A daily news service

November 17

Cardinal Castrillon promotes use of science respecting human life and dignity

Rome, 17 (NE) Yesterday, Cardinal Dario Castrillon Hoyos, Prefect of the Congregation for the Clergy inaugurated the XV International Conference "Health and Society". The event, supported by the Pontifical Council for Health Pastoral-, will take place in the Vatican until November 18.

During his lecture, the Cardinal Prefect noted that "in the past years, humankind has given enormous steps in the penetration of the great processes of human life" and now that "we know man better, that we progress in technology and science, we must also develop our respect of the marvelous gift of God that is human life."

"The effort in scientific investigation would be worthless," added the Cardinal, "if this wouldn't mean a more complete service to each human being, respecting his integrity and in the full consideration of his spiritual richness".

Cardinal Rouco Varela: Catholics must give witness in society

Rome, 17 (NE) In an allocution given last Sunday, Cardinal Rouco Varela emphasized the importance that Catholics live their faith coherently and assume the great responsibility of giving witness not only in the private sphere, but in all environments of society, thus showing themselves truly Catholic and behaving as such. He stated that "every Catholic is called to be witness of the living God in public life." He also emphasized that Catholics "must actively participate in the relationships with others, in society and culture, in economy and politics." He criticized the attitude of those who hide their faith and are ashamed of the Gospel. With such an attitude of "silence and cowardly comfort" we contribute to the "suffering, hopelessness and spiritual and moral void of many brethren."

TV series about Father Pio's life presented in Italy

Rome, 17 (NE) The Capuchins' Province of Foggia confirmed this week that the documents concerning a second miracle attributed to the intercession of Blessed Padre Pio of Pietrelcina have already been sent to the Holy See. The approval of this miracle is an essential step in the canonization process of the Capuchin friar. The announcement has coincided with the end of the TV series -in two episodes- about Father Pio's life, presented by the Italian public television on November 12 and 13. The miracle consists in the healing of an eight year-old boy, who lives in San Giovanni Rotondo. He is the son of a doctor who works in the 'Solllievo della Sofferenza' House. The Capuchin Province of Foggia has revealed that all the documentation is now being examined at the Congregation for the Causes of the Saints. If the healing is acknowledged as miraculous, Father Pio could be canonized next year. In Italy the devotion to the Blessed continues increasing, specially fostered by last year's beatification of the Capuchin Father, one of the most attended ceremonies of beatification ever.

Argentina: Archbishop concerned about legislation encouraging contraception

Buenos Aires, 17 (NE) Archbishop Hector Aguer of La Plata warned this week that the "National Program of Sexual Health and Responsible Procreation", a bill to be discussed in the Argentinean Congress, aims to "cut the sources of life" and limit population growth in this country. In his message, the Archbishop stressed that this initiative will lead to the nation's "suicide" which needs "many children to be born, who may be worthily raised and educated."

The initiative, "as well as others of the same nature already approved in some provinces, emphasizes contraception. By this there are being subordinated to the purposes of international organisms which represent the interests of dominant countries," affirmed the Prelate. Archbishop Aguer highlighted that the legislators "could do very much in favor of a truly national project of supporting families instead", encouraging for example "integral assistance to pregnant women, sensible and responsible promotion of births."

"A partial view as the one adopted in the project will hardly achieve its purpose. On the contrary, it will promote the vulgarization of sexuality and increase the number of abortions and of other negative consequences of the premature and irresponsible exercise of sexual activity," Archbishop Aguer further stressed.

November 16

Pope recalls Eucharist as mystery of communion

Vatican City, 16 (NE) During the general audience held yesterday in St. Peter's Square Pope John Paul II dedicated his weekly catechesis to the theme "The Word, the Eucharist and Divided Christians". The Holy Father said that by reflecting on the Trinity and the Eucharist we come to "consider, above all, the problem of restoring unity among Christians." On this theme, he cited the biblical passage of the disciples of Emmaus who leave the community and, after encountering the Risen Christ as they walked, were able to recognize Him, especially when He "took the bread ... and broke it." Thus they returned to Jerusalem to rejoin "the eleven gathered together and those who were with them." "The path of faith allowed fraternal unity", he said. In another moment of his catechesis, the Pope recalled that "doctrinal differences between the disciples of Christ" gathered in different churches and ecclesial communities, "limit full sacramental sharing." "The Eucharist", he stressed, "becomes a challenge and a provocation located at the very heart of the Church to remind us of Christ's greatest and most intense will: 'that they may all be one'."

