Catholic bishops in the United States are calling for commemoration of this anniversary. Roe vs. Wade Next week will be a “day of prayer and repentance.”
Bishop Daniel Thomas of Toledo, Ohio, chairman of the Bishops' Commission on Pro-Life Activities, issued the following statement: statement Monday called for an end to legalized abortion and more support for people facing difficult pregnancies.
“As we prayerfully continue our important work to restore full legal protection to all unborn children and support parents facing difficult pregnancies, We also recognize the need to ask the Lord for forgiveness and healing when we succumb to the culture of the world,” Bishop Thomas said.
The bishop pointed out that abortion deeply hurts not only society but also individuals and families. All people, including those who have resorted to abortion, need to ask Almighty God for forgiveness.
“Many mothers and fathers may feel they have no choice but to have an abortion,” he says. “Some people are pressured or coerced. Whatever the circumstances of the abortion, we must acknowledge the silent grief of the parents for their child and the love and forgiveness of God and others. “We must recognize the despair of undeservingness,” he wrote.
“I pray for the repose of all the parents of children who died due to abortion,” he said. “No matter what you do, know that our Lord loves you as his daughters and sons. No sin can outweigh His unfathomable mercy.”
As we celebrate this jubilee year dedicated to the theological virtue of hope, those involved in abortion may turn to God and repent, “confident that God will forgive them and make them whole.” he said.
We need to remember that Jesus himself was first wounded for our sins and “suffered for all our sins, including abortion,” the bishop declared, while at the same time He asked for prayers for God to “fill the hearts of mothers and fathers who are emotionally suffering.” With the hope of forgiveness that only God can provide for the emotional scars caused by abortion. ”
