ATLANTA—The Advice and Aid Pregnancy Problem Center, Atlanta’s only Catholic crisis pregnancy center, focuses at the core on its mission of protecting the rights of the unborn. Through the introduction of both health and educational options, the center offers ongoing support and assistance to mothers in crisis and their babies, providing them an alternative to the choice of abortion. Located in Hapeville, the center has been open since 1984 and has been responsible for saving countless unborn lives and at the same time exposing new mothers to the beauty and comfort of God’s love and mercy.

Three years ago, under the leadership of Msgr. Edward Dillon, pastor of Holy Spirit Church and chaplain to the Order of Malta, the Atlanta region of the Order of Malta adopted the Advice and Aid Pregnancy Problem Center as their signature project. The order, in an effort to fulfill its mission of “defense of the Catholic faith and service to the sick and poor,” has found a worthy partner in the center.

Working toward broadening the reach of AAPPC services to those most in need, and meeting the rising financial obligations that come with the expansion of services, the members of Malta host the “Life Is Beautiful” gala annually benefitting the AAPPC. The funds raised have been significant in contributing to the success of the AAPPC in bringing its mission to those girls and women who often times lack the emotional, financial and spiritual support to make a choice other than abortion.

Each year the AAPPC presents the Celebrate Life Award to a particular person or organization that has made a significant contribution to the “culture of life.” In January 2013, the Atlanta region of the Order of Malta was the recipient of this award at the center’s annual banquet. Members of the order, including Kim Hanna, the “Life Is Beautiful” co-chair, and Diane Festa, Hospitaller of the order, accepted the award. Christine Baran, president of the AAPPC, refers to the Order of Malta as “the center’s guardian angel for the good work they perform and their ongoing support.”

Preparations are underway by the members of the Order of Malta for this year’s “Life Is Beautiful” gala scheduled for Oct. 3 in McDonough Hall at Holy Spirit Church. This event promises to be another fun-filled evening with a variety of silent and live auction items and is open to anyone who believes in the ministry of the Advice and Aid Pregnancy Problem Center or the mission of the Order of Malta.