| Day for Life - 7th October 2007 |
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“…, I propose that a Day for Life be celebrated each year…Its primary purpose should be to foster in individual consciences, in families, in the Church and in civil society a recognition of the meaning and value of human life at every stage and in every condition.” (Pope John Paul II, Evangelium Vitae , 85)  Following this express wish by the pope in his Encyclical Letter of 1995 the Bishops of Ireland responded by establishing a Day for Life. Each year Catholics are invited to reflect upon a particular issue linked to the sacredness of human life from conception to natural death. In conjunction with the Bishops of Scotland, England & Wales, the Bishops of Ireland have this year produced a Pastoral Letter on the chosen theme of “Blessed is the fruit of your womb”.The particular focus is on the sanctity of human life in the womb. The Church reminds us that a ‘yes’ to God must also entail a ‘yes’ to life. This in turn requires a commitment from all of us to promote an authentic ‘culture of life’ and a ‘civilisation of love’. Our attention is drawn to the increasing attacks upon unborn children through abortion and abortifacient pills and devices. The Second Vatican Council described the direct, intentional killing of innocent human life by abortion as an unspeakable crime.  The Church understands that pregnancy can sometimes lead to families and especially women experiencing moments of anguish and even crisis. The Irish Bishops’ Agency CURA this year celebrates 30 years since its foundation. In that time it has counselled and cared for women in Ireland who find themselves in crisis pregnancy situations. Its volunteers have made a distinctive contribution by looking to the welfare of both women and their unborn children. This Day for Life is an opportunity to acknowledge the work of CURA and to pray for its continued witness to life.On this Day for Life we are invited to pray for all pregnant women who are blessed with new life in the womb. We remember all the victims of abortion, including mothers, their children and the wider society that is wounded by this injustice. It is also necessary to pray for politicians who bear the grave responsibility of safeguarding the right to life of all in our laws. Further Information Official ‘Day for Life’ Website Message of Bishop John Fleming, President of CURA Background to the Church’s annual ‘Day for Life’ Pastoral Letter ‘Day for Life’ Pastoral Letter (English ) (Irish ) (Polish ) |