Our Holy Father Pope Francis has spoken often and eloquently about the value of human life and the dignity of the human person. As reported in the media outlet, “The Catholic World Report”, he recently criticized the “throw away” culture that is often found in more affluent societies. He stated, “Every person is a sacred and unique gift, no matter what their age and condition. Let us always respect and promote life! Let us not throw life away.”
As Catholics, we are called to respect the fundamental dignity of the human person and hope to see that dignity be granted to all of God’s children, including our preborn brothers and sisters. This support for the fundamental dignity of the human person and the sanctity of life was emphasized on Saturday, January 20th as Bishop Tran celebrated a special Mass for the Preborn at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Atlanta. Many of our parishioners were in attendance. The bishop spoke about how all of God’s children deserve our love and support, and that we should pray that God will change the hearts and minds of those who fail to value the gift of life.
The following “A Pro-Life Prayer” provided by ‘Creative Communications” reflects our concern for all human life:
God of all goodness, You have entrusted us with the gift of life.
Help us to appreciate that gift from the first moments of conception to the last breaths of old age.
Send Your strength to all those who defend the unborn, the weak, and the dying against attempts to cut short their lives.
May Your Holy Spirit touch the hearts of those who are tempted to choose the way of death rather than life.
Grant that Your people may always be a sign of your love in the world.
Amen.
As we reflect on this prayer, Our Holy Father Pope Francis has challenged us to bear witness not only to the value and sacredness of the preborn, but also to the elderly, and the physically and mentally ill. He also asked us to be compassionate toward those suffering from the painful trauma of abortion and to pray for their healing.
Our Church teaches that all life is precious and worthy of protection. Therefore, we are invited to take to heart the profound words of Pope Francis and Bishop Tran and do our part in promoting the value of all human life and the dignity of the human person as we continue on our journey of faith.