Congress on "Health and Society" starts today in the Vatican

Vatican City, 16 (NE) From November 16 to 18, in the Vatican, the Pontifical Council for the Pastoral Care of Health Care Workers will organize its 15th annual conference, a three-day event which starts today with the theme "Health and Society." As the President of this Vatican dicastery, Archbishop Javier Lozano Barragan, informed yesterday during a press conference, the theme chosen this year "intends to study more deeply the problems of health in general of today's society, especially regarding the aspect of technological challenges and the humanization of medicine." "As Church, what is our answer to today's world, to today's society?" asked Archbishop Lozano, stressing that the answer to this question marks the main aim of the congress. In closing remarks, the Prelate stressed that the forthcoming congress "is not simply a medical congress, but rather one of the pastoral ministry of medicine." "The questions and answers will indicate the path to be walked by the dicastery of Health Pastoral", he concluded.

International congress to encourage lay apostolate in new millennium

Vatican City, 16 (NE) Towards the end of November an international congress to reflect about Catholic laity will take place this year in Rome. The meeting will gather delegations from 90 Bishop's conferences and 115 church movements and associations. Organized by the Pontifical Council for the Laity, the event will start on November 25, and will close on November 30. As it has been announced, the theme of the congress will be "Witnesses of Christ in the new millennium". Regarding the meeting, Cardinal J. Francis Stafford and Archbishop Sanislaw Rylko, respectively President and Secretary of the Pontifical Council for the Laity, will offer next Monday a Press Conference to inform about the event. The main celebration of the event will take place on Sunday November 26, when Pope John Paul II will preside a Eucharist in St. Peter's Basilica on occasion of the Jubilee of Lay Apostolate.

Bishop Loverde invites young adults to follow God's plan

Arlington, 16 (NE) Bishop Paul S. Loverde of Arlington invited young adults in his diocese to discover in their life God's will for them. During the first annual Young Adult Conference at St. Mark Church, Bishop Loverde encouraged them to use the lives of the saints and blessed men and women as examples of service to God and the Church, in particular the life of Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati. ""As young adults, you are at the point in your lives when you are deciding which path your lives will take". "Do not be afraid, because anyone at anytime can respond to God's call to become a saint", the Prelate emphasized. "In order to find the secret of our lives, we must go to our Creator. God made us, He knows who He created us to be. Therefore, we must go to Him to discover who we are in His plan." During the event, along with the lectures and workshops, organizers provided opportunities for confessions, private prayer time and an afternoon prayer service incorporating the liturgy of the hours.

November 15

Jubilee of the Armed Forces and Police this weekend

Rome, 15 (NE) "With Christ, Defending Justice and Peace", with be the theme of the Jubilee of the Armed Forces and Police to take place this weekend, November 18 and 19, in Rome. Approximately 65 thousand members of police and armed forces from all over the world are expected to attend the celebration. On Saturday the jubilee will commence with penitential liturgies in different churches. In the afternoon, there will be an international Way of the Cross celebrated in the Circus Maximus. At 8 p.m. a concert will be held in the Paul VI Hall in honor of those members of the military and police who work in peace missions. On Sunday, November 19, in St. Peter's Square, Pope John Paul will preside at a Eucharistic celebration for the Jubilee of the Armed Forces and Police. Following the recitation of the Angelus at noon, military and police bands will perform in honor of the Holy Father. The Jubilee celebrations will conclude at 6 p.m. when all the participants gather in Via della Conciliazione for the evening prayer at 7 in St. Peter's Square.

Archbishop hopes to "confirm in their faith" North Korean Catholics

Rome, 15 (NE) Hoping for a possible Papal visit, Cardinal Stephen Kim and Archbishop Nicholas Cheong, Archbishop Emeritus and Archbishop of Seoul respectively, may soon make a visit to North Korea, reported yesterday Fides agency. In declarations to the Vatican news agency, Cardinal Kim expressed he was "longing for that day". "I try to keep calm and pray for the unity of our people", the Cardinal said. Meanwhile, Archbishop Cheong, named in 1998 Apostolic Administrator of the North Korean capital city, Pyongyang, by Pope John Paul II, expressed his desire to encourage evangelization in this country. "My greatest desire is to confirm the remaining lay Catholics and clergy in their faith", stressed the Archbishop. "I am also anxious to know how North Korean Catholics live their faith". The situation of the Catholic Church under the communist regime in North Korea is uncertain. According to Fides, at present there are about 2,000 Catholics in the North but -official sources say- there are no clergy or religious.

