RALEIGH — Bishop Luis Rafael Zarama presented the inaugural, diocesan People of Life Award to Rich Carberry Aug. 25 at the Catholic Center.
Carberry, 88, is a parishioner at St. Bernadette Church in Fuquay-Varina and was nominated because of his decades-long, unwavering consistency in supporting the dignity of human life.
“That is why we are here,” said Bishop Luis as Carberry’s friends and family listened. “This [award] is a nice piece of paper, but we are thanking you on behalf of your voice … your voice that has been speaking for those who cannot speak for themselves.”
His voice, the nomination details, has been speaking up since he was a teenager in New Jersey traveling through snow to attend marches for life in Washington, D.C.
“Rich soon became active praying outside local abortion clinics near his home,” wrote Teresa Vessels, a St. Joseph parishioner, in her nomination of Carberry. “He then joined a dedicated group at another clinic about five miles away, where volunteers prayed, counseled women, and offered support.”
The nomination continued: “Over the years, Rich witnessed moments that ranged from heartbreaking to remarkable … Rich also became involved with Operation Rescue, a national pro-life organization known for peaceful civil disobedience.
“For decades, Rich prayed outside abortion clinics nearly every Saturday, missing only for illness, work obligations or severe weather.”
Vessels wrote that Carberry moved to North Carolina in 2003, and that’s around the time she met him. She shared that they prayed together in groups and “have endured hecklers, confrontations, insults, and even organized attempts to disrupt our prayers … For more than 50 years, Rich has dedicated himself to defending the unborn and praying for mothers, fathers, and children. Few people sustain that level of conviction and commitment over a lifetime. Rich truly has been — and continues to be — a warrior for those who cannot speak for themselves.”
This local award was created in the spirit of the USCCB’s People of Life Award. It was implemented at the diocesan level to recognize those who give faithful witness to the sanctity of human life. Amy Daniels, executive director of the Office of Evangelization and Discipleship, said the honor will be given annually.
Photos
