As the Church in America marks “A Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children” on Thursday, January 22, it is fitting to consider the importance of our commitment to the protection of every human life from conception to natural death.
Sacred Scripture reminds us that every human life is known, loved, and willed by God. “Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you” (Jeremiah 1:5). This truth stands at the heart of the Gospel of Life and compels us to defend those who cannot defend themselves, to accompany those who suffer, and to witness to a culture rooted in love, mercy, and hope.
On the Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children, we remember with solemn hearts the countless lives lost to abortion since the U.S. Supreme Court’s disastrous Roe v. Wade decision and entrust them to God’s infinite love and mercy. We will continue to pray and to work for the day when the scourge of abortion has been eradicated in American life and when all human persons are protected in law and welcomed in love.
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Pope Leo XIV recently underscored the “priceless gift” of human life, noting that the Church will always “categorically reject any practice that denies or exploits the origin of life and its development.” The Holy Father called upon nations and their leaders to recognize that their “primary objective must remain the protection of every unborn child and the effective and concrete support of every woman so that she is able to welcome life”.
This year, because of the looming threat of an extreme abortion amendment to our state constitution, the Gospel of Life and our call to witness are particularly imperative. The Virginia General Assembly convenes from January 14 through March 15. During this session, we face serious legislative proposals that threaten the dignity of human life at its most vulnerable stages. Among these is the resolution to amend the state constitution in a way that will enshrine abortion up to the very moment of birth, along with the potential removal of parental involvement in minors’ decisions regarding abortion and gender-rejecting medical interventions. Additionally, there is the possibility of legislation that would legalize and effectively promote suicide by a physician, placing at risk the elderly, the disabled, and those who suffer from serious illness or despair.
These threats to the Commonwealth of Virginia are serious and would represent a serious moral and social regression. These threats would contribute to a cultural mentality that views human life as disposable when others are dependent, experiencing treatable forms of suffering, or are simply seen as inconvenient. Our response as Catholics—and as citizens committed to justice—must be rooted in faith, truth, and love.
For this reason, I once again invite the faithful of the Catholic Diocese of Arlington to pray, fast, and advocate for the cause of life. Prayer opens our hearts to God’s wisdom and strengthens us to act with courage and charity. Fasting makes reparation for sin and reminds us that true freedom is found not in self-indulgence, but in self-gift. Advocacy allows us to bring our convictions into the public square with respect, clarity, and perseverance.
At the same time, it is essential to reaffirm a truth that lies at the very center of the Church’s pro-life mission: the Church is a loving mother. To any man or woman who carries the pain, regret, or sorrow of participation in abortion, know this clearly— you are not alone, and God awaits you with love and mercy. The Church desires to walk with you on a journey of healing and hope. Through confidential, non-judgmental ministries such as Project Rachel After Abortion Care and other pastoral resources, we seek to offer compassion, understanding, and the reassurance that God’s mercy is greater than any of our failings.
Our commitment to the sanctity of human life extends far beyond opposition to abortion or assisted suicide. It includes support for expectant mothers in need, accompaniment of families, the education of children, care for the sick and elderly, defense of the disabled, and the creation of communities where every person is welcomed, protected, and cherished. When we embrace human life in all its stages, we reflect the heart of Christ, who came that all might have life and have it abundantly.
As we begin this new year, I ask you to join me in renewing our commitment to the Gospel of Life. May we together pray fervently, act courageously, and serve generously. May our witness help build a culture in Virginia—and beyond—that recognizes every human life as sacred, every person as beloved, and every moment as an opportunity to choose life.
