Health reform: Bishop declares day of prayer, fasting for pro-life intention
March 16, 2010
Invoking Canon 1244, which declares that “diocesan bishops can decree special feast days or days of penance for their dioceses or places,” Bishop Paul Loverde of Arlington declared March 15 a day of prayer and fasting “for protecting the life, dignity, health, and conscience rights of every human person in any legislation that Congress considers.”
“Catholic teaching tells us that our support for the dignity of life includes access to affordable health care,” he wrote in a March 11 letter. “This support, however, cannot come at the expense of the respect for life at all stages, from natural conception to natural death.”
“In moments of concern and crisis, Catholic tradition through the centuries has unfailingly urged the faithful to turn to the spiritual aids of prayer and fasting in order to draw closer to our Lord and His will,” he added. “Through our fasting and prayers, we ask the Lord to lead the hearts and minds of our nation’s leaders as they make crucial decisions concerning the protection of life.”
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Posted by: -
Mar. 16, 2010 8:41 PM ET USA
I don't like much about this health care bill, because I don't think the people are informed what it contains, but I do hope they do not sell us out. If Federal funds are allowed to be expended for abortion, that would be horrendous after all that has been accomplished in pro-life. So let us support Bishop Loverde's request to pray and fast
