It was this mercy that led to "amazing Paul-like conversions of abortion advocates," who have gone on to "become the powerful pro-life apologists," said Naumann.
Naumann highlighted the examples of Norma McCorvey, who was the "Jane Roe" plaintiff in the Roe v. Wade Supreme Court case that legalized abortion, NARAL co-founder and former abortionist Dr. Bernard Nathanson, and former Planned Parenthood employee of the year Abby Johnson. All three had been staunch defenders of abortion until they experienced a change of heart, discovered Jesus' love, and re-dedicated their lives to ending abortion.
"Pray that through God's grace there will be many more Norma McCorveys, Bernard Nathansons, Beverly McMillans, Carroll Everetts, Ramona Trevinos, Abby Johnsons, who will come to know they are made in the Divine Image and that they are of such worth that Jesus died for them," said Naumann.
"May our advocacy awaken the hearts of others to know Jesus' desire for them to experience abundant life in this world and to share with him eternal life in paradise."
Among the bishops concelebrating the Mass were Cardinal Séan O'Malley of Boston, Cardinal Daniel DiNardo, president of the U.S. bishops' conference and Archbishop of Galveston-Houston, and Archbishop Christophe Pierre, Apostolic Nuncio to the United States.