Boston Archdiocese celebrates Jubilee for families

Boston, 15 (NE) Fulfilling the commandments leads us to true happiness, recalled last week Cardinal Bernard Law, Archbishop of Boston, during the Jubilee Mass for Families celebrated at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross. "What an important truth that is, and how countercultural it is today. Observance of God's law, living our lives God's way, is not only a means, but also the only means to happiness", the Cardinal said. "What passes as contemporary wisdom", the Archbishop further commented, "would find it difficult to understand that law and love go together." The Lord's teaching that reduces the commandments to love God and your neighbor as yourself is a "revolutionary teaching is for us today".

Cardinal Law also highlighted the importance of opening oneself to the formation of one's own conscience, not being influenced by "convenience, comfort, a desire to conform to the culture, by a fear of being different". Recalling the example of St. Thomas More, recently declared by the Pope Patron of statesmen and politicians, the Archbishop of Boston invited faithful not to place any obstacles when moral decisions must be taken. "If, in fact, one is personally opposed to a specific act on moral grounds, on an assessment of the act in the light of truth, the truth of natural reason and the truth illuminated by faith, then there is no but!" he stressed.

Uganda Catholics celebrate anniversary of historic Cathedral

Rome, 15 (NE) Hundreds of Catholic faithful in Uganda celebrated last week the 75th anniversary of the dedication of Lubaga Cathedral. Top government and Buganda Kingdom officials attended the celebration, presided by Cardinal Emmanuel Wamala, Archbishop of Kampala, who said that the Cathedral was a symbol of the Catholic church's growth in the country. The Cathedral was built in lands where Kabaka Mwanga I had his palace, donated to the Church to build the temple. During the celebration, Cardinal Wamala praised Buganda Kingdom for its goodwill and sacrifice in the development of the Catholic Church in Uganda.

Also attending the ceremony was Prince David Wasajja, who praised the relationship between the Catholic Church and the kingdom, stressing that the two institutions have greatly worked together to foster development in the country. "I would like to underline my support to the efforts of my grandparents to the development of the Catholic Church in Uganda. We shall continue to work together towards a better understanding of God and development," he said. During his homily, Cardinal Wamala also called faithful to help in the maintenance of the Cathedral.

November 14

Pope invites scientists to seek truth with responsibility

Vatican City, 14 (NE) Pope John Paul II received yesterday participants in the plenary assembly of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences. The three-day assembly which closed yesterday reflected on the theme "Science and the future of humanity." During the audience the Pope congratulated the academy which has stressed over the last years the study of the humanistic dimension of science.

In his address, the Holy Father said that "truth, liberty and responsibility are all part of the experience of scientists" and that they must "start down the path of research," with intellectual impartiality and honor "and with the kind of 'reverence' that is fitting for the human spirit in its approach to the truth."

"The ethical and moral responsibilities linked with scientific research can, then, be seen as an internal requirement of science inasmuch as it is a fully human activity, and not as a control or, worse still, an imposition that comes from outside." Scientists know that "the truth cannot be negotiated, darkened or abandoned to free conventions or to agreements between power groups, society and states."

Peace is a right for everyone, recalls Nuncio in Holy Land

Rome, 14 (NE) "These people have a right to peace and it cannot be sacrificed for the pride of their leaders", said Archbishop Pietro Sambi, Apostolic Nuncio in Holy Land, in a recent interview made by Fides news agency. In his declarations, in the frame of the political crisis taking place in this region, Archbishop Sambi expressed his confidence in a future solution to problems. "This killing and destruction is of no use to either side Israelis or Palestinians. Whatever leads towards peace is building a future; whatever leads in the direction of war, only destroys both peoples", he stated. "It was in this land that God chose to reveal his wisdom to men: and it is in the light of this Divine wisdom that men must act", the Archbishop further emphasized. The Prelate also stressed the need for people to raise their prayers for a solution. "In difficult situations such as these", he added, "peace is certainly reached through the activity of men and women, but then we also know that God alone can change hearts and put people on the road to peace."

