SALT LAKE CITY — Openness to life “is an essential part of God’s plan for humanity, so much so that he implanted this in our hearts and in our bodies. It is the fruit of Christian love to desire to give birth to new sons and daughters; it is the mission that the Lord has entrusted to spouses and their love,” Bishop Oscar A. Solis said, speaking in Spanish and English as he opened the annual Mass for the Unborn, celebrated Jan. 24 at the Cathedral of the Madeleine.
He asked those present to pray “for life, for hope, for unity in our efforts to advance and defend the dignity of every human life as we recall those times we most need God’s pardon and peace.”
Concelebrants at the Mass were Father John Evans, vicar general; Father Martin Diaz, rector of the cathedral; Father Kenneth Vialpando, vicar for clergy; and several other priests of the diocese. Deacon Guillermo Mendez proclaimed the Gospel; several other deacons assisted at the Mass.
Two tables of candles were placed on the steps in front of the altar and burned throughout the Mass to commemorate the lives lost to abortion in the State of Utah, as well as the families that have been affected.
In his homily, the bishop asked those present to reflect on the Gospel reading from the Gospel of Luke, which told of the visit of the Blessed Virgin to her cousin Elizabeth, who was pregnant with John the Baptist.
“Mary’s humility, faith and obedience serve as a model for us as we seek to protect the most vulnerable among us: our children,” Bishop Solis said. “Abortion is an example of how we as individuals, in our society and in our culture fail to recognize the dignity of each child knit within the womb of his or her mother. We forget that all persons created by God deserve love and protection.”
Speaking just a few days after the federal government began mass arrests of people who are living in the United States without legal documents, the bishop also urged those present to remember that there are others deserving of love and protection, that there are “children who were brought into this world alive who are living in fear.”
The dignity and sanctity of life is a gift of God and does not depend on a person’s age, “whether they are documented or undocumented, as well as the refugees,” he said. “Please, we are Catholics who believe in the sanctity and dignity of life in all stages. We do not choose who to protect, to save, to love and to nourish. The children brought into this country deserve the same protection, the same love and concern.”
Millions of children have died since abortion was made legal in the United States in 1973, he said, “and millions of women and families have been wounded by abortion. … The loss of the child can form a hole in their hearts so deep that sometimes nothing can fill that emptiness. Hence, the Church in the United States set aside this week and this day of prayer in penance for the full restoration of the legal guarantees of the right to life and protection of all children.”
The loss of so many lives is grievous, he said, “but there is hope. Christ came for the very purpose of forgiving our sins and offering us his forgiveness and peace. … It is never too late to seek the Lord’s forgiveness through the Sacrament of Reconciliation. It is not too late to transform and have a conversion of heart, to love and protect every child and every person.”
During this Jubilee Year, Pope Francis has called Catholics to be pilgrims of hope, the bishop said, so “may we be inspired by Mary’s example to say ‘yes’ to God’s will, and to work tirelessly to ensure that all life is [seen as] a precious gift from God. Let us pray especially for courage to speak out against injustices and to promote a culture of life, where every child – every child – is welcomed, loved and valued.”
At the end of the Mass, before the dismissal, the lights of the cathedral were dimmed for a minute of silent prayer “in hope that all human life will be respected and cherished, and that all people may understand that life, human life, is a wonderful and priceless gift from God,” the bishop said.
Following the Mass, those present were invited to place votive candles in the shape of a cross on the steps in front of the cathedral to commemorate the lives lost to abortion.
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