January 2012 National Prayer Vigil for Life |
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Cardinal DiNardo will celebrate the Opening Mass of the 2012 National Prayer Vigil. |
It's almost time for the annual commemoration of Roe v. Wade! If you are coming to the March for Life, please consider attending the National Prayer Vigil for Life at the Basilica of the National Shrine on the eve of the March. Beginning with Opening Mass at 6:30 pm on Sunday evening, January 22, 2012, the evening of prayer continues with the National Rosary for Life, Confessions, and Night Prayer celebrated according to the Byzantine Rite. Holy hours of Eucharistic Adoration from midnight until 6 am are led by pro-life clubs from seminaries across the country. Groups or parishes may "adopt" an hour. The following morning, the prayer vigil concludes with Morning Prayer, Benediction and the Closing Mass.
- Can't join us in Washington in January for the National Prayer Vigil for Life? Hold your own Holy Hour for Life. |
NEW! Mass For Giving Thanks to God
for the Gift of Human Life
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English-speaking Catholics are finally using the Roman Missal, Third Edition. The new "Mass For Giving Thanks to God for the Gift of Human Life" may now be used on occasions to celebrate the dignity of human life. The General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM) no. 373 has been altered to allow this Mass to also be said on January 22 (or January 23, when January 22 falls on a Sunday), the day of penance for abortion.
GIRM no. 373 continues to designate January 22 as a particular day of prayer and penance for abortion, called the "Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children." Visit here for more information.
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Cardinals Present on Post-Abortion Ministry
at Bishops' Meeting
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At the Bishops' November meeting, Cardinal Daniel DiNardo, Cardinal Sean O'Malley, and Cardinal Donald Wuerl presented a report on Project Rachel to the full body of bishops. The presentation highlighted the vital work of the Church in bringing post-abortive women and men to forgiveness and healing through Sacramental Reconciliation and confidential counseling. The cardinals illustrated the significance of the issue and called for increased outreach in this area. The presentation summarized the number of people affected by abortion, the need for post-abortion healing, the ready availability of God's love and mercy to every repentant heart, and both the historical and current nature of the Church's outreach.
Under the direction and guidance of the U.S. Bishops, the Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities has been working diligently to emphasize the Church's mission of reconciliation and healing. Such programs include an outreach ad campaign, a training manual for those working in Project Rachel Ministry that can be downloaded from the newly re-designed website, www.hopeafterabortion.com, along with a multitude of other resources for those both in post-abortion ministry and those affected by an abortion. A toll-free line is also available to those seeking non-judgmental and confidential help - 888-456-HOPE.
With such staggering numbers as 35 million or more women, and a roughly equal number of men, who could have lost one or more children through abortion, there is an urgent need for continued expansion of the ministry to those suffering from the impact of an abortion.
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Life Issues Forum
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"Hollywood Discovers Abortion's Aftermath"
The often painful emotional aftermath of abortion-marked by intense grief, sadness, and remorse-has been treated only obliquely, if at all, in Hollywood films. If Sally Bowles in "Cabaret" (1972) regretted anything about her abortion, it was only having to sell her fur coat to pay for it. Stacy Hamilton in "Fast Times at Ridgemont High" (1982) quickly bounced back with a new and better boyfriend after only a twinge of sadness...more
Subscribe to this monthly op/ed: email us!
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Respect Life Program
Monthly Featured Article
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 | This month's featured article is "Persons with Disabilities" |
The 2011-2012 Respect Life Program continues throughout the year with the theme "I Came So That All Might Have Life, and Have It to the Full."
In addition to the eight pamphlets in the new "Life Matters" series, the packets also include a liturgy guide, clip art, bulletin inserts and more information for your parish or organization. Spread the Gospel of Life by ordering packets or packet items separately.
This month's featured article is the Persons with Disabilities brochure, which reflects how people with disabilities challenge us to be more compassionate and to recognize the presence of God in each human being .
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"People of Life" Awardee Profile |
 | Magaly Llaguno
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The "People of Life" Award is bestowed on occasion to a practicing Catholic in honor of his or her significant contribution in service to the culture of life. In particular, recipients of this award work humbly, without fanfare, seeking no recognition, which makes them even more deserving of this honor.
2011 Recipient
Magaly Llaguno is an international advocate for life. She has been active in pro-life work since 1972, when she founded Comite Pro Vida Internacional, which later became Vida Humana Internacional (VHI). Ms. Llaguno has lead VHI in bringing the pro-life message to countless Hispanics worldwide through international conferences, printed materials, TV, internet and a live radio program on EWTN. Ms. Llaguno received the People of Life Award in August 2011, along with Ms. Mimi Eckstein and Dr. Joanne Angelo. More info here. |
Christmas Message |
"May the joy of Christmas, which sings of the birth of the Saviour, instill in all trust in the power of truth and of patient perseverance in doing good.
For each of us the divine message of Bethlehem resounds: "Be not afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy, to you is born this day in the city of David
a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord" (Lk 2:10-11)."
(Urbi et Orbi message of Blessed John Paul II, Christmas 1998) |
Mark Your Calendar
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- December 25:The Nativity of the Lord
- December 28: Feast of the Holy Innocents
- January 1: Mary, the Holy Mother of God
- January 8: The Epiphany of the Lord
- January 22-23: National Prayer Vigil for Life
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JOIN People of Life |
People of Life is the pro-life action campaign
of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Our mission is to promote respect and legal protection for all human life, from conception to natural death.
Become a member, e-mail
People of Life or visit here.
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