St. Louis Archdiocese renews pastoral strategy

Saint Louis, 14 (NE) According to information in the "St. Louis Review" weekly the Archdiocese of Saint Louis has recently published the Interim Implementation Update for Fiscal Year 2000, an update of the 1999-2002 Strategic Pastoral Plan implementation. In a letter, Archbishop Justin Rigali pointed out that this report should serve to "build a sense of unity, provide a source of diocesan perspective for local ministry and give a sense of accomplishment for having come this far by faith". The priorities mentioned can be translated into five main objectives, as the Saint Louis Review pointed out: foster conversion through prayer and the sacraments; proclaim Jesus Christ in word and action; renew our commitment to Catholic education in all its forms; serve those in need; be responsible stewards of God's gifts to us.

Ghana: faithful offer prayers and fasting for stability of country

Rome, 14 (NE) In the face of possible acts of violence and the tension that are preceding the elections in Ghana, the Catholic Bishops in this nation invited faithful to begin a fasting and prayer campaign for the peaceful development of the electoral campaign. Through a pastoral letter, the Prelates declared a 30 day period of prayer and fasting with the aim that the elections in this country take place in a calm and stable environment. In the same way, they made a call to stop every kind of act that could affect the peace in the country, inviting the members of the political parties to special moderation. They also emphasized the responsibility of the means of communication, asking them to cooperate to maintain an atmosphere of stability, and finally they made a call to all of the inhabitants of the African country for unity, to cooperate in the development of the nation whatever be the results of the next elections.

November 13

Man's heart is the first place to cultivate, recalls Pope

Vatican City, 13 (NE) Thousands of people from all over the world crowded yesterday St. Peter's Square on occasion of the Jubilee of Agriculture, presided by Pope John Paul II. Before the Eucharist celebration held on Sunday morning, Bishop Fernando Charrier of Alexandria, President of the preparatory committee for this jubilee event, addressed the Holy Father stressing that the people present in St. Peter's Square represented the millions of people which farm the land, as well as the millions of people who suffer hunger in today's world.

During his homily, the Pope recalled that "the Lord is faithful for ever. And you, experts in the language of fidelity, old language which is always new, are naturally the men of the 'thanksgiving'". "Your lasting contact with the earth's marvelous products helps you perceive them as an inexhaustible gift from Divine Providence". The Pope specially stressed that "if a world with a more refined technique does not reconcile with the simple language of nature, the life of man will face greater dangers than those we already witness with preoccupying symptoms".

The Holy Father also emphasized that man's heart "is the first place to cultivate". "It is necessary", he said in closing, "to contribute to a culture of solidarity that, even at a political and economic level, both nationally and internationally, encourages generous and efficient initiatives for the wellbeing of those less fortunate".

Pope sends aid to Rwandan children victims of war

Rome, 13 (NE) Pope John Paul II offered a significant contribution to help children victims of war in Rwanda, informed this weekend the Pontifical Council for Family. According to a communique made public by the Pontifical Council, presided by Cardinal Alfonso Lopez Trujillo, the money donated by the Pope was collected during the Jubilee of Bishops held some weeks ago in Rome and offered to the Holy Father for his pastoral needs. The Pope decided to offer the money to the "City of youth" in Mbare, Rwanda, an initiative encouraged by the Pontifical Council for the Family in collaboration with Rwanda Bishop's Conference and the Apostolic Nuntiature in that country. This work shelters more than 140 children victims of the terrible wars that affect the region, and also assists approximately 100 more children which visit the center. With this gesture, the Holy Father has "generously helped the needs of so many children in Africa", the communique stresses.

Cardinal calls World Youth Day participants to continue commitment

Rome, 13 (NE) "After professing our Creed at Tor Vergata, it is time to reflect upon it more deeply," recently wrote Cardinal Camillo Ruini, Vicar General of Pope John Paul II for the Diocese of Rome. This statement is part of the presentation of a 170 page text, edited by the diocesan service for the Youth pastoral of the Vicariate of Rome, that aims to confirm the faith of the young participants of the XV World Youth Meeting, held in August this year. It contains a monthly preparation so that young people may go more deeply into the truths contained in the Creed. The Cardinal also pointed out that it has been designed as well "to help each young person in Rome to stand for Christ in his own life and to become a true witness of the Gospel." The book has a subdivision of different themes at the end of each chapter, such as anthropology, Bible studies, models of holiness, and others. It also includes celebrations adapted to the liturgical time.

