‘Day for Life’: a dedicated day celebrating the beauty and dignity of all human life
Day for Life Sunday is celebrated annually with a special message by the Catholic Church
across Ireland, Scotland, England and Wales. It is a day specifically dedicated to raising
awareness and reflecting on the deep value and meaning of human life at every stage, and in
every condition. On Sunday 16 June, the Church will mark Day for Life 2024 with a
message on the theme: The Lord is my shepherd – Compassion and Hope at the End of Life.
This year’s message reminds us that Jesus did not send the sick away, rather He showed that
life always has dignity and that there is no such a thing as a useless life. Catholics are called
to defend this gift of life to its natural end and to protect vulnerable citizens from a culture
that could pressure them into assisted suicide. In this way, we are encouraged to support
people with the companionship of a listening ear, appropriate treatment, and the best of care,
so that their last days can be times of grace, intimacy and love.
This message also includes a brief human-interest story about a young man named Matt, and
the experience of a priest who ministered to Matt and his loved ones in his final months and
days. This grace-filled time proved to be a period of intense compassion and profound
dignity, as well as faith enriching experience of love and generosity for all concerned.
The Day for Life message is available on https://councilforlife.ie/day-for-life-2024/
Intercessions – Day for Life – June 16, 2024
Bishop/Priest/Deacon:
On this Day for Life, conscious in a particular way of the gift of human life
which is entrusted to our care, we bring our prayers to God.
1. We pray for Pope Francis, as he himself bears witness to hope in the
frailty of his advanced years – that the Lord may strengthen him and give
him courage to complete the mission for which he has been sent. Lord
hear us.
2. We pray for all who are faced with degenerative or terminal illness – that
they may experience the healing presence of Christ in the care of those
who accompany them day by day. Lord hear us.
3. We pray for those who form public policy and who enact our laws – that in
their efforts to serve the common good, they may always have in mind
the inherent dignity of every human person, which is not the gift of
society, but the gift of a loving creator. Lord hear us.
4. We pray for healthcare professionals – that, even when a cure is no longer
possible, they may continue to provide gentle and life-affirming care for
all their patients. Lord hear us.
5. We pray for an end to war – may respect and peace be always at the
heart of human relationships. Lord hear us.
6. We pray for our family members, friends and neighbours who have died –
may they be surprised by joy as their best hopes are fulfilled in the
Kingdom of heaven. Lord hear us.
Bishop/Priest/Deacon:
Lord “we proclaim your love in the morning and your truth in the watches of
the night”. Be with us, as we accompany, in the morning and in the night,
our sisters and brothers who live with terminal illness. Help us to be, for
them, witnesses of your faithful love. We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
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