(Vatican Radio) “One of the things we want to demonstrate is, that the Gospel of Life
is the defense of all life. We want to show the consistent life ethic of the Catholic
Church” says Fr. Eugene Sylva one of the organizers behind Evangelium Vitae
Day, taking place with Pope Francis at the Vatican this weekend. Listen to
his full interview with Emer McCarthy: Sponsored by the
Pontifical Council for the Promotion of the New Evangelization, this gathering in
Rome on June 15 and 16 is expected to draw tens of thousands of parishes, communities,
youth groups, voluntary associations for the sick and disabled and ordinary families.
It will offer the opportunity for the faithful from around the world to gather with
the Holy Father in a communal witness to the sacred value of all life and further
study and discussion on the encyclical of the same name promulgated by Blessed John
Pau II in March 1995.
“This issue of abortion is certainly important and central
and we need to do all we can as a Church to stand up against the horrors of abortion”
Fr. Sylva says. “But again we also want to demonstrate a consistent life ethic.
That we need to be people who defend and speak for those who are suffering, for those
whose lives are being marginalized by a culture of death. [Speak out against ] those
who are saying because you are disabled or ill you are not, quote ‘productive’ in
society. Or to the elderly in nursing homes, or to those who are being treated in
any way with violence we ned to demonstrate to them in our words and in our actions
through our prayers the sanctity of all life. I truly believe that this weekend will
do that”.
On Saturday afternoon, June 15, there will be a pilgrimage down
Via della Conciliazione to Pio XII Square, which will conclude with the recitation
of the Creed in various languages and a vigil of prayer. On Sunday morning at 10:30,
Holy Mass in St. Peter’s Square will be celebrated by the Holy Father and broadcast
globally through Vatican Radio and Vatican TV’s online player in 6 languages.