Families from all over the diocese are invited to mark this year’s Day for Life by attending a special prayer vigil at the Lady Chapel, Mount Grace, on Saturday June 17 at 3pm.
Day for Life is the day in the Church’s year dedicated to raising awareness about the meaning and value of human life at every stage and in every condition.
The liturgy will be led by Deacon Vince Purcell, before Monsignor Gerard Dasey celebrates a vigil Mass at 4pm for the Solemnity of Corpus Christi that will also include a homily about the Day for Life.
“This year’s Day for Life is about uniting all the generations that make up the family – grandparents and great-grandparents, mothers and fathers and children of all ages,” said Deacon Vince.
“We often hear the word ‘individualism’ being used these days but this Day for Life is a reminder that we all need each other and rely on each other for so much. While society seems to focus profit and greed, the family teaches us about selflessness and about the need to give without counting the cost.
“Children and older people are at the opposite ends of life, but they are among the most vulnerable and are often the most neglected as well.
“Pope Francis reminds us that: ‘Every time a child is abandoned and an elderly person cast out, not only is it an act of injustice, but it also ensures the failure of that society’ (audience at the Pontifical Council for the Family, October 25 2013).
“We really can’t call ourselves civilised unless we take tender care of the young and offer respect and dignity to the older generation. The best way to ensure that our young people grow into energetic and enthusiastic citizens is by treasuring the memories and the wisdom of the older generation.
“We’re hoping it’s going to be a lovely sunny day to encourage families and young couples in particular to come along and be part of this important event.”
No transport is being laid on but lifts up the hill will be made available for those requiring them.
The Church teaches that life is to be nurtured from conception to natural death. The proceeds of the Day for Life collection to be held in parishes on Sunday June 18 will assist the work of the Anscombe Bioethics Centre and other life-related activities supported by the Church.
Visit dayforlife.org to find this year’s resources and information on subjects which cover the journey of life. You can also read documents and publications released by the Catholic Church and our bishops on the key issues.
Prayer to Mary, Mother of the Life Within
O Mary, Mother of the Life Within,
all life we entrust to you;
the life of every expectant mother
and the child within her womb:
the life of every human body,
the life of every human soul;
the life of every newborn child
and the life of all grown old.
You held the Lord to your own heart
and drew Him so close in.
So draw us now in all our needs,
O Mother of the Life Within.
Amen
For more details, visit www.dayforlife.org.