On Friday, September 25, 2026, Massachusetts Citizens for Life celebrated 53 years of pro-life action with a sold-out anniversary banquet at the Boston Marriott Newton.
Emcee Monét Souza brought energy throughout the evening as she guided guests through the program. Father Mullaney offered the invocation, helping open the evening with a prayerful reflection before the program continued with remarks from MCFL leadership and other special guests.
Musical performances by Séan McMahon on guitar and Theresita Joseph added another memorable element to the celebration.
MCFL President Myrna Maloney Flynn updated attendees on the organization's major projects and campaigns, including the Truth About Choice memorials held at UMass Amherst and in Hopkinton. She also previewed upcoming Truth About Choice events in Agawam and at the Massachusetts State House.
Flynn also addressed the new late-term abortion law passed in Massachusetts and MCFL's response, including its Accountability Campaign and its work with the Compassionate Care Coalition to repeal and suspend the law. Flynn serves as vice-chair of the coalition.
In her remarks, Flynn described the work of defending life as "no walk in the park," comparing it instead to climbing a mountain. She emphasized that faith and courage must be accompanied by love, compassion, and a commitment to serving women, children, and families.
"This work is no walk in the park. It's more like climbing a mountain," Flynn said. "But we continue to scale mountains because we faithfully believe that our courage moves mountains."
The evening also introduced Paul DeBeasi as MCFL's new chairman. DeBeasi shared his personal story and discussed the founding of APRScience.org and his work to expand awareness of Abortion Pill Reversal.
One of the evening's most moving moments came from Brian Latina, a Chelmsford resident who shared the story of his son Matthew.
Brian and his wife, Cathy, learned just days before their first child's due date that an ultrasound showed severe hydrocephalus, or fluid on the brain. After their doctor presented them with two options, including abortion, they chose life.
Matthew was born with multiple congenital anomalies that doctors said were not compatible with life. Brian described his son as "uniquely beautiful" and said that Matthew's life had made a lasting impact on the world.
Brian also connected his family's experience directly to the current fight over Massachusetts' late-term abortion law and urged attendees to support efforts to repeal and suspend the law.
Sam Miele, chairman of the Compassionate Care Coalition, also addressed attendees about the coalition's ongoing effort to repeal and suspend the new Massachusetts abortion law.
The banquet also featured the presentation of the Dr. Mark Rollo Award for Life, established in 2023 in memory of longtime MCFL board member and pro-life activist Dr. Mark Rollo, who died unexpectedly in 2022.
Four physicians were publicly honored this year: Dr. Alwyn Rapose, Dr. Richard Florentine, Dr. Rebecca Worden, and Dr. John Worden. Two additional physicians received the award but requested not to be publicly identified and did not appear on stage.
The award recognizes individuals who demonstrate the principle that guided Dr. Rollo throughout his profession, family, and community: to "first, do no harm."
The evening concluded with keynote speaker Riley Gaines, whose advocacy has focused on truth, human dignity, and the protection of women and children. Now a mother herself, Gaines spoke about how becoming a parent has deepened her conviction that every human life has inherent value, regardless of size or dependence.
Gaines encouraged attendees to continue speaking the truth even when doing so is unpopular or comes at a personal cost. She emphasized that each generation has a responsibility to defend the right to life and urged supporters to use their voices with courage, conviction, and compassion.
The 53rd Anniversary Banquet was both a celebration of MCFL's history and a look toward the work ahead. From volunteers gathering signatures to physicians caring for their patients and families choosing life in difficult circumstances, the evening highlighted the people whose commitment continues to move the mission forward.
Please enjoy some photos from the evening below.
