Since 1973, the Catholic Church in the United States has observed the month of October as Respect Life Month. This year, we observe its 50th anniversary. For the past 50 years, a half-century, our Church has raised a prophetic and solitary voice in defense of life in all its stages, from conception in the mother’s womb to natural death. The preponderance of anti-life issues that have emerged in our country during this half-century and continue to emerge is staggering.
Life is sacred because it is given by God. When Terence Cardinal Cooke, the Archbishop of New York, who in 1971 ordained me a priest, was experiencing extreme suffering and dying, he wrote the following: “The gift of life, God’s special gift, is no less beautiful when it is accompanied by illness or weakness, hunger or poverty, mental or physical handicaps, loneliness or old age. Indeed, at these times, human life gains extra splendor as it requires special care, concern and reverence. It is in and through the weakest of human vessels that the Lord continues to reveal the power of his love.”
The Cardinal’s words are a powerful testimony to the gift of life, which is given by God in whose image and likeness we are created. As Respect Life Month is observed, we need to support and strengthen programs on behalf of the unborn, the elderly, the homeless, the dying, the suffering and the handicapped. These and others are the victims of the powerful anti-life lobby in our country.
In observation of this 50th anniversary of Respect Life Month, the chairman of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) on Pro-Life Activities, Bishop Michael Burbidge, has issued a statement titled, “Living Radical Solidarity.” I urge you to read it. The phrase radical solidarity originated with Pope Saint John Paul II. It is a call to accompany pregnant women or women dealing with difficult circumstances who are in vulnerable situations as they raise their children. Living radical solidarity demonstrates our care for them.
I ask that parish pro-life committees introduce programs to their pro-life efforts that are in radical solidarity with women and their children who need examples of practical charity from us who are pro-life. May these programs be a testament to The Gospel of Life and to the Respect Life agenda of the Catholic Church.
Most Reverend Dennis J. Sullivan, D.D.
Bishop of Camden