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As I reported in an earlier post, the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) made some commitments at the end of the Plenary Assembly, on October 23rd, to be more active in promoting a respect for life. That's great news. This is badly needed.
It has now been two months since that commitment. So far, we haven't seen any action. But there was some movement. Kinda. On December 9th, the Permanent Council of the CCCB appointed three bishops to an ad hoc Committee on Life and Family. The three bishops are CCCB Vice President Archbishop Richard Smith (Edmonton), Bishop Ronald P. Fabbro (London) and Auxiliary Bishop Gérald C. Lacroix (Quebec City). The CCCB had this to say about the Committee in a press release:
Its mandate is to develop an intermediate and long-term strategy for the promotion of a culture of life and family in Canada and to submit a proposal to the Permanent Council before the 2010 Plenary.
This is somewhat underwhelming. There are a few disturbing issues about this approach:
- Sadly, the solution requires another committee. More bureaucracy, I'm afraid. I can't say that I'm surprised, however.
- The Committee will submit a proposal before the 2010 Plenary. They're not implementing the strategy by the 2010 Plenary. Just formulating a proposal. The 2010 Plenary is likely to be held in the fall of 2010. The bishops will likely discuss the proposal at that time, maybe make some amendments and, if we're lucky, give the go-ahead to the actual launch of the strategy, which may not be visible to ordinary
The 40 Days for Life movement in Ottawa will hold a mid-point rally this Tuesday, October 13, at 6 pm. It will take place at Ground Zero (across from 65 Bank Street). Why don't you come and join us?
It is wonderful to hear that Archbishop Prendergast will be among us and will preside a Mass at 7 pm at St. Patrick's Basilica.
Thank you, your Grace, for standing with us. We love you dearly!
We are truly blessed in Ottawa to have an Archbishop who is in unity with the Church's teachings and who is not afraid to publicly witness to his faith. Praise God!
Yesterday, Archbishop Prendergast participated in the 40 Days for Life campaign by spending some time praying in front of the Morgentaler abortion facility in Ottawa. He also took some time to affirm and encourage the other people who were keeping vigil there. Read more here.
Finally, a bishop who is not content with simply preaching from the pulpit, but who will also go into the trenches and stand shoulder to shoulder with the faithful on the front lines.
Thank you Archbishop Prendergast! May God bless you abundantly! And may you carry this zeal to the plenary of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops in October, in order to encourage your brothers to reform Development and Peace and fix the other numerous problems within the Canadian Church.
I'd like to commend my parish priest, Father Richard Siok, rector of St. Patrick's Basilica in Ottawa, for being such a good pro-life witness.
- At every Mass this past weekend, Fr. Siok announced the upcoming 40 days for life, which beings on September 23rd. He exhorted everybody to take part in the vigil and he gave a good testimony of his experience at past 40-days campaigns.
- He committed St. Patrick's for a full day on October 6th and encouraged people to come out and pray.
- Showing true leadership, he has already signed up for the first hour of that day, from midnight to 1 am.
- St. Patrick's hosted Vespers on Sunday, September 20th, as part of the kick-off activities.
- St. Patrick's will also leave the church open for elderly people who can't brave the cold and would prefer holding vigil inside his beautiful Basilica.
Praise God for faithful priests like Father Richard Siok!
Have you ever heard of 40 days for life? It's the best thing to happen to the pro-life movement in a long time. In more than 200 cities across North America (including 7 Canadian cities) pro-lifers will be holding a non-stop peaceful vigil in front of abortion facilities, from September 23 to November 1. That's 24/7 for 40 consecutive days.
The true roots of the Culture of Death are spiritual. Therefore, the only lasting solution will require a spiritual remedy. That's why this period of 40 days of praying, fasting and peaceful witness in front of abortion facilities is so important.
It has been extremely effective in the past in helping pregnant women change their minds about having abortions. Several staff at abortion facilities have also quit. Here in Ottawa, we know of 10 babies that have been saved by this initiative.
Read more at this link. Participate in the 40 days for life campaign in your city. If your city doesn't have 40 days for life, then discuss it with your fellow pro-lifers so that you can organize your own vigil in time for our next 40 days, which will run during the winter of 2010.
