RESPECT LIFE MONTH

                “Every Life: Cherished, Chosen, Sent.” Is the theme of the 2018-2019 Respect Life Program.

                The month of October each year is designated as Respect Life Month by the USCCB. In 1972, the Bishops of the United States inaugurated a Respect Life Program that begins anew each October. The program promotes respect for human life in light of our intrinsic dignity as having been created in God’s image and likeness and called to an eternal destiny with Him.

                In 1531, when the indigenous peoples of Mexico were subjugated and the practice of human sacrifice was still a recent memory, the Mother of God appeared to St. Juan Diego as a pregnant native woman now known as Our Lady of Guadalupe. She sent him with miraculous flowers in his cloak to tell the bishop to build a church where people could receive her Son and her loving care. When St. Juan Diego opened the cloak before the bishop, an image of Our Lady was revealed. The chapel was quickly built, millions embraced Christianity, and the Church increased its protection of the indigenous peoples.

                This is the inspiration behind the theme of Respect Life for the coming year. The essence of our identity is that we are created in God’s image and likeness and loved by Him. Every person is cherished. God invites us to embrace a loving relationship with Him. Every person is chosen. We are called to be messengers of God’s love treating one another as cherished and chosen by Him. Every person is sent.

                The U.S. bishops are asking Catholics to mark Respect Life Month through prayer, education and advocacy. This is a vital opportunity for Catholics to spark a renewal of love and commitment to the true good of others. Jesus is with us every step of the way, giving us the grace we need. God invites us to embrace the lives we have been given, for as long as they are given.

                The annual Diocesan Respect Life Mass this year will be held at St. Louis Church on October 6 at 4:00 p.m. Following Mass there will be a Blessing of Families, Babies, and Expectant Mothers.