Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Rome (Agenzia Fides) – On March 25, the “National Day for the Unborn Child” will be celebrated in many countries. In Latin America, the practice is becoming more common in response to the attack being made on the unborn child.
The Colombian Bishops' Conference, through its Family Department, has been promoting the event and each year takes part in the international campaign that the Church has begun in favor of a culture of life. This Day recalls the unborn child as human being, a child of God deserving of care and attention from the parents that have conceived him and from society at large, which is enriched by each new member.
“In response to a generalized culture that seeks to rid itself of the most defenseless of beings,” the promotional material states, “we are called to fight so that the lives of the unborn children can develop and reach their plenitude in a home that receives them with sincere love and fidelity of spouses and parents, in a society that recognizes their fundamental rights and facilitates their chances of reaching personal maturity.”
The themes for reflection for this year are: reaffirming the value of every human life from conception until natural death; promoting a culture of life; awakening solidarity: accompanying pregnant mothers; praying for respect for every human life in our country.
The Bishops' Conference also proposes a series of initiatives with social, cultural, and religious ends, to help celebrate this Day. Among them are: family assemblies, to study the themes from March 24-31; formational workshops on responsible parenting; videos on abortion; encounters and get-togethers for healthcare personnel from hospitals and clinics; formation workshops for public directors and healthcare personnel on conscientious objection and informed consent; promotion of the Day through the mass media; marches and cultural activities in defense of human life; a Mass and Blessing for Pregnant Mothers.
In Chile, there will be a Mass on March 24, at 7pm, in the Santiago Cathedral, celebrated by Auxiliary Bishop Fernando Chomali and Father Marcos Burzawa, MSF, organized by the Department for the Family, along with the Network for Life and the Family. During the celebration, there will be a presentation of an image of Our Lady of Guadalupe, the great intercessor and defender of human life, reaffirming the commitment of the Church in Chile for the cause.
“The idea is to celebrate the beautiful act of love that is that gives new life and with it, promote a culture of life in our society,” Fr. Marcos said.
During the celebrations this year, the Network for Life will present an award to Patricia Mondaca, Director of a Center for Young Pregnant Mothers “Maria Ayuda,” and to “El Conquistador” Radio host Luis Muñoz, for their work in defending life. The act will take place on March 25 at 1pm in Puente Alto.
In Chile, the Day has been celebrated since May 18, 1999, the date on which the Senate unanimously passed a bill asking the President to declare March 25 of each year, Day of the Unborn Child. (RG) (Agenzia Fides 23/3/2009)
