Pope Francis sends message of support for Day for Life

In preparation for Day for Life celebrated in England and Wales on 18 June, Pope Francis has shared the following message with the people of England, Wales and Scotland:

“Pope Francis invokes the protection of Our Lady, and entrusts to her, the Mother of the Living, the cause of life. He begs her intercession that those who believe in her Son may continue to bear witness to life and, together with all people of good will, contribute to a culture of truth and love.”

The new Apostolic Nuncio to Great Britain, Archbishop Edward Adams said: “The Holy Father, to the praise and glory of the Creator and Lord of Life, gives assurance of his prayers and imparts to the organisers and participants of the Day for Life his apostolic blessing.”

The message was communicated via the new Apostolic Nuncio to Great Britain, Archbishop Edward Adams, to the Bishop for Day for Life, the Right Reverend John Sherrington.

In October it will be 50 years since the 1967 Abortion Act was passed in England, Scotland and Wales. This year's Day for Life provides us with an opportunity to pray for and remember all lives lost before birth and to offer practical and emotional support to women and men who are worried and concerned about an unexpected pregnancy.

For those who have had an abortion, this anniversary year is a reminder that 50 years on: “there is no sin that God’s mercy cannot reach and wipe away when it finds a repentant heart seeking to be reconciled with the Father”.*

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 Church teaches that life is to be nurtured from conception to natural death. This year’s Day for Life is celebrated on 18 June in England and Wales.

There will be a mandatory second collection in parishes to support Day for Life. Proceeds of the collection will go to The Anscombe Bioethics Centre and other Church supported life activities.

For more information about this year’s Day for Life see: www.dayforlife.org