By Katie Beckmann Mahon, Communications Manager
This week’s “Embracing Faith” article will focus on Embracing Faith through Advocacy.
“Now the word of God came to me, saying before I formed you in the womb, I knew you, and before you were born, I consecrated you.” -Jeremiah 1:4-5
During January, there are several observances and events where the pro-life movement is highlighted and celebrated.
January 19th is recognized as Sanctity of Human Life Sunday by the Catholic Church.
On Sanctity of Human Life Sunday, Catholics come together to celebrate God’s gift of life, as well as remember the many lives lost, and reaffirm their pledge to the pro-life movement and to protect human life at every stage.
Shortly after Sanctity of Human Life Sunday, the annual March for Life events will take place in Washington D.C.
From January 20th – January 25th, thousands of women, men, and children will travel to the area to participate in events that celebrate and raise awareness about the pro-life movement.
In the middle of the week, January 22nd, Americans will observe National Sanctity of Human Life Day, the anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court decision of Roe vs. Wade.
This day was first proclaimed in 1984 by President Ronald Reagan. During his proclamation, President Reagan said, “I call upon the citizens of this blessed land to gather on that day in homes and places of worship to give thanks for the gift of life, and to reaffirm our commitment to the dignity of every human being and the sanctity of each human life.” (1)
National Sanctity of Human Life Day is an important day for our society and culture because it raises much-needed awareness about the pro-life movement and celebrates every life, from the moment of conception to the moment of death.