(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis sends message of support for human life to Catholics
in Ireland, Scotland and England and Wales. Below is a communique from the
Bishops 'Conference of England and Wales (CBCEW) attached with the Pope's message
signed by Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone.
In a special
message to Catholics across Britain and Ireland, ahead of the annual Day for Life,
Pope Francis has emphasised the need to care for life from conception to natural end.
In his message, he says that all life has inestimable value ‘even the weakest
and most vulnerable, the sick, the old, the unborn and the poor, are masterpieces
of God’s creation, made in his own image, destined to live for ever, and deserving
of the utmost reverence and respect’. He has promised his prayers that ‘Day
for Life will help to ensure that human life always receives the protection that it
is due.‘ Over half-a-million leaflets have been sent to parishes in England
and Wales in readiness for Day for Life Sunday (28 July). The theme of the Day is
‘Care for Life – It’s Worth It’ taken from a homily preached by Cardinal Bergoglio
in 2005 during a Mass in honour of the protector of Pregnant Women, Saint Raymond
Nonnatus. Within this homily, the now Pope Francis said: “All of us must care for
life, cherish life, with tenderness, warmth...to give life is to open (our) heart,
and to care for life is to (give oneself) in tenderness and warmth for others, to
have concern in my heart for others. Caring for life from the beginning to the
end. What a simple thing, what a beautiful thing..So, go forth and don’t be discouraged.
Care for life. It’s worth it.” This year’s Day for Life focuses on care for unborn
children and their mothers; care for people who are elderly and care for those who
are suicidal and their families. One of its key aims is to build an environment of
compassion and care that nurtures and sustains life, even in the most challenging
of human events and personal circumstances. Day for Life is celebrated annually
by the Catholic Church in Ireland, Scotland and England and Wales. The proceeds of
the Day for Life collection to be held in parishes in England and Wales assist the
work of the Anscombe Bioethics Centre and other life related activities supported
by the Church.
Text of the Message from Pope Francis to Catholics
in Ireland, Scotland, England and Wales
“Calling to mind the teaching
of Saint Irenaeus that the glory of God is seen in a living human being, the Holy
Father encourages all of you to let the light of that glory shine so brightly that
everyone may come to recognise the inestimable value of all human life. Even the
weakest and most vulnerable, the sick, the old, the unborn and the poor, are masterpieces
of God’s creation, made in his own image, destined to live for ever, and deserving
of the utmost reverence and respect. His Holiness prays that the Day for Life will
help to ensure that human life always receives the protection that is its due, so
that “everything that breathes may praise the Lord” (Psalm 150:6).”
The day for life in Scotland England and Wales is marked on Sunday 28th July,
while is Ireland it is celebrated on Sunday October 6th.