AMERICA/PERU - Celebration of Unborn Child Day: "the unalienable right to life of the human being is a natural law written deep in the heart of every man."
Lima (Agenzia Fides) - The Peruvian Episcopal Conference's Commission for the Family and Defense of Life invites all to join in celebrating, on March 25, Unborn Child Day, especially in our time, when "life is threatened in so many ways and the human being in its preliminary stages is deprived of the human rights that he too possesses, equally as much as a newborn baby."
With these factors in mind, the Commission published a Message entitled, "The Unborn Child: Just as Human as a Newborn," in which they confirm the fact that this celebration "invites us to contemplate the time that every single man and woman has lived, prior to the day they opened their eyes to the created world." The document also recalls the fact that technological advances have allowed us to "more closely come into contact and become more familiar with this child that is waiting to be born," and thanks to science we are able to prove that the child yet to be born is, in fact, "a human being, just as much a member of the human race as a child that has already been born."
"The unborn child is not a matter of opinion, nor is it a fantasy or illusion," the Message continues, "it holds all the weight of a reality that can not be ignored or hidden from human reason." From there can be deduced the unalienable right to life of the unborn child: "it is not only a commandment of the Christian faith, but also a natural law written deep in the heart of every man and woman, valid for believers and agnostics alike."
Thus, the Commission makes an appeal to ask that people act in accord with these truths, treating "those children- embryos and fetus - according to their dignity." This implies "saying 'no' to the lie of abortion, the falsity of in-vitro fertilization, and the despicable manipulation of embryos, because they imply the unavoidable death of a human being." The Message concludes with a prayer invoking the protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary, "for all those little ones of our country who run the risk of never being born; and for ourselves, that we may be granted the grace to be faithful to the Truth and to the personal commitment to Life."
The Commission for the Family and Defense of Life also asks that each diocese be creative in celebrating this day in honor of the unborn child. Among some of the initiatives include: working in collaboration with the Youth Ministry leaders, in support of young people and organizing a family march to a site where mothers and children can be consecrated to the Virgin and celebrate a Mass in conclusion, followed by a family encounter as a sign of joyful support for life and the family. (RG) (Agenzia Fides 11/3/2008 righe 34, parole 465)
Links:
Message for Unborn Child Day
http://www.fides.org/spa/documents/peru-_mensaje_nino_por_nacer_2008.doc
