DETROIT (ChurchMilitant.com) – Today, Catholics are observing the “Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children.”
This day in the Catholic Church’s liturgical calendar calls for reflection and prayer regarding the sanctity of human life, particularly the lives of unborn children.
The official day of recognition coincides with the anniversary of Roe v. Wade, a landmark Supreme Court decision in 1973 that legalized abortion in the United States.
Although Roe v. Wade was overturned on June 24, 2022, the Church’s liturgical observance remains highly relevant as the battle for the rights of unborn children is now being fought on a state-by-state basis.
Special Mass
As part of the liturgical observance, the Church offers a special Mass titled the “Mass for Giving Thanks to God for the Gift of Human Life.”
Distinguished by white vestments, this Mass invites the faithful to acknowledge and appreciate the gift of human life while praying for the legal protection of the unborn.
The Church teaches that every person is created in the image and likeness of God, underscoring the inherent worth of each individual.
Consequently, paragraph 2271 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church states: “Since the first century the Church has affirmed the moral evil of every procured abortion. This teaching has not changed and remains unchangeable.”
Penance Tantamont
While various religious institutions, including parishes, schools and religious formation programs commemorate this day in various ways, the Church strongly encourages traditional forms of penance.
Regardless of the specific activities and observances, the emphasis is on promoting love, compassion and understanding, not only for unborn children but also for mothers who may be facing difficult decisions and even for those involved in abortion.