Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Fatima (Agenzia Fides) - A "Flame of Life" initiative has been launched by the Youth Pastoral Office of the diocese of Lamego in Portugal, on the occasion of a national referendum on abortion on 11 February. The initiative started on 19 January with a prayer vigil presided by Bishop Giacinto Botelho of the diocese of Lamego. After several meditations on the value of human life there was Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and all night adoration with young people taking turns in groups. The last turn early on January 20 was undertaken by the diocesan Catechists on the occasion the Diocesan Day for Catechists. This was followed by a special Mass presided by the Bishop and the start of a pilgrimage of the Flame of Life across the diocese stopping 24 hours in each parish for prayers, Masses, pro-life campaigns etc. The Flame of Life will arrive on Sunday 4 February at the shrine of Our Lady of Fatima. With a solemn ceremony the Flame will be placed at the feet of the statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Cause for Life will be entrusted to her intercession. The recitation of the Rosary at 10.15am will be followed by Mass presided by Bishop Antonio dos Santos Marto, Bishop of Fatima. (RG) (Agenzia Fides 3/2/2007; righe 16, parole 244)
