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January 13, 2022TANYA CONNOR | THE CATHOLIC FREE PRESS
The pandemic is again taking a toll on the annual March for Life observance for Worcester diocesan students. The diocese will not send students to the Jan. 21 march in Washington, D.C.
Instead, David Perda, superintendent of schools, has suggested students participate in alternative activities, such as creating posters similar to what would be seen at the march and holding those posters on school grounds “to share the message about God’s gift of life” with travelers on the road.
Schools are being asked to email photos of posters to Allison LeDoux, director of the diocesan Respect Life Office, aledoux@worcesterdiocese.org. The posters will be used in a slide show on worcesterdiocese.org/respect-life.
The posters may also be displayed in high traffic areas in schools and on public monitors that students and visitors can see.
The superintendent also suggested teaching students about the sanctity of human life, the Roe v. Wade decision, the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization case currently before the U.S. Supreme Court, and fetal development.
The superintendent gave schools information about other events sponsored by the Respect Life Office, including a diocesan mini-retreat that faculty, staff and parents may attend.
“A Morning for Life,” is planned for 10 a.m. to noon, Jan. 15, at St. Paul Cathedral. The retreat begins with a gathering prayer and a talk titled, “How Precious Life Is: Lessons learned from a pandemic,” by Msgr. James P. Moroney, pastor of St. Cecilia Parish in Leominster and director of the diocesan Office for Divine Worship. He developed respect life materials for the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Msgr. Moroney will celebrate a Mass, giving thanks to God for the gift of human life, at 11 a.m., after participants have a time of quiet prayer.
People who wish to attend should pre-register by emailing Mrs. LeDoux at aledoux@worcesterdiocese.org.
The March for Life in Washington, D.C., has been held annually since the Roe v. Wade U.S. Supreme Court decision on Jan. 22, 1973 that legalized abortion in the nation for virtually any reason throughout all nine months of pregnancy, explained Mrs. LeDoux.
Although local students will not attend the march, Bishop McManus will celebrate a Mass for Life at St. Paul Cathedral at 7 p.m., Jan. 20.
Jan. 22 is the Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children, designated by the U.S. bishops in 2004, Mrs. LeDoux noted. (See letter from Bishop McManus on Page 4.)
“On this day, the faithful are encouraged to offer prayers and sacrifices, similar to our Lenten practices, in reparation for sins committed against the sacredness of life, for the restoration of the legal protection of the unborn, and for a renewed Culture of Life in our world,” Mrs. LeDoux explained.
She also encouraged participation in “9 Days for Life,” a Jan. 19-27 novena, penance and pilgrimage sponsored by the U.S. bishops to pray “for the healing and conversion of our nation and for all people impacted by the culture of death.” Participants can receive prayer intentions, reflections and suggested acts of reparation daily by email, text message, or through a mobile app by signing up at 9daysforlife.com.
Some parishes have planned events to support respect for life.
Annunciation Parish in Gardner will observe the Day of Prayer with adoration of the Blessed Sacrament from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Jan. 22, in Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Church, 135 Nichols St. The Divine Mercy Chaplet will be prayed at 12:45 p.m. with a special holy hour at 1 p.m.
On the weekend of Jan. 22-23, Annunciation’s pro-life committee is making spiritual adoption prayer cards available. Participants are asked to pray daily for an unborn child for nine months. The program ends with a baby shower next fall for mothers in need.
At 2 p.m. Jan. 23 Annunciation is showing the movie “Bella” for adults and teenagers in Holy Spirit Chapel’s hall, 50 Lovewell St. The parish describes it as “a gentle love story (that) ultimately has a strong pro-life message,” which shows the difference one person can make in helping another who feels hopeless.
Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, 18 East Main St., Webster, will celebrate a Mass for unborn babies at 10 a.m., Jan. 22.
If you need more information visit worcesterdiocese.org/respect-life or contact Mrs. LeDoux at aledoux@worcesterdiocese.org or 508-929-4311.
A LETTER FROM BISHOP MCMANUS
January 2022
My dear brothers and sisters in the Lord,
January 22, 2022 marks the 49th anniversary of the tragic Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision which, with its companion case Doe v. Bolton, legalized abortion throughout all nine months of pregnancy in every state in the nation. The General Instruction of the Roman Missal (n. 373), designates Saturday, January 22 as a particular day of prayer and penance, called the “Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children”. All the faithful in dioceses throughout the United States of America are called to observe this day in a spirit of prayer for the full restoration of the legal guarantee of the right to life and of penance for the violations to the dignity of the human person committed through acts of abortion.
Forty-nine years of legalized abortion in this country has left an incomprehensible aftermath. With over 63 million lives lost, and countless women and men, mothers and fathers, grandparents, siblings, and friends who have been deeply wounded physically, emotionally, and spiritually by this tragedy, we need now more than ever to re-commit ourselves to defending life. I encourage our diocesan parishes and institutions, and all the faithful, to observe reverently the Day of Prayer and Penance on January 22nd both personally and within your communities. Fervent prayer is especially needed in light of the possible overturning of Roe v. Wade in the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health case currently before the U.S. Supreme Court. At stake is a Mississippi law banning abortions after 15 weeks. The Supreme Court is expected to issue its ruling in June. (More information about this landmark case can be found at prayfordobbs.com.) Let us unite our hearts and minds through special acts of prayer, fasting, and sacrifice on this day and in the months to come, to uphold the inherent dignity of all human life from conception to natural death.
As we reflect on this unspeakable tragedy, we also recall how the Church for many years has continued to reach out to those who have been so sadly affected by the culture of death, particularly through ministries providing aid to women and families in crisis pregnancies, offering the healing love and mercy of Christ to those wounded by abortion through the ministry of Project Rachel, and by continuing to teach and preach the truth and beauty about love and life that bring authentic freedom and happiness. It is through our prayers, charitable works, and loving sacrifices that the culture can be transformed.
Let us take this opportunity of the January 22nd Day of Prayer and Penance to renew our resolve to live and proclaim the Gospel of Life. May we respond generously to the challenge Saint Pope John Paul II put forth in Evangelium vitae: “A great prayer for life is urgently needed, a prayer which will rise up throughout the world. May an impassioned plea rise to God, the Creator and Lover of life, from the heart of every believer.” Our active participation in the shared commitment to the sacredness of human life and the dignity of the human person will, with God’s grace, truly work toward the building up of a Culture of Life and a Civilization of Love.
With every prayerful best wish, I remain
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Most Reverend Robert J. McManus
Bishop of Worcester
