Protect & Defend the Fundamental Right to Life

This Sunday, January 22nd, we mark with great sadness the tragic anniversary of the Roe v. Wade US Supreme Court Decision to legalize abortion, which took place on January 22, 1973. We are called to observe this day through the penitential practices of prayer, fasting and/or giving alms. Because January 22nd falls on a Sunday this year, the designated observance for 2017 is Monday, January 23rd. Please, participate in this day of prayer and penance. The U.S. Bishops clearly teach about the tragedy of abortion. I invite you to reflect seriously on their teachings about the dignity of all human life and their unwavering opposition to abortion. Please prayerfully consider these statements from the U.S. Bishops:

At this particular time, abortion has become the fundamental human rights issue for all men and women of good will…For us abortion is of overriding concern because it negates two of our most fundamental moral imperatives: respect for innocent life, and preferential concern for the weak and defenseless.

Resolution on Abortion (1989)

Among important issues involving the dignity of human life with which the Church is concerned, abortion necessarily plays a central role. Abortion, the direct killing of an innocent human being, is always gravely immoral (The Gospel of Life, no. 57); its victims are the most vulnerable and defenseless members of the human family. It is imperative that those who are called to serve the least among us give urgent attention and priority to this issue of justice.

Pastoral Plan for Pro-Life Activities: A Campaign in Support of Life (2001), Introduction

Many rights of person are important and precious – food, shelter, education, medical care, etc. – however none is equal to the fundamental right to life. The right to life is the essential condition of all other human rights. We must, without any hesitation or conditions, protect and defend the fundamental right to life for all people.

May God bless us, as we seek to build the Kingdom of God!

Fr. Wilke