DEACON FOR LIFE

Were there to be no support in the whole history of ethical and moral thought, were there no acknowledged confirmation from medical science, were the history of legal opinion to the contrary, we would still have to conclude on the basis of God's Holy Word that the unborn child is a person in the sight of God. He is protected by the sanctity of life graciously given to each individual by the Creator, Who alone places His image upon man and grants them any right to life which they have.

Friday, March 4, 2016

From USCCB: #9DaysforLife Story Prompts March 2016 Intention

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Praying for Life: March 2016

Intercession

For parents who receive an adverse prenatal diagnosis for their unborn child: May they be comforted by our affirmation that their child's life—however long or short—is worth living.

Prayers

Our Father, 3 Hail Marys, Glory Be

Reflection

During the 9 Days for Life novena in January, we tweeted the image below, along with a link to Supporting Families Who Receive a Prenatal Diagnosis. Upon seeing this tweet, one Catholic blogger shared, “I know God is looking out for me, when the @USCCB tweets this on the same day I posted [‘Heartbreak: The Quiet Things You Carry While Your Soul Cries Out’].”* The article poignantly describes both the suffering and the joy of awaiting the arrival of his unborn son, who is expected to live only a few moments after birth.

When we encounter someone who is suffering, how do we respond?

Whether we are called to quietly support them with our prayers or are also moved to offer other assistance, like bringing a meal, God gives each of us unique gifts to manifest his love to others.

This month, as we pray for this blogger and all families who receive an adverse prenatal diagnosis, let’s each consider how we ourselves are uniquely called to show others the unconditional love of God, who is faithfully present in our darkest times.

*This link is provided solely for the user's convenience. By providing this link, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops assumes no responsibility for, nor does it necessarily endorse, the website, its content, or sponsoring organizations.

Acts of Reparation (choose one)

Pray Pope Francis’s Prayer to Be Disciples and Missionaries. (Suggestion: Pray it once a week this month.)
Read Supporting Families Who Receive a Prenatal Diagnosis. Then pray throughout this month for babies who have been given an adverse prenatal diagnosis and for their families.
Make an additional effort today to be attentive to those around you who might need a little extra compassion.