Day for Life
Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer - Romans 12:12
Day for Life, the Day in the Church’s year dedicated to celebrating the dignity of life from conception to natural death this year reflects on what it means to live a full and happy life. It takes as its starting point the words of Pope Benedict during his recent visit to Britain, when he said: ‘Happiness is something we all want, but one of the great tragedies in this world is that so many people never find it, because they look for it in the wrong places. The key to it is very simple – true happiness is to be found in God. We need to have the courage to place our deepest hopes in God alone, not in money, in a career, in worldly success, or in our relationships with others, but in God. Only he can satisfy the deepest needs of our hearts’.
Pope Benedict XVI, The Big Assembly: Address to Young People, Twickenham, England, 17 September 2010
Day for Life Ireland
2 October 2011
On Sunday 2 October, the Catholic Church in Ireland celebrates Day for Life. Although Ireland, Scotland and England and Wales do not celebrate Day for Life on the same day, they share the same theme which this year looks at what it means to lead a happy and fulfilling life.
In this video, Bishop John Fleming, Ireland's Day for Life Bishop, reflects on the Day and its theme.
Visit the official site for the Irish Bishops' Conference for further resources.
Reflection
God has created me to do Him some definite service.
He has committed some work to me which He has not committed to another. I have my mission. I may never know it in this life, but I shall be told it in the next. I am a link in a chain, a bond of connection between persons. He has not created me for naught. I shall do good; I shall do His work. I shall be an angel of peace, a preacher of truth in my own place, while not intending it if I do but keep His commandments. Therefore, I will trust Him, whatever I am, I can never be thrown away. If I am in sickness, my sickness may serve Him, in perplexity, my perplexity may serve Him. If I am in sorrow, my sorrow may serve Him. He does nothing in vain. He knows what He is about. He may take away my friends. He may throw me among strangers. He may make me feel desolate, make my spirits sink, hide my future from me.
Still, He knows what He is about.
Blessed John Henry Newman
Holy Father
"Happiness is something we all want, but one of the great tragedies in this world is that so many people never find it, because they look for it in the wrong places. The key to it is very simple – true happiness is to be found in God. We need to have the courage to place our deepest hopes in God alone, not in money, in a career, in worldly success, or in our relationships with others, but in God. Only he can satisfy the deepest needs of our hearts".
Pope Benedict XVI
The Big Assembly, St Mary's Twickenham
17 September 2010
Prayer
We thank you Lord for the gift of life.
Help us to appreciate the unique dignity of every
person and the individual contribution they make to
the world, in fulfilment of the task you give them.
Enable us by your grace to promote their well-being,
serving you in one another in a spirit of generosity,
through Christ Jesus Our Lord.
Amen.