“Message to priests and parishes from Archbishop Martin concerning Catholic teaching on the dignity of human life and regarding abortion”

11 Jan 2013

“Message to priests and parishes from Archbishop Martin concerning Catholic teaching on the dignity of human life and regarding abortion”

Archbishop Martin asks all Priests over the coming weeks to draw attention, in an appropriate way, to some basic principles of Catholic teaching concerning the dignity of human life and regarding abortion.

Ample resources prepared by the Irish Episcopal Conference are available www.chooselife2013.ie   Statements of Archbishop Martin are available on the Diocesan Website www.dublindiocese.ie under Latest News

The Christian message is a message of life.  It is about how every human life is a reflection of the very life of God.  Each of us is created in the image of God.

Catholic teaching clearly affirms that every human life has unique and irreplaceable dignity.  Every human life has the right, from its very beginnings, to flourish and develop as God wants it to.

Any society which attempts to define certain lives as being of lesser worth and of lesser protection betrays the common good.  All should be equal in the face of the law.  That is a fundamental principle of our Constitution – and indeed of democracy – to be maintained and protected.

Compassion and support for women in difficult situations also belongs to the essence of Catholic teaching.  The Catholic pregnancy counselling service CURA www.cura.ie provides advice to pregnant women as well as counselling services to women who have had abortions or who experience difficulties following childbirth.

Various Pro-Life groups are organizing a Unite for Life Vigil in Merrion Square, Dublin on Saturday 19th January beginning at 16.30 p.m. The Archbishop asks that you bring this Vigil to the attention of parishioners at all Masses this weekend and during the week.  More information is available at www.prolifecampaign.ie

In advance of the Vigil there will be a period of quiet prayer in Saint Andrew’s Church Westland Row from 15.00-16.00, which will be attended by Archbishop Martin.  Please inform parishioners of that event.

Prayer for the Child in the Womb which may be recited at religious services over the coming weeks.

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 marvelous
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.