Nuncio in India encourages efforts in favor of life

Rome, 13 (NE) Christians in Asia should respond to governments that promote abortion and contraceptives, recently stated the Apostolic Nuncio in India, Archbishop Lorenzo Baldisseri, as he addressed more that 570 pro life representatives from different parts of the Asiatic continent. "Each child that is born bears the message that God hasn't lost hope in humanity," emphasized the Prelate. Delegates from Indonesia, the Philippines, Singapore and South Korea, among other countries, were present at the meeting that took place in Mumbai, 1,400 kilometers southwest of New Delhi. During his conference, Archbishop Baldisseri stated the need for the Asian continent to continue considering children as a blessing, and stated that abortion "is part of the sinister culture of death" which every Christian should oppose. Also during the event, Cardinal Simon Pimenta, Archbishop Emeritus of Bombay, described abortion as a tragedy of modern society. The Cardinal denounced during his intervention the use of "euphemisms that lead to the destruction of the gift of life."

November 10

Pope stresses unity between culture and holiness

Rome, 10 (NE) Pope John Paul II visited yesterday the campus of Italy's Sacred Heart Catholic in Rome, on occasion of the opening of the academic year and the 80th anniversaries of both the university and the Giuseppe Toniolo Institute of Higher Learning. The Pope was received by Cardinal Camillo Ruini, Vicar general for the Diocese of Rome.

Addressing students, teachers, and religious and civil authorities, the Holy Father encouraged them to continue their activities with a Christian perspective, showing "the intimate harmony between faith and reason" and "form at the same time professionals and scientists who know how to effect a synthesis between Gospel and culture, endeavoring to make cultural commitment a way to sanctity."

"Culture and holiness", the Pope stressed, is "a 'winning' binomial for building that plenary humanism of which Christ .... is the supreme model." "Cultural commitments and spiritual commitments, far from being mutually exclusive or being in tension among themselves, mutually sustain each other. ... Man cannot be divided!", he further said.

Cardinal Sodano highlights need of New Evangelization

Rome, 10 (NE) Cardinal Angelo Sodano, Secretary of State, presided over this week the opening ceremony of the academic year 2000-2001 at the Pontifical Lateran University. In his conference, the Cardinal highlighted the "perspectives for the future" opened by this Jubilee Year. Recalling the meaning of the main events of the Great Jubilee, Cardinal Sodano highlighted three perspectives for apostolic work that the Church must encourage in this new millennium: "the exigency of new evangelization, the need of a moral renewal of our society, the urgency of introducing again the Gospel's yeast in today's civilization."

"A holistic sight of the two thousand years of Christian History shows us that the mission Christ has left to us is only at the beginning. Each one of us should, thus, repeat with Saint Paul: 'For even if I preach the Gospel, I have therein no ground for boasting, since I am under constraint. For woe to me if I do not preach the Gospel!'" stressed the Cardinal.

Also present at the ceremony was Cardinal Camillo Ruini, Vicar general for the Diocese of Rome, and Great Chancellor of the Lateran University. In his address, Cardinal Ruini highlighted the presence in our culture of a "calculating and functional mind" that casts out the deepest aspects of human reality.

Buenos Aires: Archbishop fosters missionary activity

Buenos Aires, 10 (NE) Archbishop Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Buenos Aires (Argentina) will preside on November 11the Second Archdiocesan Meeting for Missionaries, that intends to be "a true Jubilee and a manifestation of unity in Jesus Christ's mission, that is actualized in us, in the richness of our diversity of charisma and stiles." "In this year of grace" affirmed the Archbishop in his invitation to missionaries for this Second Meeting "we are called to announce, with all our strength, that Jesus is the Lord: yesterday, today and always. As a Church that goes on pilgrimage in Buenos Aires, we want to thank God for the mission that He commended to us for love." "We will pray together -further emphasized the Prelate-, and we will share the Eucharist asking God to pour his Spirit upon us, so that this year can renew in everybody the conscience that to be a Christian is to be a missionary."

