ROCKAWAY, NJ, July 3, 2013 (LifeSiteNews.com) – A former Clinton administration ambassador and Democratic mayor of Boston has said he hopes Ireland remains abortion-free.
Ray Flynn said he opposes a motion pending before Irish legislators now that would allow abortion in cases where the mother's life is at risk, including by threat of suicide. The nation's pro-life community has pointed out that Ireland already allows medical procedures that may unintentionally cause the death of an unborn child to save the mother's life, and warns the bill, which contains no gestational limit, will open the flood gates to widespread abortion-on-demand.
“I stand with the courageous people of Ireland in their effort to defend the right to life of the unborn,” Flynn said. “Ireland is a very special place, and its people are famous for its love and kindness. I hope this never changes.”
Flynn served three terms as mayor of Boston from 1984-1993 before President Bill Clinton named him ambassador to the Vatican for his first term.
Flynn's statement comes as Irish Pro Life USA is urging Christians to join a novena that Ireland's Oireachtas (Parliament) will reject the “Protection of Life During Pregnancy Bill.”
“The worldwide novena being promoted by pro-life supporters and groups across the United States is, therefore, very welcome and timely,” said Fr. Neil Xavier O'Donoghue, Ph.D., an American native who is now prefect of sudies at Redemptoris Mater House of Formation in the Archdiocese of Armagh, Ireland.
“Simply put, this global novena is about saving thousands of innocent lives,” said. Fr. Father Shenan J. Boquet, president of Human Life International. “Make no mistake, those wishing to eliminate legal protections for the unborn in every country are watching the situation in Ireland very carefully. Please join in prayer during these nine days for Ireland to remain abortion free.”
The people of Ireland have expressed their opposition to the bill, as 40,000 people marched in Dublin in the largest pro-life march in Irish history.
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Controversy also spread to the United States, as protests broke out when Ireland’s Prime Minister (who uses the term Taoiseach) Enda Kenny spoke in May at Boston College, a Jesuit-run school. Sean Cardinal O'Malley boycotted the graduation ceremonies in defiance.
The nation's Irish, and its Catholics, and the full pro-life movement hope Ireland will remain a beacon for life.
“This bill would change the culture of life in Ireland, permitting the intentional murder of an unborn Irish child,” stated Dr. Pat Castle, co-founder and president of LIFE Runners of America, the world’s largest pro-life running group. “We urge the Irish government to reject this abortion bill and to defend the sanctity of human life.”
Novena to stop the legalization of abortion in Ireland (July 8-16)
For the Intercession of the Blessed Mother
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now, and at the hour of death.
Amen.
St. Patrick’s Breastplate
“Christ, be with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me. Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me. Christ on my right, Christ on my left, Christ where I lie, Christ where I sit. Christ where I arise, Christ in the heart of every man who thinks of me. Christ in the mouth of every man who speaks of me. Christ in every eye that sees me, Christ in every ear that hears me. Salvation is of the Lord. Salvation is of the Lord. Salvation is of the Christ. May your salvation, O Lord, be ever with us.”