CV NEWS FEED // In the aftermath of the November ballot issue defeat in Ohio Bishop Earl Fernandes of Columbus has announced a set of initiatives to re-energize pro life Catholics to make abortion “unthinkable.”
In a letter to the faithful of the Diocese of Columbus, Bishop Fernandes addressed the tragic loss in the November issue for the prolife movement, and called for a “renewed effort,” to “make abortion unthinkable, and the birth of a child not to be seen as a burden but a blessing.”
“As the season of Advent begins, we journey with the Blessed Virgin Mary, an expectant mother who faced many challenges, toward the celebration of her only begotten Son,” the Bishop began. “Although many in our Diocese were discouraged by the vote this past November, our commitment to accompanying women and their children continues.”
Bishop Fernandes first encourages Catholics not to give up hope in the effective power in prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. “It is not that your prayers were ineffective or in vain,” he wrote, “rather, God was trying to teach us something according to His time and His plan.”
He continued:
To that end, I wish to encourage all pastors, priests and deacons to make a serious commitment to offering a Holy Hour in the parish church(es), especially on the Thursday before First Friday (or on the First Friday itself) in reparation for sins against human life and dignity, praying also for the building of a civilization of love.
Fernandes noted that the Diocese of Columbus is consecrated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. “The People of God in the Diocese of Columbus,” he said, “can console the Heart of Jesus and can be inspired to love more generously through this sacred time.”
The bishop encouraged Catholics in the diocese to return to the traditional practice of abstaining from meat on Fridays year round once Advent is over. He also encouraged donating what is saved on meals due to abstaining from meat to pro life charities.
Along these lines, the bishop also called for increased practice of almsgiving:
The need to support organizations like the Women’s Care Center, Pregnancy Decision Health Centers, Heartbeat International, Birthright, Bottoms Up and Mommies Matter has never been greater. Our support of these and like organizations demonstrates our commitment to the good of human life and the care of the least of our brothers and sisters.
Lastly, Fernandes announced that the Diocese would “be more intentional in its support of a pro-life apostolate,” stating:
Building upon the good works of the Office for Social Concerns, which cares for a wide spectrum of issues to advance the social mission of the Church, a new Respect Life Office will be dedicated to helping build the culture of life in a sustainable and lasting way, including through formational conferences for pro-life leaders and healthcare workers.
The Diocese will organize a pilgrimage to Washington D.C. for the upcoming March for Life this year, in addition to its various local prolife events.
“God has called us to be People of Life,” the bishop concluded in the letter. “May we rise to meet our responsibility, grateful for the gift of life we have received.”
