Introduction
In the spirit of Laudato Si’, we as Sisters and Associates of the School Sisters of Notre Dame commit ourselves to protect and preserve our common home and to develop an integral ecology. In other words, we commit ourselves to promote the culture of life (Shalom Document). In Evangelium Vitae (The Gospel of Life) the papal encyclical published on March 25, 1995, Pope John Paul II reaffirms the value and inviolability of every human life and appeals to all people to respect, protect, love, and serve every human life. It defines the “culture of life” and commits us to work against violence, manipulation of the truth, attacks on the family, dehumanization of women, and the abandonment of children, what John Paul II referred to as the “culture of death”.
Call to Prayer
Father and maker of all, you adorn all creation with splendor and beauty, and fashion human lives in your image and likeness. Awaken in every heart, reverence for the work of your hands, and renew among your people a readiness to nurture and sustain your precious gift of life. Grant this through our Lord, Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen. (A Prayer for Life, USCCB)
Experience
As I look back at my early life as an adult, I grew up during the time of hippie, flower power, and I Am Woman lyrics: “I am woman, hear me roar/In numbers too big to ignore/ And I know too much to go back and pretend.” You can understand a little of what I grew up with. However, if it wasn’t for my upbringing by devout Catholic parents and within the true “it takes a village to raise a child” culture, I could have developed a totally different perspective of life.
As a married and working mother of two children at age 40, it was almost time to just live life as we please. I was approached by one of my co-workers to see if I would be open to adopting a baby. My immediate response was positive, but I still needed to talk to my husband and two teenagers (14 years and 17 years of age). Of course, my husband was excited, the high school kid said, “why not” and my college girl agreed, saying “sure, why not.” So, to make a long story short, we adopted a baby boy. Zachary is now 32 years old with 2 beautiful children.
Two years later, this woman of faith had to deal with her college girl being pregnant. When she broke the news to me, I couldn’t help myself and reached out and hugged her and whispered in her ear “we love you and we will be here for you.” As I waited for my husband to come home and break the news, I prayed so hard for him to receive the news as I did. The Lord heard my prayers. As a Catholic, I discovered that the Lord gives us these curve balls to test our love and trust in Him.
Recently, I had lunch with my friends. Lunch was great until one of my friends asked, “What is your position on abortion?” Believe it or not, I knew this was going to be a heated conversation. Of course, one of our friends was adamant that she is against abortion, but the woman should have the final say. Mary was amazed that with all the Catholic upbringing that we all had, that Patty would think that way. I finally spoke up and said that it is great that we can all sit here and share our opinion. Let’s continue to respect and pray for each other that God will give us the grace to walk in His way of life. Situations like this come our way and oftentimes, I feel unprepared to respond. However, let’s keep in mind that the Spirit is in us. The Spirit will give us the right words to say, and courage to say them.
In a message to participants of the February 2025 United Nations meeting “Indigenous Peoples’ right to self-determination: a pathway for food security and sovereignty,” Pope Francis said indigenous peoples have the right to preserve their identity but noted that this right is severely threatened by the increasing seizures of farmland. Here in Guam, not only farmland but other prime land is seized for military defense. These seizures cause much harm to our people and put at risk communities’ right to a dignified life.
The right to preserve our culture and identity requires recognition of the value of our contribution to society, as well as the safeguard of our existence and the natural resources essential for our livelihood. Pope Francis added that defense of indigenous peoples’ rights is a matter of justice, as well as a guarantee to a sustainable future for all humanity.
Reflection
Quite often after watching the news and/or reading the headlines, we may feel helpless seeing the heartbreaking lack of respect for human life. How do we respond when our efforts seem small in the face of the culture of death? How can I defend and protect human life, unless I first consider who I am, at the deepest level. God created me in His image and likeness, which means I am made to be in loving relationship with Him.
The source of my dignity is that I am loved by God. I can grow in this closeness with God through daily prayer, reading the Scriptures, and frequent participation in the sacraments, especially Confession and the Eucharist.
When I live in union with God, open to doing his will, I’m more able to see the opportunities for witness and his guidance in responding to these opportunities. I may fear doing the wrong thing or saying the wrong thing, but I do not need to be afraid. Jesus promised his disciples, “I am with you always until the end of the age.” (Mt. 28:20)
When we encounter Christ, experience his love, and deepen our relationship with Him, we become more aware of our own worth and that of others. His love for each person is cause for great joy, and growing understanding of this priceless treasure motivates us to share his love with others. Our lives are often changed by the witness of others; so too, others’ lives may be changed by our witness and authentic friendship with them. Let us go, therefore, and not be afraid. God is always with us.
Action
Pray that lawyers and judges give their own lives a basic orientation to God and commit themselves to living the law of the Lord faithfully and consistently. Pray for campus and parish ministers, chaplains, mentors, and peer leaders to help students remain alive in Christ after their graduation. Select one day weekly to spend an hour before the Blessed Sacrament.
Closing Prayer - Go forth with audacity and hope. Amen.
Prepared by Connie P. Guerrero, Asia-Oceania Shalom Contact, for the Shalom International Network
Graphic taken from 25th General Chapter design by Joyelle Proot, SSND
