PRAYERS
Our Father, 3 Hail Marys, Glory Be

REFLECTION

On March 25, 2020, the Church celebrates the 25th anniversary of the papal encyclical Evangelium vitae (The Gospel of Life). This prophetic document, written by Pope St. John Paul II, reaffirmed the Church’s constant teaching on the value and inviolability of every human life.
 
The Gospel of Life highlights the special and particular role of women in bearing the gift of life. St. John Paul II offers heartfelt thanks to “heroic mothers,” who, placing their trust in God, “devote themselves to their own family without reserve, who suffer in giving birth to their children and who are ready to make any effort, to face any sacrifice, in order to pass on to them the best of themselves” (EV 86). The Holy Father also outlines many challenges that expectant mothers may face, recognizing that an “unborn child is totally entrusted to the protection and care of the woman carrying him or her in the womb” (EV 58). For this reason, it is particularly important that the Church come alongside mothers, offering encouragement, assistance, and support that is life-affirming for both them and their children. 
 

Acts of Reparation (Choose one.)

• Read the reflection, “He Made His Dwelling Among Us: The Annunciation and The Gospel of Life,” and spend time prayerfully reflecting on the gift of human life. www.bit.ly/ev-annunciation
• Choose a day this month to fast for this month’s intention.
• Offer some other sacrifice, prayer, or act of penance that you feel called to do for this month’s intention.

ONE STEP FURTHER

Observe the anniversary of The Gospel of Life by reading section 87 of this prophetic encyclical on the dignity of the human person. www.bit.ly/evangelium-vitae 
 
DID YOU KNOW?

There’s still time for your parish to join Walking with Moms in Need: A Year of Service, which kicks off this month. Visit WalkingWithMoms.com for more information.