Physician-assisted suicide proposal defeated in Maine

Washington, 10 (NE) The defeat in Maine of a proposal to legalize physician-assisted suicide was highlighted as "an encouraging sign for efforts to respect the life and dignity of vulnerable people" by Gail Quinn, Executive Director of the Secretariat for Pro-Life Activities of the US Bishop's conference. "The national euthanasia movement targeted the state of Maine as its current beachhead, and devoted substantial resources to the legalization effort", recalled Quinn, who stressed that the United States "should take this opportunity to turn away once and for all from this dangerous and demeaning approach to the problems faced by terminally ill patients". The official congratulated as well the Diocese of Portland for its work in cooperating with state medical, hospice and disability rights organizations to tell voters about the dangers of the misguided proposal.

November 9

Pope stresses Eucharist as sacrament of ecclesial unity

Vatican City, 9 (NE) "The Eucharist is the Sacrament and source of ecclesial unity" stressed Pope John Paul II, during the general audience held yesterday in St. Peter's Square. In his weekly catechesis, the Pope spoke on "The Eucharist: Sacrament of unity", recalling that since the origins of the Church, the Eucharist has been considered the sacrament of unity.

"This traditional doctrine is firmly rooted in Scripture" he continued. St. Paul speaks of "'koinonia,' in other words of the communion that comes about between the faithful and Christ in the Eucharist. The Pope recalled as well that "this communion is more precisely described in the Gospel of St. John as a special relationship of mutual indwelling: 'He in me and I in Him'."

"This communion-koinonia - 'vertical' in nature because it unites us to the divine mystery - generates, at the same time, a communion-koinonia that we may call 'horizontal,' in other words ecclesial and fraternal, capable of uniting in a bond of love all participants at the same banquet." The Holy Father concluded his catechesis by emphasizing that "the deep significance of the Eucharist is denied when it is celebrated without taking the requirements of charity and of communion into account."

Pontifical Academies call for new Christian humanism

Rome, 9 (NE) "Artistic creation, when it is lived as an authentic search of truth and beauty, is deep and active participation in God's plan of creation", stressed this week Cardinal Paul Poupard, President of the Pontifical Council for Culture. The words of the Vatican Cardinal were said during the opening joint session of the seven Pontifical Academies. The session was held in the new synod hall in the Vatican with the theme "For a renewed epiphany of beauty: artists, protagonist of Christian humanism". During the opening session, Cardinal Poupard called participants to "be protagonists of a new Christian humanism, through which the Gospel may reach every human being and every culture, to illuminate its path and its search and answer the nostalgia for beauty and truth that dwells in man's heart". "The Christian artist" Cardinal Poupard further emphasized, "must be a man of contemplation and prayer, which must be able to be guided by the Spirit". The theme of the event aims to develop the contents of Pope John Paul II' Letter to Artists.

Cardinal Law recalls centrality of moral conscience and the defense of life

Boston, 9 (NE) In the last edition of the archdiocesan weekly "The Pilot", Cardinal Bernard Law, Archbishop of Boston, emphasized the moral conscience, qualified by him as "a profoundly personal act of human reason whereby a person renders a judgment on the morality of a specific act". This reality, he added, is sometimes trivialized "as something coming from outside ourselves, like an extrinsic voice moving us to act in a specific way". Regarding this, the Archbishop of Boston pointed out defense of life as a fundamental principle of conscience and not of personal choice. "The big lie in our society is that personal choice trumps any other consideration, including the life of another human being. […] Our obsession with personal choice has desensitized us to the inherent value and beauty of every human life, however frail, weak, ill or dependent he or she may be", he added. He also highlighted that "to fail to understand that the issue of life is the prime issue before us as a nation is to stick our heads in the sand ".

Italy: Bishops invite parents to value the gift of children

Rome, 9 (NE) A preparatory document for the 23rd Day of Life, which will take place in Italy on February 4th of 2001 has recently been presented. The preparatory document for the event, that will have as theme: "Every child is a word", points out that as "an echo of the eternal Word within the framework of the Great Jubilee of the Incarnation recently celebrated, we are invited to contemplate, in each child, the reflection of the only-begotten Son of God, an echo of the eternal Word."

The bishop's document also states that each human being lives in history as a singular and unrepeatable person, as a word spoken by God. A word that by itself brings a meaning that goes beyond the terrestrial history to register in the Father's eternal and loving Plan."

The preparatory document of the 23rd Day for Life stresses that "take care of life" and "accompany the person toward their full and integral maturity", are the tasks "entrusted first of all to the family, and then, with its support and integration, to the other institutions and educational instances in society." "The betrayal of this mission -adds the text - brings about a serious responsibility before God and before civil conscience."

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