Sponsored by the Pontifical Council for the Promotion of the New Evangelization, this gathering in Rome on June 15 and 16 is expected to draw tens of thousands of parishes, communities, youth groups, voluntary associations for the sick and disabled and ordinary families. It will offer the opportunity for the faithful from around the world to gather with the Holy Father in a communal witness to the sacred value of all life and further study and discussion on the encyclical of the same name promulgated by Blessed John Pau II in March 1995.
“This issue of abortion is certainly important and central and we need to do all we can as a Church to stand up against the horrors of abortion” Fr. Sylva says. “But again we also want to demonstrate a consistent life ethic. That we need to be people who defend and speak for those who are suffering, for those whose lives are being marginalized by a culture of death. [Speak out against ] those who are saying because you are disabled or ill you are not, quote ‘productive’ in society. Or to the elderly in nursing homes, or to those who are being treated in any way with violence we ned to demonstrate to them in our words and in our actions through our prayers the sanctity of all life. I truly believe that this weekend will do that”.
On Saturday afternoon, June 15, there will be a pilgrimage down Via della Conciliazione to Pio XII Square, which will conclude with the recitation of the Creed in various languages and a vigil of prayer. On Sunday morning at 10:30, Holy Mass in St. Peter’s Square will be celebrated by the Holy Father and broadcast globally through Vatican Radio and Vatican TV’s online player in 6 languages.
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