Day 9 - For All Who Defend Life

Intercession

May all who defend life find strength and renewal in the Holy Spirit.

Prayers

Our Father, 3 Hail Marys, Glory Be

Reflection

On this feast day, the Feast of the Visitation, we remember the joyous occasion of Elizabeth and Mary meeting each other, both of them pregnant. This Feast is all about mutual support, encouragement and accompaniment. At their meeting, John the Baptist leaped in the womb of Elizabeth, and she blessed Mary and the Christ Child. Mary, in turn, responds with the famous Magnificat praising the Lord.

God has carefully, tenderly created every person in His own image and likeness, to be in a loving relationship with Himself. From each tiny child knit within a mother’s womb, to every person approaching death, all are loved perfectly and completely by God: “It is therefore a service of love which we are all committed to ensure to our neighbour, that his or her life may be always defended and promoted, especially when it is weak or threatened” (Evangelium vitae 77).

In a world in which those who are most vulnerable are so often overlooked and disregarded, Christ calls us to embrace and uphold the unconditional dignity of every human life. In answering this call, we help to build “a new culture of life, the fruit of the culture of truth and of love” (EV 77). May the Holy Spirit continually renew us as we strive to faithfully defend God’s gift of life.

Acts of Reparation (Choose one.)

• Pray the Magnificat using the words of Mary’s prayer in response to the greeting of Elizabeth.
• Light a candle in front of a statue of Our Lady at home or your local church.
• Offer some other sacrifice, prayer, or act of penance that you feel called to do for today’s intention.

One Step Further

Do you know someone that is pregnant or who has recently given birth? Perhaps make some food for them or offer to call around to do some housework for them. Or any gesture which ensures this new mum or pregnant woman rests at this time.