FRONT ROYAL, Va., Nov. 11, 2010 (LifeSiteNews.com) – Human Life International (HLI), the world’s largest pro-life organization, today called on all defenders of life to join its international affiliates and leaders in the “Prayer Vigil for All Nascent Human Life” on November 27, coinciding with vespers of the First Sunday of Advent.
Earlier this year Pope Benedict XVI announced the worldwide vigil, and urged all dioceses around the world to participate as much as they are able.
As part of its effort to raise awareness about the event, HLI has sponsored an international petition of solidarity with the pope.
“We hope that Catholics understand the historical significance of Pope Benedict's invitation,” said Joseph Meaney, HLI's director of international coordination. “The Holy Father for the first time in history has asked the Universal Catholic Church to gather together in a common liturgical event and pray for our preborn brothers and sisters who are being slaughtered around the world by abortion and other attacks of the culture of death.”
HLI said that it is inviting all who want to join Pope Benedict and the universal Church in the vigil to sign a pledge of solidarity at yes-for-benedict.net.
In terms of how to participate in the Prayer Vigil for All Nascent Human Life, HLI directed all pro-life people to “the excellent resource” on the website of the U.S Catholic Bishops.
“We recognize with the Holy Father that as the assaults on human life that are accelerating around the world have evil as their root cause, the most powerful response we in the Church can make is to pray in unity for an end to the assault,” said Monsignor Ignacio Barreiro-Carámbula, interim president of HLI. “Prayer grounds us in the only Power that can ultimately defeat the one behind the culture of death, so we are grateful to be united with the Holy Father in this historic event.”
Monsignor Barreiro said that he will personally be present at St. Peter's Basilica in Rome with the Holy Father to pray for the protection of human life on November 27th.
See related LifeSiteNews.com coverage:
Pope Calls for Worldwide Vigil for All Nascent Human Life
https://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2010/oct/10100105.html
Dr. Jack Willke: Pope’s Vigil for Nascent Human Life “Could not be more Important”
https://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2010/nov/10110104.html
Pro-Lifers Worldwide Thank Pope for November 27 Vigil for Life
https://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2010/oct/10103001.html