Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Rome (Fides Service) - Latin American countries are preparing to mark Pro-Life Day Sunday 25 March with numerous activities to underline the sacredness of the gift of life and the need to protect life in all its stages.
Peru has marked the day since 2002. Activities all over the country began on March 22. On 24 March about 300 expectant mothers will take part in a march for life, a special Mass and blessing followed by a Festival for Life. Huaraz diocese will celebrate a special Mass for the Day of the Unborn Child and a special blessing for all the mothers present. Cusco archdiocese has organised a Pro Life March on the 24 with the slogan “we are the voice of the voiceless”. Arequipa archdiocese has a full programme of activities: 23 March Stations of the Cross with a special intention for Life; Sunday 25: Via Crucis, Rosary, Mass and blessing of expectant mothers; and a pro-life march in the city centre with the participation of Catholic schools, universities, pro-life movements and church associations.
Venezuela is celebrating a Week For Life, 19 to 25 March promoted by the Bishop’s Family Pastoral Commission to promote respect for life as the first right in the name of the truth about man and to defend human life and dignity and freedom to be respected from the moment of conception to natural death. The Commission has distributed material for the celebration of the Day stressing three major issues: abortion, violence, more attention and care for people with HIV-AIDS.
In Cuba Pro Life Day Posters were distributed to the dioceses and priests were asked to mention the event at Sunday Masses on Pro Life Day 25 March. Havana archdiocese is holding a Pro-Life Week focussing on six daily themes: the sick, women, families, health-workers, children, young people. Many dioceses have organised Pro Life Festivals, video-conferences and debates and special Masses and prayers.
The Bishops’ Conference of Porto Rico invited Catholics to take part in a “Great Rosary for Truth, Life, Human Dignity, Marriage and the Family”, on Saturday 24 March. The Marian prayer will be held in the framework of public hearings to propose Civil Code reforms and a redefinition and weakening of the identity of the family and marriage.
In Argentina, Buenos Aires archdiocese has organised the 4th Rosary Pro Life on March 25 to increase awareness of the dangers threatening life and the family if parliament approves proposed laws on sexual education, ratification of Protocol on CEDAW convention to eliminate discrimination against women, sterilisation. (RG) (Agenzia Fides 23/3/2007; righe 42, parole 612)
