Pennsylvania State Senator Emphasizes Importance of Faith After Kirk’s Killing

PHILADELPHIA—State Sen. Doug Mastriano and his wife joined pastors and community leaders at Magnolia Women’s Center in Philadelphia on Sept. 13, emphasizing the significance of the Pennsylvania Senate recently passing Resolution 131, which designates Sept. 12 as “Day of the Bible” in the state.

The gathering, hosted by women’s center director Melissa Aguilera, provided an opportunity for faith leaders and elected officials to reflect on the role of biblical values in strengthening families, communities, and civic life.

Resolution 131, introduced by Mastriano, recognizes Sept. 12 as Bible Day to commemorate the 1782 act of Congress in Philadelphia endorsing Robert Aitken’s Bible, the first English-language Bible printed in America.

“On that day in 1782, Congress declared the Bible as endorsed by the Congress,” Mastriano told The Epoch Times. “They recommended to the people of the nation to study it, because to have a republic like we have now, you have to have a virtuous or moral people, and you get that by studying and reading and knowing God’s word.”

He noted that Pennsylvania’s action marks the first such recognition in modern times and has inspired similar efforts in Congress. “Rep. [Michael] Cloud, out of Texas, introduced a copycat version to take it from Pennsylvania to the nation,” he added.

His wife, Rebbie Mastriano, emphasized the timing of Resolution 131: “I just think it’s overdue, but at the same time, I think it’s God’s timing that it was in the same week as Sept. 11 and as [the assassination of Charlie Kirk]. So we’re hoping that the Day of the Bible will actually help to be a turning point,” she told The Epoch Times.

Melissa Aguilera, founder and executive director of the women’s center, strongly welcomed the initiative.  “We need to bring God back,” she told The Epoch Times. “We need to bring the Ten Commandments back. We need to bring God into the middle of our lives and everything else that surrounds us.”

The senator tied the resolution to the nation’s current challenges, referencing Kirk’s assassination. “We watched the tragic shooting, the evil shooting. … Something’s gone wrong in our nation. We have forgotten God, so we need to get back to our roots … serving God,” Mastriano told the audience.

Healing and Support

During their tour of the women’s center, the Mastrianos praised its mission of offering life-affirming support for women. “They’re the only clinic for an option for non-abortion to give help to young girls in need in this region,” the senator observed.

Rebbie Mastriano added her perspective, calling it “a wonderful facility” and stressing the importance of educating young women to avoid poor decisions. “And we’re not just about the baby, but we’re also about the woman as well,” she said.

Aguilera, who founded the center after her own painful abortion experiences as a teenager, said the senator’s visit was deeply encouraging. “It was amazing to have him here. … We need to come together. We need to be stronger together. And just to have him here, and the support that he has shown to our community, is just beautiful to see,” she said.

Aguilera’s story of two abortions in her youth, followed by a journey of healing and forgiveness, has shaped the heart of Magnolia’s mission. “I want women to know they are not alone. … There is hope, there is help, and there is somebody like us, like Magnolia Women’s Center, that will be there to support and help them in any way possible,” she said.

Today, the center provides free pregnancy tests, classes for expectant mothers, and post-abortive healing programs. Aguilera noted that while Magnolia does not perform or refer for abortions, it leaves the door open for women seeking healing after abortion. “We sit with them, we do Bible studies, and we let them receive the same healing and forgiveness that I have received,” she explained.

Magnolia is also preparing to expand its services by offering ultrasounds, with doctors and nurses already on board and awaiting insurance clearance. “Every service we provide is free,” Aguilera emphasized, adding that the center relies heavily on churches, community supporters, and donations. “Our job is to stand alongside women so they know they don’t have to go through this alone.”

Andrew Li contributed to this report.