Welcome to October. This month is one to not only enjoy autumn in its entire splendor but also to take time to contemplate and pray for the respect of all life, from womb to tomb. That's why in this issue of Catholic Times, you will find a 20-page section devoted to life at all its stages.
Several articles in our Respect Life issue come courtesy of the Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. The theme of this year's packet - released in advance of Oct. 5, Respect Life Sunday - is "Hope and Trust in Life!" Its theme is based on Pope Benedict XVI's homily last Dec. 31, in which he described a lack of hope and trust in life as "the ‘obscure' evil of modern Western society."
Informative articles cover, among other topics, problematic physician-assisted suicide laws, the importance of affirming the worth of all people and the number one cause of death in the African American community, which is abortion.
However, many of the stories in this section were sent in by people just like you - members of the Springfield diocese who have themselves lived through an event that somehow made them more aware of the gift of life. These are Catholics who have lost children, adopted children, endured illness and injury, or who have simply learned to trust God, no matter what.
The information distributed by the Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities reminds us that in the 35 years since the Roe v. Wade decision it is estimated that there have been 48 million abortions performed in the United States. Do the math to come up with this one horrific thought: In this country, the Land of the Free, almost 1.4 million defenseless unborn babies die every year.
Blessed Mother Teresa lived a simple pious life serving those who were perishing in squalid conditions; however she had another definition of poverty. "It is a poverty to decide that a child must die so that you may live as you wish," she said. Leave it to this saintly woman to help us understand the real meaning of respecting life.
This weekend marks Respect Life Sunday, which is observed in virtually all of the 195 Catholic dioceses in the United States. It will be observed in our churches as well. People from all over the diocese will take time this weekend to attend the diocesan Respect Life Mass, rosary walk and prayer vigil in Granite City. Many more will stand in peaceful silent protest along streets in their home towns.
Many of our devoted peaceful protestors have lived their entire lives with a ruling that makes it perfectly legal to abort an unborn baby. Thanks be to God, they have not accepted that law as just and are working to see it changed.
Follow their lead. Take this month - with all its colorful foliage, warm days and cool nights - to contemplate what is covered in this issue. Then begin to pray for and actively strive to make a difference for all people, especially the unborn, elderly, sick or troubled.