Fr. Edward Robinson, O. P.
2024 Pro-Life Persons of the year
JOhn & Dorothy O'Dwyer
If you’ve been around John and Dorothy O’Dwyer for any length of time, they are two of the most unassuming and giving people you’ll find, and it’s just one of the many reasons they were chosen to be the Father Edward Robinson, O.P., Pro-Life Persons of the Year.
Members of the St. Elizabeth Ann Seaton Parish community for over 40 years, John and Dorothy raised their children and now their grandchildren to give of their time and talents, and more importantly, to respect life and to be active participants in their giving.
“We’ve always supported organizations and efforts financially but went “all in” with the Bella House maternity home in 2017 by helping them fund the acquisition of their first home, then becoming Board Members. John presently serves as Chairman Emeritus of Bella House and Dorothy is a board member.
This commitment to serve is further exemplified by their desire to actively understand the organization to fully support them. “We went through the Gabriel Angels training at the Catholic Pro-Life Community to understand how they impact women in need. We also support a pregnancy center in Wyoming.
“The emphasis of these centers is to provide additional emphasis on prenatal care for the unborn babies. By giving the mothers what they need physically, a healthy and capable child is a tremendous return on our donor investment’s dollars.”
This kind of dedication and foresight is part of the results fueled by their passion for life. “We’ve had many different ‘life’ challenges, including our twins being born two months premature, a child lost through a ruptured ectopic pregnancy, and a granddaughter with the disease dystonia that has left her physically unable to control her movements.
“But all of these remind us how valuable every life is. Our twins have children of their own and are the loves of our lives! Our granddaughter is a straight A sophomore in McKinney. We are blessed beyond measure!”
With an eye to the future, they are excited about the efforts of all the pro-life organizations working together to promote the Gospel of Life. “To have diocesan organizations cooperate and share is exciting. We are all fighting the same battle and need to be more efficient and effective to help those in need. One example is Bella House and the CPLC’s GEMS program, working together to allow moms to transition back into society with a real chance of being contributing members and great parents.”
The Catholic Pro-Life Community is honored to have John and Dorthy O’Dwyer as our friends and colleagues, and it is with a great sense of pride we name them the 2024 Pro-Life Persons of the Year.
The Father Edward Robinson, O.P., Pro-Life Person(s) of the Year Award recognizes exemplary pro-life leadership and is presented at the annual Bishop's Pro-Life Dinner. This award may be given to an individual, a couple or a group. The recipient of the award will be selected by a committee of the Catholic Pro-Life Community Board of Directors. View Past Bishop's Dinner Honorees