Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Fatima (Agenzia Fides) - “Holy Mary, we entrust to you the Cause of Life" is the theme of the International Pro-Life Congress being held in Fatima organised by the Austrian branch of Human Life International and the Apostolate of Fatima and sponsored by the Pontifical Council for the Family. The organisers recall that in the encyclical "Evangelium Vitae", Pope John Paul Paolo II: “moved by profound concern for the destiny of every man and woman, I repeat what I said to those families who carry out their challenging mission amid so many difficulties: a great prayer for life is urgently needed, a prayer which will rise up throughout the world” (n. 100). The goal of the Congress is to achieve this desire of Pope John Paul II making it known and practiced. The organisers are also committed to promoting a culture of life, and sustaining Pope Benedict XVI’s pastoral efforts in support of the family.
The programme of the Congress, 4-8 October, includes prayer, spiritual exercises to achieve a “a great prayer pro-life” as Pope John Paul II wished. Church teaching on life will also be studied and commented and there will be testimony on the theme of abortion.
Participants will include people involved with the Pro Life Movement and with the Apostolate of Fatima such as Bishop Karl Josef Romer secretary of the Pontifical Council for the Family; Bishop Serafim Silva, emeritus of Leiría-Fatima; Isilda Pegado, president of the Portuguese Pro-Life Federation; Luis Kondor, Vice postulator of the cause for the canonisation of the three shepherd children of Fatima; Mgr Vítor Feytor Pinto, member of the National Council of Ethics for Science of Life; Sr Virginia Beretta sister of Blessed Gianna Beretta Molla; Américo Lopez Ortiz, president Fatima World Apostolate.
On Sunday 8 October, World Day of Prayer for Human Life, Catholics are encouraged to recite the Rosary members of other religions are asked to join the initiative with prayers in their own way for twenty minutes to create a world wide prayer for life. (RG) (Agenzia Fides 6/10/2006; righe 28, parole 389)
