WASHINGTON – As part of the Year of Saint Joseph declared by Pope Francis, the U.S. Catholic Church’s annual Respect Life Month celebration in October “highlights the example of that great saint” as protector of life, said the chairman of the U.S. bishops’ pro-life committee.
“As the faithful protector of both Jesus and Mary,” Saint Joseph is “a profound reminder of our own call to welcome, safeguard and defend God’s precious gift of human life,” said Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann of Kansas City, Kansas.
“Despite the mysterious circumstances surrounding Mary’s pregnancy, Saint Joseph took her into his home at the word of the angel,” and like the saint, “we are also called to care for those God has entrusted to us – especially vulnerable mothers and children,” the archbishop said.
The prelate, who is chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Pro-Life Activities, made the comments in a Sept. 27 statement.
During October, Respect Life Sunday is observed on the first Sunday of the month, which this year is Oct. 3.
To join in prayer for the intercession of Saint Joseph, defender of life, visit www.respectlife.org/prayer-to-st-joseph.
Various resources for celebrating Respect for Life Month – including dozens of articles, prayer cards, prayers for life, a toolkit for parish pro-life leaders, homily helps and other resources can be found online at www.respectlife.org/respect-life-month.
As the Holy Family’s protector, Saint Joseph “guided their journey to Bethlehem, found shelter and welcomed the infant Jesus as his son,” Archbishop Naumann said. “When Herod threatened the life of the Christ Child, Saint Joseph left his homeland behind and fled with Jesus and Mary to Egypt.”
“We can follow in the footsteps of Saint Joseph as protector by advocating against taxpayer-funded abortion, which targets the lives of millions of poor children and their mothers here in the United States,” he continued.
Archbishop Naumann also urged Catholics to learn more about preventing taxpayer-funded abortion by visiting www.notaxpayerabortion.com.
“At times, we may feel uncertain of our ability to answer the Lord’s call. But he invites us to faithfully respond, despite our own fears or weaknesses: ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness’ (2 Cor 12:9),” the archbishop said.
“May we imitate Saint Joseph’s faithful trust and courage as we work to uphold the dignity of every human life,” he added. “Saint Joseph, defender of life, pray for us!”
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