About the Author

Marisa Cantu has a master's in political science and international affairs and a bachelor's in political science. She has also studied international studies and French. She has a strong background in nonprofit work, research, writing, and policy proposal and analysis.

The Stages of Fetal Development

By Brian Clowes, PhD and Marisa Cantu / September 10, 2024 /

Each month, a woman is fertile for about 5 days. Though an egg is only able to be fertilized for 12-24 hours, sperm can live inside the uterus and fertilize any egg that is released for about 5 days after intercourse. There are two ways to measure what stage of development a baby is in:…

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Shouldn’t We Have Rape Abortion Exceptions to Help Victims?

By Brian Clowes, PhD and Marisa Cantu / August 7, 2024 /

Some people disclaim their natural heritage. I always name my origin. It didn’t hold me back and neither has my color. I was born in poverty. My father raped my mother when she was 12. Now they’ve named a park for me in Chester, Pennsylvania. Renowned Gospel Singer Ethel Waters1 Since Roe vs. Wade was…

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When Does Human Life Begin?

By Brian Clowes, PhD and Marisa Cantu / August 7, 2024 /
Baby inside belly - AI generated image

The abortion issue is very complex, possessing many dimensions: personal, legislative, judicial, religious and scientific. There is, however, one central debate around which every other point revolves – the status of the unborn child. Is it human? Is it alive? And, most importantly, is it a person? Science: When Does Life Begin? Pro-abortion activists will…

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Immaculate Heart of Mary Devotion

By Marisa Cantu / July 25, 2024 /
Blessed Virgin

The Immaculate Heart of Mary is a timeless devotion that has been celebrated for centuries. Catholics familiar with this devotion may take it for granted, as images of Our Lady’s Heart are plentiful in Catholic art and as theologians talk extensively of Our Lady. It can easily become a commonplace devotion, for which many give…

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Sacred Heart – How to Practice the Beautiful Devotion

By Marisa Cantu / June 26, 2024 /

While the most famous saint who promoted the devotion to the Sacred Heart is undoubtedly St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, to whom Our Lord appeared in 1673, the devotion can be observed as far back as the 2nd century with St. Justin Martyr. Devotees in the early centuries promoted the Sacred Heart devotion as the inexhaustible…

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The Surrender Novena – A Novena for Anxiety and Times of Trouble

By Marisa Cantu / June 26, 2024 /

What is the Surrender Novena? Ever heard of the “Surrender Novena?” It’s a 9-day novena that asks Jesus to “take care of everything” and encourages us to surrender everything to Him with childlike trust. It was originally composed by Servant of God Don Dolindo Ruotolo with words that Jesus gave him. Father Dolindo Ruotolo, who…

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When Does a Fetus Feel Pain?

By HLI Staff and Marisa Cantu / June 6, 2024 /
Baby inside belly - AI generated image

Medical experts agree that fetal pain begins at 12 weeks gestation and may even be felt as early as eight weeks. But perhaps the best source for firsthand experience with fetal pain is an abortionist. As early as 1976, those performing abortions realized that the procedure is painful for the dying fetus. Abortionist John Szenes…

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The WHO’s Mysterious “Pandemic Treaty” That Will Strip Rights Away

By Marisa Cantu / May 30, 2024 /

Have you heard of the “pandemic treaty,” drafted by the World Health Organization (WHO), that will threaten national sovereignty? Probably not. It’s not something that mainstream media outlets are covering. And yet, it’s being discussed and voted on this week! This treaty, known as “WHO CA+“, is currently a proposal. It is being drafted by the…

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Pope Francis Underpopulation: Children are not a Burden

By Marisa Cantu / May 20, 2024 /
Pope Francis on NFP and Birth Rates

Pope Francis mourned the effects of contraception last week. In a speech, he said, “What future do we have? It is ugly. […] Homes are filled with objects and emptied of children, becoming very sad places. There is no shortage of little dogs, cats…there is a lack of children.” Italy’s fertility rate has dropped dramatically…

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Women are Finding Joy in HLI Mission Field

By Marisa Cantu / May 17, 2024 /

Stories of hope are plentiful in the HLI mission field! Elizabeth suffered from sub-infertility for 8 years. This broke her heart, wearing her down as the years went on and she was still unable to have a child. She joined HLI’s fertility awareness program two years ago. Finally, by the grace of God, she became…

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