During the month of October, the Church often discusses two different themes – Respect Life Month and the Holy Rosary. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has released a series of reflections and prayers to draw us closer to understanding the necessity to protect the dignity of each person from conception to natural death. The reflection for the first day is as follows:

“God has loved you from all eternity and longs for a close relationship with you. In Scripture, He says, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you” (Jer. 1:5). God has made you in His image and likeness, allowing you to share in and reflect His own glory. You were chosen by God, created out of love and for love. Your life is sacred, unique, irreplaceable and good. And this reality is true for every human person. Each time we encounter another, we are standing on holy ground.

Human life is sacred at every moment and in every circumstance. The vulnerability of new life, the frailties of old age, and the challenges we face in between never diminish our God-given dignity. The life each of us has been given is always worth living. It is a gift that we are called to cherish and protect because God has willed us to exist through His love. And the same is true for the lives of others. Understanding our own goodness and dignity helps us see the sacredness of every human person. In response, we are called to treat each person accordingly—to welcome, care for, protect and defend the gift of every person’s life from its very beginning to its natural end.” USCCB Respect Life Novena 2024

Pray: Learn to pray a rosary or join in the Respect Life Novena and offer it during this month for the protection of all those who cannot protect themselves.