In his Encyclical Letter Evangelium Vitae (The Gospel of Life) Pope John 
Paul II proposed that "a day for life be celebrated each year in every country." 
The primary purpose of this day should be "to foster in individual consciences, 
in families, in the Church, and in civil society, a recognition of the meaning 
and value of human life at every stage and in every condition." (EV#85)

The Irish Bishops responded to the Pope's proposal by announcing the annual 
Day for Life in Ireland in October 2001. 

Since then the Irish bishops have celebrated a a Day for Life each October. 

This year the Irish Bishops'Conference has joined with the Bishops' Conferences 
of Scotland and England & Wales to celebrate a Day for Life on the theme 
Cherishing the Evening of Life. 

The Day for Life 2005 is being celebrated in Ireland on Sunday 2nd October,
in England and Wales on Sunday 3rd July and in Scotland on 31 May. 

ends