Greetings to you! How are you doing today? I hope that you are well. Some of you are aware that next Wednesday, January 22nd will be the 47th anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court decision of
Roe vs. Wade
that legalized abortion here in our country. Since that time the number of unborn children whose lives were tragically ended because of legal abortions is over 60 million. That figure is shocking, saddening, and in so many ways utterly incomprehensible. At the same time, as a people of faith in Jesus Christ who is the source of all life, we boldly proclaim the Gospel of Life.
We declare that life is a precious gift from God. Made in His image and likeness we are called to protect and preserve life at all stages to the best of our ability. With the Grace and Mercy of Christ we are called to care for the unborn and their mothers. We are called to help support them when their children are born. As believers in the Lord, we care for the whole person - body, mind, and soul - throughout the entire life journey. The dignity of a human person is not diminished or taken away because of a physical or psychological limitation.
To be certain, and to speak very candidly, there are challenges that can arise for caring for someone with a particular medical condition. However, challenges can also be seen as opportunities for selfless love and growth in virtues like patience, humility, perseverance, and collaborating with others. Next Wednesday will be an opportunity for all of us on a sobering anniversary to be dedicated to Prayer and Penance here in the United States. The Masses offered on January 22nd have the theme of a “
Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children.” There will be a national March for Life in Washington, D.C. and a local March for Life in St. Paul on that day.
I’ll be attending a Prayer Service at the Cathedral of St. Paul at 10:30 am and then marching to the State Capitol afterwards for a Rally at 12:00 pm I would invite you to join me in person or in your fervent prayers for all who have been affected by abortion. Through Jesus Christ - the source of the Gospel of Life - may he grant eternal rest to all of those dear children whose lives were ended and grant peace and healing to all those who are grieving their loss here in the world. And may the Lord bless you and your loved ones greatly as you live for His Glory!
