Bishop Solis: Please join pro-life events in the diocese this weekend

Friday, Jan. 19, 2024

Greetings of Christ’s peace and love! We welcome the year 2024 with a focus on our faith conviction of the dignity and sanctity of human life from the moment of conception to natural death. This is very relevant as we face an alarming scenario in our world. It is unfortunate and sad that the culture of death that attacks the precious gift of life from God is creating havoc and chaos. 

There are numerous conflicts and humanitarian crises that cause not only inconceivable sufferings but the loss of thousands of human lives including innocent children, civilians, women and the elderly. In light of this, Pope Francis, speaking to all the Vatican ambassadors from around the world, called for “respect of every human life at every moment of existence which must be preserved and defended.”

Let us begin the new year with faith and hope in the power of God’s love and the goodness of humanity. As we face these ongoing challenges and conflicts, we continue to pray, advocate, promote and fight for the life of every human person, especially the most vulnerable and defenseless, the unborn.

I invite all the people of God in our parishes, Catholic schools and prolife groups or organizations to celebrate our annual Mass for the Unborn and the Ceremony of Light on Friday, Jan. 19, at 6 p.m. in the Cathedral of the Madeleine to pray for God’s grace to renew our faith and energize our efforts in protecting and nourishing the precious lives of our brothers and sisters in grave danger of abortion and other forms of violence. We will also remember in our intention all the unborn who were not able to see the light of day, as well their mothers, family and society who bear the burden of their loss. 

Furthermore, please join us at the annual March for Life on Saturday, Jan. 20, at 11 a.m. in the State Capitol. The theme this year is “With Every Woman, For Every Child.” Come half an hour early so we can begin to pray the rosary before we join the many others for the march. 

The national March for Life was first held in January 1974 in Washington, D.C. Many pro-life advocates and activists gathered in the nation’s capital united around a single message: End Roe v. Wade. It happened in June of last year. The Supreme Court overturned that with the landmark legislation Dobbs v. Jackson, which did not ban abortion nationwide but turned the matter over to the states. 

It was a decisive but short-lived victory, as many states have passed legislation allowing abortion. We have to continue to stand for life. So, let us gather at the State Capitol and join many others throughout the country to pray and publicly intercede on behalf of the unborn, their parents and families, and for our nation and leaders to open their hearts to the Gospel of Life in their lives. 

Prayerful wishes of Gods’ blessings to everyone!