USCCB Word of Life
The affirmation of God brings with it the supreme affirmation and protection of the dignity of each and every man and woman: “Do you not know that you are God’s temple? … God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple” (1 Cor 3:16-17). Here we find joined together the truth and dignity of God and the truth and dignity of man. ~ Pope Benedict XVI, homily at Mass at the Church of Sagrada Familia, Nov. 7, 2010
“Becoming a voice for the child in the womb, and for the embryonic human being at risk of becoming a mere object of research, and for the neglected sick and elderly is one of many ways we can teach our fellow citizens that “The Measure of Love is to Love Without Measure.” While critics want to portray the Church’s witness as a narrow and negative ideology, it is just the opposite: A positive vision of the dignity of each and every human being without exception, each loved equally by God and so equally deserving of our love and our nation’s respect.”
~Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo, Archbishop of Galveston-Houston and Chair of the USCCB Committee on Pro-Life Activities, Statement for Respect life Month (2010)
I want you to know I went to Confession tonight. I was terrified. Needlessly. The priest who heard my confession was not disgusted by me, or angry with me. He never stopped smiling at me even as I revealed my ugliest sins. He was gentle, kind, and loving. Of course, this made me cry. Hard. He was patient. He absolved me of my sins. Told me I was worthy of all God's kingdom. So not what I expected. This website [hopeafterabortion.org] planted a seed of hope in my heart that I could really be forgiven. God took it from there. Thank you so much for being there in a way that didn’t make me feel dirty or contemptible. For making me feel human again.”
~ Message to www.hopeafterabortion.org (Project Rachel website)
Lenten Pro-Life Prayer
Father of all mercy, we thank you for this season of grace and light. We know that sin has blinded us. Draw us ever closer to you, in prayer and penance. Since you, O God, are light itself. Give all your people a clearer understanding of what sin is, and what is virtue. Grant in particular that we may see, as never before, the profound dignity of every human life, including the vulnerable unborn children. Give us grace to defend our brothers and sisters in the womb by our prayers, our words, and our self-sacrificing actions. We pray this through Christ our Lord. Amen
