Pro-life activities scheduled for January

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SALT LAKE CITY — As the 9 Days for Life novena sponsored by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ approaches, the Diocese of Salt Lake City is offering several opportunities for people to acknowledge and protect all human life, from conception to natural death.

“It is our responsibility, not only as Catholics, but as human beings” to “work to protect every person, no matter what age or stage in life,” said Crystal Painter, director of the diocesan office of Marriage & Family and Respect Life Commission.

The Catholic Church teaches that human life is sacred, and that people are called to be in solidarity with each other. Because of this teaching, the Church opposes abortion, euthanasia, suicide and the death penalty, all of which are contrary to the dignity of the human person. The USCCB has identified abortion as “our preeminent priority because it directly attacks life itself, because it takes place within the sanctuary of the family, and because of the number of lives destroyed.”

Pope Francis also has said that “abortion is not primarily a Catholic or even a religious issue, it is first and foremost a human rights issue,” Painter said.

Among the pro-life events this month in the diocese will be the Mass for the Unborn and Ceremony of Light, which will be celebrated at the Cathedral of the Madeleine on Friday Jan. 19, with Bishop Oscar A. Solis presiding.

“The Mass for the Unborn is a solemn but also beautiful way to remember those innocent babies who have died by abortion,” Painter said. “Immediately before Mass, a prelude takes place where candles are carried in a procession, led by the Utah Knights of Columbus, and placed by the altar.”

At the end of Mass, the lights in the cathedral are dimmed, and the candles illuminate the space, representing the unborn.

During the Mass, Bishop Solis “will recognize the many individuals and groups who work to promote life and help women and families in need so that they can choose life for their baby,” Painter said.

At the end of the Mass, those attending may take a candle to add it to the display on the cathedral steps.

“This candle display, also representing the unborn, is guarded by the Utah Knights of Columbus throughout the night,” Painter said.

Two days later will be the Bilingual Rosary for Life, which will be on Sunday, Jan. 21 at the Monument for the Unborn in Mount Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Salt Lake City.

During the rosary, “Together we pray for all of the unborn children of the world, as well as for all of the mothers and fathers and families of those unborn babies who are suffering from the pain of abortion,” Painter said.

The prayer is also said so “that women will get the love and support they need to help them choose life for their babies,” she added. “We also pray for a culture of life and a conversion of hearts to truly understand the gift of life from conception to natural death.”

Maria Sanchez, an Our Lady of Guadalupe parishioner, has attended both events for the past several years.

After losing a baby, participating in prolife events has become a priority for her, Sanchez said.

“Once you realize how important every single life is, something in you ignites. … Praying so that we all realize how important every human life is, is very important and to stand up for the rights of the most vulnerable ones is also very important,” she said.

Among the other events is the March for Life hosted by Pro-Life Utah, which will be on Saturday, Jan. 20 at the Utah State Capitol.

This march started several years ago, and “although it isn’t associated with any religious group, all faith and non-faith pro-lifers have always been welcomed and invited to participate,” Painter said.

A rosary will precede the march, and Bishop Solis will offer the opening prayer for this year’s event. Traditionally, many diocesan clergy and individuals from their parish communities have participated in the march.

“The Utah March for Life is a wonderful opportunity for pro-lifers from all walks of life to come together, and in a positive and fruitful way, promote the protection of the unborn,” Painter said.

Also on Jan. 20, St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Draper will have a Nocturnal Adoration for Life. It will start after the 5 p.m. vigil Mass on Saturday and run until 8 a.m. Sunday.

“This very special evening has been set aside as a time to sit quietly with our Lord specifically to pray for life,” states the event sign-up page. “It is a time to reflect on both the power and beauty of life as well as the meaning and importance of protecting all life – from conception to natural death.”

Ending the month will be the USCCB’s 9 Days for Life novena, which will run Jan. 16-24.

The anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision, Jan. 22, “is a particular day of prayer and penance in the Catholic Church in the United States called the ‘Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn,’” Painter said. “Many incorrectly believe that because Roe V. Wade was overturned, that abortions no longer happen. That is sadly untrue.”

For example, in Utah, approximately 4,700 babies have been killed by abortion since an injunction was placed on the Utah Abortion Trigger Law.

Upcoming Pro-life Events

All events are free and open to the public.

Mass for the Unborn and Ceremony of Light: Friday, Jan. 19, 6 p.m. at the Cathedral of the Madeleine, 309 E. South Temple, SLC. Bishop Oscar A. Solis will preside.

March for Life Utah: Saturday, Jan. 20, 11 a.m. Utah State Capitol, 350 State St., SLC. Hosted by Pro-Life Utah. Rosary at 10:30 a.m.

Nocturnal Adoration for Life: Jan. 20-21, from 5 p.m. Saturday to 8 a.m. Sunday at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 300 East 11800 South, Draper

Bilingual Rosary for Life: Sunday, Jan. 21, 2 p.m. at Mount Calvary Catholic Cemetery, 275 U St., SLC

9 Days for Life novena: Jan. 16-24; for information visit https://www.respectlife.org/9-days-signup