ROME, OCT. 10, 2012 (Zenit.org).- With last Sunday’s Day for Life in Ireland the Church began a month of prayer dedicated to the theme ‘Choose Life!’
Parishes and individuals will be invited to pray a special ‘Prayer for the Child in the Womb’ during Masses from October 7 through to the Feast of All the Saints of Ireland on 6 November, a press release for the campaign explained.
The bishops also published a pastoral message entitled: “Every human life is beautiful, every human life is precious – Choose Life!”
It highlights the equal right to life of a mother and the child in her womb, and the right of each to be treated as individual persons.
“When we say that human life is sacred we are recognising something that is sensed not only by religious people but by everyone who appreciates the wonder of human life,” the letter explained.
“By virtue of their common humanity, the lives of both a mother and her unborn baby are sacred,” the letter insisted.
“If our concern for human rights is to mean anything, it must include concern for the most basic human right of all – the right not to be killed,” the letter continued.
It also noted that this year’s annual Day for Life coincides with a decisive moment for Ireland. In the coming weeks, the Government will decide how to respond to a 2010 judgment of the European Court of Human Rights.
“Despite what some have asserted, the Irish Government is under no obligation to legislate for abortion because of this ruling of the European Court,” the letter stated.
“On the contrary, our Government is free to respond by seeking full protection in Irish law for the right to life of the baby in the womb. This could be done while ensuring that women in pregnancy continue to receive every treatment necessary to safeguard their lives,” the letter said.
Choose Life: Prayer for the Child in the Womb
Lord Jesus, you are the source and lover of life.
Reawaken in us respect for every human life.
Help us to see in each child the marvellous work of our Creator.
Open our hearts to welcome every child as a unique and wonderful gift.
Guide the work of doctors, nurses and midwives.
May the life of a mother and her baby in the womb be
equally cherished and respected.
Help those who make our laws to uphold the
uniqueness and sacredness of every human life,
from the first moment of conception to natural death.
Give us wisdom and generosity to build a
society that cares for all.
Together with Mary, your Mother,
in whose womb you took on our human nature,
Help us to choose life in every decision we take.
We ask this in the joyful hope of eternal life
with you, and in the communion of the Blessed Trinity.
Amen.
Our Lady of Knock, pray for us.
All the Saints of Ireland, pray for us.
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On the NET:
Choose Life Web site – http://www.chooselife2012.ie/
