NEWS & VIEWS
from a CATHOLIC perspective

      DENVER, 19 (NE) Diverse activities are being carried out in several North American archdioceses with the intention to remind us of the value of human life from the moment of conception. The numerous activities have been in part an answer to the very unfortunate anniversary of the date in which abortion was legalized in the United States. In St. Louis, where the life of the archdioceses is signed by the activities of preparation for the Holy Father's visit, Archbishop Justin Rigali celebrated on Saturday a Pro-Life Mass in the Cathedral Basilica. In that same way, the topic chosen for this year, "I have called you each by name," reminds us of the children that are killed even before birth.

      Some conferences on the topic have been programmed in the Archdiocese of Denver, as well as a Pro-Life rosary. A Eucharistic celebration has been carried out as well in the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. The Mass was dedicated to respect for life, and was presided by Archbishop Charles Chaput. On the other hand, Archbishop John Myers of Peoria, exhorted the Catholics of his archdiocese to be missionaries "of the Good News of human dignity" in the middle of a world that rejects life. "Our attitude toward the sanctity of life in these closing years of the American century will speak volumes about our true character as a nation," he said.

      The central celebration will be the "Pro-Life March," which will be carried out in Washington D.C. on the 22 of January. In fact on that same date of 1973 the unfortunately celebrated Roe vs. Wade judicial case was carried out. Due to its results the Supreme Court legalized abortion in the United States. On that occasion, Roe, alias for Norma McCorvey, had became pregnant for third time and appealed to the power of the American judiciary system with the intention of obtaining the right of aborting her son. On that opportunity she lied in order to affirm that her pregnancy was due to rape, a story that was used by a group of lawyers in order to obtain the legalization of abortion in the United States. It is estimated today that from that decision taken by the Supreme Court, around 40 million abortions have been practiced in the United States.

      Years later, Norma McCorvey would convert to Christianism, giving a total turn in her life and collaborating actively with groups in favor of the defense of life. Some years ago, she gave to the representatives of the Supreme Court a video with the story of her life, looking forward make it known "so that mothers going through difficult moments in their pregnancies or those who got pregnant in diverse conditions, may choose life for their children and bless the name of Jesus."