When the U.S. bishops hold their annual meeting in Baltimore next week, one item on the agenda will be approval of the new Order for the Blessing of the Child in the Womb.
At the end of the USCCB News Release it says:'The Blessing of a Child in the Womb, Within Mass and Outside Mass, in English and in Spanish, was prepared to support parents awaiting the birth of their child, to encourage in the parish prayers for and recognition of the gift of the child in the womb and to foster respect for human life within society. Upon approval by the USCCB and the Holy See, it will be incorporated in future editions of the Book of Blessings.'
I'm looking forward to using that new prayer when it it published and add it to the blessing I already use. For over 30 years now, I say daily, especially at Mass:
"For the souls of the unborn, who have been aborted; by the blood they have shed, may Almighty God baptize them in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and be granted eternal salvation through the precious Blood of Jesus. Amen."
On a retreat many years ago, Bishop Lawrence Graziano, OFM (RIP+) taught us to say this pray daily and I have ever since. I hope, one day, to meet all these souls in Heaven and rejoice with them in God's Kingdom!
Deacon John
