March for Life January 22, 2010
Both the Diocese of Arlington and the Archdiocese of Washington were well represented among the hundreds of thousands who thronged to the 2010 March for Life. Virtually every parish from the Diocese of Arlington was represented among the marchers. Bishop Paul Loverde was among the bishops who welcomed those attending the March on the Mall. Archbishop Wuerl celebrated the Mass for the thousands of youth who packed the Verizon Center.
The March for Life is not an exclusively Catholic event. Orthodox Jews, Protestants, and Greek Orthodox clergy joined the American Bishops in proclaiming the sanctity of human life. However, Catholics dominated the marchers. Images of Mary as well as the Divine Mercy icon were in abundant display. Many marchers prayed the Rosary as they walked. Hymns such as Salve Regina were heard all along the way.
Protecting the sanctity of human life from conception to natural death is an intrinsic part of being Catholic. It is not a negotiable issue. This tenet of the Faith has been present since the first century and is documented in the Didache, the first Catechism of the Church. This teaching has been continued throughout the history of the Church. The writings of Pope Paul VI, Pope John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI in more recent times confirm this commitment to what Pope John Paul II termed the Culture of Life.
The Diocese of Arlington continues this pro-life commitment with a monthly Respect Life Mass, celebrated around the diocese by Bishop Loverde. Bishop Loverde then leads the faithful to a nearby abortion facility to pray the Rosary. According to Sr. Clare Hunter, director of the Arlington Diocese Respect Life Office, Bishop Loverde is the only bishop in the country who makes this monthly commitment to pray outside of a local abortion facility. The next Respect Life Mass for the Diocese of Arlington will be on January 30, 2010 at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Arlington. Mass begins at 8:30 a.m. The Rosary will be prayed at the abortion center at 2839 Duke Street in Alexandria.
Teachings of Vatican Congregations and Councils on abortion
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