US Bishop invites day of prayer and penance on anniversary of Roe vs. Wade

Bishop Daniel E. Thomas, head of the Committee on Pro-Life Activities of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), announced that he will join the “Day of Prayer for Legal Protection” on January 22. of unborn children.

That day marks the 52nd anniversary of the United States Supreme Court’s decision in the case. Roe v. Wade that legalized abortion throughout the country, and that many years later, in 2022, was reversed in the case Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organizationreturning the issue of abortion to the elected representatives of the people at the federal and state levels.

“I join all Catholics in our nation to celebrate January 22 as a day of prayer and penance. As we prayerfully continue the essential work of restoring full legal protection for all unborn children and supporting parents facing difficult pregnancies, we also recognize our need to ask the Lord for forgiveness and healing for when we have surrendered to the culture of death,” he indicated this January 13, in a statement.

The Bishop of Toledo also recalled that abortion inflicts “deep and lasting wounds on society,” but more directly on individuals and families.

“Many mothers and fathers may feel that they have no other option than abortion. Some are pressured or coerced. “Regardless of the circumstances of the abortion, we must recognize the often silent pain of parents for their child and their desperation to be worthy of the love and forgiveness of God and others,” he said.

The prelate also addressed the parents of children who have died from an abortion, lamenting “deeply their loss.” “Know that our Lord loves you as His daughters and sons regardless of your actions. No sin is beyond His unfathomable Mercy. “Jesus greatly desires our repentant hearts and invites us to an encounter with Him,” he assured.

And he added that, for Catholics, the sacrament of Reconciliation “is always available to those who seek God’s forgiveness, hope and peace.”

The Jubilee of Hope allows those involved in abortion to repent

“As we celebrate this Jubilee Year as Pilgrims of Hope, Pope Francis invites us to experience the love of God, ‘which raises in hearts the sure hope of salvation in Christ’ (Hope does not disappoint6). Hope allows those who have been involved in abortion to turn to God and repent, confident that He will forgive and heal them,” Bishop Thomas said.

The prelate stressed that “this January 22 and beyond, we need to be assured that Jesus himself, who is the source of our hope, was the first to be wounded by our offenses and suffered for each of our sins, including abortion.”

Likewise, he asked the faithful to join in prayer so that “God fills the hearts of mothers and fathers who suffer the emotional and psychological wounds of abortion with the hope of forgiveness that only He can give.” He also encouraged affected people to seek “support from the compassionate and confidential ministries of the Church.”

Finally, Bishop Thomas reminded that those who need help after an abortion can contact their local parish or visit the Rachel Project websites, HopeAfterAbortion.org o EsperanzaPosAborto.orgwhere you will find a list of diocesan ministries for abortion healing.

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops also offers resources to help parishes, schools, families, ministries, and individual Catholics participate in the Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children. Can enter HERE.