P
PLAL
Guest
FROM MOST REVEREND J. PETER SARTAIN (BISHOP OF JOLIET, IL)
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
You may be aware that Planned Parenthood will soon open a clinic that will provide abortions within the boundaries of the Diocese of Joliet. Located on the border of Naperville and Aurora, this will be the second abortion clinic to open in DuPage County in the past five years. I am deeply saddened that DuPage County will soon hold the distinction of hosting five abortion clinics within its borders.
The proposed opening of the new clinic is a troubling development. For everyone concerned, abortion is a source of great suffering and sorrow. As Catholics, we hope in the Lord of Life. Made in his image and likeness, we know that human life is sacred. At times like this, it is important to remember that our lives are not our own. Each of us belongs to Christ, and he asks us to serve him in one another and to show particular concern for the most vulnerable among us.
As Catholics, we will stand proudly and consistently “For Life” in our diocese. Rather than collapsing in negativity, we call on all people of good will to respond with positive action. Every step we take must be peaceful.
Prayer is our most powerful weapon. Pray that the Gospel of Life will take root and flourish in the seven counties that make up our diocese. Pray for all pregnant women in need, particularly those who find themselves in seemingly desperate situations. Pray for a conversion of heart in those who support and work at abortion facilities. Pray for healing of those who suffer the impact of abortion.
Work through your parish and area Pro-Life organizations to make known your Pro-Life convictions. Do what you can to offer support to pregnant women in need. Write letters to the editor of the local newspapers and to elected officials expressing opposition and concern, and always do so in a peace-filled, respectful manner. Our peaceful demeanor is one way we will consistently demonstrate our love and respect for all life.
Please join me on Friday, September 7 in a day of prayer and penance for the promotion of a Culture of Life and an end to abortion. Pray in the manner of your choosing – perhaps attend Mass that day, pray the rosary or other favorite prayers, for the intention of an increased respect for the sacredness of life. Choose a simple penance in keeping with your health and daily duties – abstain from meat or sweets that day, or refrain from television or other entertainment. Such simple efforts on our part can be a powerful witness to our neighbors and a sign to our Heavenly Father that we love the life – the lives – he has given us.
May we never tire of proclaiming the dignity and worth of every human life. May we never tire of serving the vulnerable and their caregivers with generous hearts. And may we never cease to pray for the day when all people, and all societies, will defend the life of every human from conception to natural death.
Sincerely in Christ,
Most Reverend J. Peter Sartain
Bishop of Joliet
Bishop Sartain’s letter in Spanish.
catholicexplorer.com/explore4325/atd/life-crusaders-bombard-new-clinic-with-prayers.shtml#letter
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
You may be aware that Planned Parenthood will soon open a clinic that will provide abortions within the boundaries of the Diocese of Joliet. Located on the border of Naperville and Aurora, this will be the second abortion clinic to open in DuPage County in the past five years. I am deeply saddened that DuPage County will soon hold the distinction of hosting five abortion clinics within its borders.
The proposed opening of the new clinic is a troubling development. For everyone concerned, abortion is a source of great suffering and sorrow. As Catholics, we hope in the Lord of Life. Made in his image and likeness, we know that human life is sacred. At times like this, it is important to remember that our lives are not our own. Each of us belongs to Christ, and he asks us to serve him in one another and to show particular concern for the most vulnerable among us.
As Catholics, we will stand proudly and consistently “For Life” in our diocese. Rather than collapsing in negativity, we call on all people of good will to respond with positive action. Every step we take must be peaceful.
Prayer is our most powerful weapon. Pray that the Gospel of Life will take root and flourish in the seven counties that make up our diocese. Pray for all pregnant women in need, particularly those who find themselves in seemingly desperate situations. Pray for a conversion of heart in those who support and work at abortion facilities. Pray for healing of those who suffer the impact of abortion.
Work through your parish and area Pro-Life organizations to make known your Pro-Life convictions. Do what you can to offer support to pregnant women in need. Write letters to the editor of the local newspapers and to elected officials expressing opposition and concern, and always do so in a peace-filled, respectful manner. Our peaceful demeanor is one way we will consistently demonstrate our love and respect for all life.
Please join me on Friday, September 7 in a day of prayer and penance for the promotion of a Culture of Life and an end to abortion. Pray in the manner of your choosing – perhaps attend Mass that day, pray the rosary or other favorite prayers, for the intention of an increased respect for the sacredness of life. Choose a simple penance in keeping with your health and daily duties – abstain from meat or sweets that day, or refrain from television or other entertainment. Such simple efforts on our part can be a powerful witness to our neighbors and a sign to our Heavenly Father that we love the life – the lives – he has given us.
May we never tire of proclaiming the dignity and worth of every human life. May we never tire of serving the vulnerable and their caregivers with generous hearts. And may we never cease to pray for the day when all people, and all societies, will defend the life of every human from conception to natural death.
Sincerely in Christ,
Most Reverend J. Peter Sartain
Bishop of Joliet
Bishop Sartain’s letter in Spanish.
catholicexplorer.com/explore4325/atd/life-crusaders-bombard-new-clinic-with-prayers.shtml#letter