Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ:
In the 49 years since the January 22, 1973, Supreme Court decisions legalizing abortion, there has been a tremendous loss of life in our country as a result. More than 60 million legalized abortions have taken place, a reality that is both staggering and heart wrenching.
On this 49th anniversary of Roe v. Wade and Doe v. Bolton, we are reminded how fragile the gift of human life is and that we are called to protect this precious gift. Let us join in praying for the children whose lives have been lost and for the mothers and fathers who experience great suffering as a painful and costly effect of abortion. May we walk alongside them through our expression of love and compassion, and may we remain unwavering in our belief that human life is sacred, in all stages.
This anniversary gives us an opportunity to reflect on our common call to stand up for life and protect the vulnerable, as well as the personal responsibility we have in matters of morality, justice and the common good. We each are called to respect the dignity of the human person and do what we are able to preserve and uphold life, within the realities of our own circumstances. For many, this means living out your vocation of marriage and raising a family. It can also mean giving voice to those who cannot speak for themselves; helping expecting mothers; and showing love to those grieving the loss of a child, including the loss of a child by abortion. We are called to do more than believe that life is sacred. We are a called to take action, through prayer and through acts of charity to those around us.
This month, as we remember the landmark Supreme Court decisions that have since shaped our society and the family, we recognize that the most powerful means we have in striving for justice comes not from our own efforts, but from the God who created us.
We are invited to come together in prayer in a special way on January 22, through the observance of the Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children. Let us continue to pray for God’s grace and a clear path to end abortion and all activity that jeopardizes human life.
Sincerely Yours in Christ,
+Most Reverend Walter A. Hurley
Apostolic Administrator
