had suffered the loss of a baby.”
Such a loss can cause “a multitude of emotions,” such as “deep sorrow, grief, anger, guilt, emptiness, loneliness and even more,” Baldwin said. “Today, however, we pray that you feel love, great love, love from your baby above, love from the people who surround you and, most of all, love from God, our Father.”
As small packets containing the butterflies were distributed, May Aseneio read a poem, “Little Butterfly,” by Amy Farquhar. As the song “Perfect Way to Start” by Craig Aven was played, messages placed on the memorial display were read aloud as people opened their envelopes and released the butterflies.
Children expressed joy as they watched their butterflies fly away. Tom Schuster, a St. Helen member and father of 12 children with one more on the way, said, “It’s a beautiful thing because all life is beautiful.”
Knights of Columbus member John Jordan said, “My wife and I lost a child with a miscarriage, and this helps with the healing process.”
Eileen Wetzel, a Council of Catholic Woman and Respect Life member helping at the event, put her pro-life views into action when she saved a woman from being hit by a Brightline train Oct. 3. She explained, “I said a silent prayer to God as I ran up to her and pushed her with her (grocery) cart forward and saved her.”
To volunteer or for information on St. Helen Respect Life group or the Butterfly Release, email Baldwin at susanbaldwin1009@gmail.com. To connect with Rachel’s Vineyard, visit www.rachelsvineyard.org.
