GERRITSEN BEACH — While the pro-life movement has made great strides in its fight against abortion, there is still a lot of work to be done.

That was the message of Bishop Frank Caggiano of the Diocese of Bridgeport, Conn., as he led the celebration of the 30th anniversary of Rosary for Life. The Brooklyn-born bishop was the main celebrant and homilist of a Mass on Oct. 15 at Resurrection Church, Gerritsen Beach. About 150 supporters were in attendance.

With the reversal of the “tragic error” of the Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision that legalized abortion in the U.S., Bishop Caggiano said, “One would think that we are making progress. Perhaps, and perhaps not!”

While some abortions will now be prevented, he said abortion proponents have protested the ruling by burning churches and attacking pro-life centers, and some companies are using their monies to support abortion across state lines. He emphasized that the law by itself cannot change a single mind.

“We are praying for hearts to change,” he said. “The work of Rosary for Life is needed now more than ever to combat the evil that comes from a culture that does not respect life from the moment it is conceived. While we see some progress, let us not be lulled into complacency.”

Bishop Caggiano singled out the dedication of Rosary for Life’s founder, Wyn Powers, as the inspiration that has sustained the movement.

“She called all who were willing to listen to join an apostleship of prayer for the conversion of society to protect unborn lives,” said Bishop Caggiano, who also serves as the international chaplain for Rosary for Life.

Powers, a member of Good Shepherd parish, Marine Park, said that membership in Rosary for Life is simple. “All that is required is for people to pledge that they will recite 15 decades of the Rosary one day a week for an end to the abortion mentality,” she said.

She praised Bishop Caggiano’s commitment to the cause since his days as a Brooklyn priest. She said he phoned her one day to check on something, and she asked him to be their chaplain. He has been faithful ever since.

“You don’t say ‘no’ to Wyn,” Bishop Caggiano said with a smile.

The movement has spread to 27 countries and is particularly strong in the Philippines, where more than a half million people are pledged to the cause.

Powers, who has been to the Philippines five times, credits the bishops and priests there for the enthusiasm of the people.

Deacon Christopher Wagner from St. Bernard’s Parish, Mill Basin, served at the altar beside Bishop Caggiano for the Mass.

“My mother was encouraged to have an abortion because she was hemorrhaging before I was born,” Deacon Wagner explained. “She chose not to, and that’s why I have been so dedicated to the Right to Life movement since I was a student at Cathedral Prep. When I was ordained a deacon 11 years ago, I got involved with Rosary for Life.”

Deacon Wagner was one of three people who were honored for their commitment to the cause of Life at an anniversary dinner at Gargiulo’s in Coney Island following the anniversary liturgy.

Also among the honorees were Father Dwayne Davis, pastor of St. Thomas Aquinas, Flatlands, and Charles and Ruth Chiusano, members of the Order of the Holy Sepulchre.

After Communion at the Mass, 34 children, dressed as angels, from St. Athanasius Parish, Bensonhurst, sang two Marian hymns in Spanish.

After Mass, each boy and girl was presented with a small statue of Baby Jesus and a crib. The young people were coordinated by Marta and Deacon Jaime Cobham.