When most Catholics hear about Respect Life Week or Sunday they usually think of abortion and the sanctity of a child’s life in its mother’s womb.
Our call, however, is to respect all life. Our faith tells us that all human life, from the womb to the tomb, is precious and loved by God. Too often we concentrate on eradicating abortion, which is a noble and important cause, but we often neglect to speak out against the other ways human life is also disrespected.
Editor’s note: Pope Benedict XVI will canonize Blessed Damien of Molokai on October 11. This article from Hope News Service provides information on one of our newest saints.
Joseph de Veuster — the future St. Damian of Molokai — was born in Belgium on January 3, 1840, the seventh child of a devout Catholic family.
What has the power to end wars, destroy evil, save lives, and heal people? Someone might think I’m talking about a superhero.
No. I’m thinking about the power available to any believer in the Rosary. This traditional Catholic devotion usually prayed on beads really has awesome power! How do we know? Our Lady herself has told us.
A silent Ignatian women’s retreat, with spiritual exercises preached by the Priests of Miles Christi, begins at Durward’s Glen on Friday, Oct. 23, with registration at 4 p.m.
Dominican Sister Ladislas Kust, OP, died Oct. 6, 2009, at St. Dominic Villa, Sinsinawa.
School Sister of St. Francis Eunice Becker (Cosma) died Oct. 2, 2009 at St. Joseph Convent in Campbellsport. The daughter of Alphonse and Catherine Becker, she was born March 21, 1931 in Faribault, Minn.
Sr. Mary Wilbur McKenzie, FSM, died at 3:50 a.m. Friday, October 2, 2009 at St. Mary of the Angels Convent (Franciscan Sisters of Mary), Richmond Heights, Mo. She was 89.
The USA Council of Serra International recently announced that Msgr. James Bartylla has been named Serra Chaplain of the Year for 2009 for Region 7.
Gianna Jessen appreciates God’s precious gift of life more than most persons because she survived an abortion. A toxic saline solution was injected into the womb of her frightened 17-year-old mother in order to induce a chemical abortion intended to end Gianna’s life.
The abortion failed. Eighteen hours later, she was born. Gianna had severe injuries that led to cerebral palsy. But she was alive. A startled, compassionate nurse called an ambulance that sped her to a hospital. Since she weighed only two pounds, the hospital placed her in an incubator. Eventually Penny, the generous mother of 56 foster children, adopted her. Gianna credits Penny and Jesus with saving her life.
Bishop Robert C. Morlino has announced the following appointment, effective September 24, 2009:
