The theme for this year’s Respect Life month draws upon the words of Jesus in the Gospel of John: “I came so that they might have life.” (John 10:10). As Catholics, we are called to embrace the fullness of the Gospel of Life from womb to tomb – and have that reflected in our lives of service and how we approach the ballot box.
In his encyclical letter Fratelli Tutti, Pope Francis reminds us that we live in a “throwaway” world. If something isn’t deemed valuable, we throw it away – and this extends to human life:
“Some parts of our human family, it appears, can be readily sacrificed for the sake of others considered worthy of a carefree existence. Ultimately, ‘persons are no longer seen as a paramount value to be cared for and respected, especially when they are poor and disabled, ‘not yet useful’ – like the unborn, or ‘no longer needed’ – like the elderly…’” (Pope Francis Encyclical Fratelli Tutti, Oct. 4, 2020, no. 18)
Bishop Michael F. Burbidge, Chairman of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) Committee on Pro-Life Activities offers practical insight into our need for a revival of prayer and action in the 2024 USCCB Respect Life Month Statement:
- We must renew our commitment to work for the legal protection of every human life, from conception to natural death, and to vote for candidates who will defend the life and dignity of the human person. “We are facing an enormous and dramatic clash between good and evil, death and life...” (Pope John Paul II, Evangelium vitae, Mar. 25, 1995, no. 28.)
- We must call for policies that assist women and their children in need, while also continuing to help mothers in our own communities through local pregnancy help centers and our nationwide, parish-based initiative, Walking with Moms in Need (walkingwithmoms.com)
- We must likewise continue to extend the hand of compassion to all who are suffering from participation in abortion, through the Church’s abortion healing ministries like Project Rachel Ministry (HopeAfterAbortion.org).
- Most importantly, we must rededicate ourselves to fervent prayer on behalf of life. I invite all Catholics to join me in a concerted effort of prayer between now and our national elections, by daily praying our Respect Life Month Prayer.
I echo this USCCB statement and ask the faithful of the Diocese of Gary to join me in praying the “Prayer for Life to Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament” throughout this Respect Life Month of October:
Jesus, you came that we might have life – and have it in abundance. Together with the Father and the Holy Spirit, you form us in our mothers’ wombs and call us to love you for all eternity. As your most precious gift of human life is attacked, draw us ever closer to your Real Presence in the Eucharist. Dispel the darkness of the culture of death, for you are the light that shines in the darkness, and the darkness cannot overcome it. By the power of your Eucharistic Presence, help us to defend the life of every human person at every stage. Transform our hearts to protect and cherish all whose lives are most vulnerable. For you are God, forever and ever. Amen.
Your servant,
Most Reverend Robert J. McClory
Bishop
Diocese of Gary