We give thanks for Blessed John Paul II who instructed us in Evangelium Vitae that "no human law can claim to legitimize abortion" and there "is a grave and clear obligation to oppose" laws that do so. His beatification is a sign of hope as the pope who sought human dignity and the right to life for all is recognized by the Church for his personal holiness. Blessed John Paul through his words and actions is an extraordinary example of the courage, commitment, consistency, and compassion that is needed in the struggle-as he described in 1993-the "culture of life vs. the culture of death". His ability to speak the truth of man's dignity to those in power, beginning with the communist era in Poland, and his bold exhortation to "Have no fear" serve as a source of inspiration to all those who boldly defend the right to life of those threatened by a utilitarian culture and an elitist agenda that views a right to life through criteria of planning, privilege and perfection. PNCI personally takes to heart Pope John Paul II's plea: "You must feel the full urgency of the task. Woe to you if you do not succeed in defending life" as it motivates our work to advance respect and dignity for life through law and policy. One only needs to look at the demographic crisis in Europe to see the prophetic nature of the Pope's words as countries face the economic and social "woes" of demographic imbalances resulting largely from abortion on demand and an anti-child mentality. Marie Smith, PNCI Director, reflects on the beatification of Pope John Paul II, "Blessed John Paul innately understood the struggle to advance respect for life from its very moment of existence to natural death and the enormous challenges faced by those willing to stand up and boldly defend 'the least of these'. His remarkable writings and his own words and actions are a great source of motivation but his deep personal commitment is an even greater source of inspiration and encouragement." "I remember on one particular occasion having the honor of greeting Pope John Paul at the Vatican and thanking him for his great leadership to save babies from abortion. As he looked into my eyes and touched my cheek I experienced the intensity of his personal devotion to life, the depth of his spiritual commitment, and the knowledge that he understood the personal cost to those who commit their lives to defending life in all its vulnerability. He is united with us now in this great struggle against prevailing cultural influences, more than ever." "We have as a patron of life, a man, a pope-a soon-to-be declared saint-whose convictions in the dignity of man significantly altered history and in whose presence men and women were brought to tears by the power of his spirit. With such an advocate for a culture of life in heaven, it is time for those who struggle against abortion, euthanasia, cloning and other issues that disregard the dignity of life--especially those serving in positions of authority--to unite globally as never before in a 'great campaign for life' as envisioned by Blessed John Paul." As Father Frank Pavone, Director of Priests for Life/Gospel of Life Ministries writes in an opinion piece for Fox News about Blessed John Paul II and the Gospel of Life, "This is no time to be ashamed of the Gospel. It is the time to preach it from the rooftops. By beatifying John Paul II, the Church is saying "Amen!" "A nation that kills its own children is a nation without hope." -Blessed John Paul II
Pope John Paul II is pictured walking and praying the rosary during his 1984 visit to Canada. (CNS photo Knights of Columbus website.)
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