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Abortion, a crime against life
With possible malicious intent the ugly part of life is again gaining the limelight in our country as the frequency of aborted fetuses is publicly exposed. The placing and exhibiting of aborted human fetuses in public places are not favored in other cultures, and decent people refuse to do the same.
Thou shalt not kill! A deliberately procured abortion is a moral evil and the Catholic Church attaches the canonical penalty of Excommunication on those who procure it and on those who help obtain abortion (Canon 1398).
If the expositions of discarded human fetuses are not done with evil intent, then the practice alone of rampant abortion is symptomatic of a grave moral decadence and irresponsible behavior that now seriously threaten the country.
Human lives are always precious to God and any violation of it will be dealt with by Him for He said, “Vengeance is mine . . . He will avenge the blood of his servants” (Gene 4:15, Deut. 32:43). Abortion is a grave sin against a defenseless life; and for this the severe canonical penalty to perpetuator/s is Excommunication.
Unwanted pregnancies could be avoided if only people are less selfish, are more disciplined and capable of self control, exercising a strong will, and capable of making sacrifices. These are virtues that are much needed in a country of disciplined people.
Short cuts to progress even by way of new laws cannot compensate for abandoned values. Human life, created in the image of its Maker, (Gen. 1:27), the very source of the rights and dignity of the human person, must always be respected and defended.
In Churches where public exposition of fetuses occurs, special prayers and acts of reparation will be made, for the sins of the perpetrators, at the church’s Prayer and Adoration Chapels. Pray and include also in your prayers the special prayers to ST. MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL, for the perpetrators and instigators of this grievous sin against the life of the innocent.
May Mary, Mother of Life, intercede for all who value the sacredness of life.
GAUDENCIO B. CARDINAL ROSALES
Archbishop of Manila
Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows
15 September 2010
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