Catholic organizations organize pilgrimage for life in Mexico

Mexico City, Mexico, Jun 19, 2008 / 14:13 pm

More than sixty Catholic organizations in Mexico are preparing to convene the “Pilgrimage for the Marvelous Gift of Life,” which will take place on Sunday, June 22. The pilgrimage is being held in view of the Supreme Court’s expected ruling on whether to confirm the law that legalized abortion up to the twelfth week in the Mexican capital last year.

In a press release organizers said, “We are making a direct call through the media to all Mexicans who live human life from the moment of conception” to join in the pilgrimage.
The event, which will take place as the Supreme Court is hearing public arguments on a challenge to the Mexico City law’s constitutionality, will conclude with a Mass at the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

“Millions of people convinced that human life begins at the precise moment of conception will prayerfully go on pilgrimage” to pray for the intercession of Our Lady of Guadalupe to protect women who are pregnant and their unborn children. The gathering is also dedicated to interceding for the “unjust law that allows the de facto killing of the human being in his most vulnerable stage” to be struck down, organizers said.

They noted that Catholics will be joining lawyers, politicians, scientists and human rights leaders who have participated in the high court’s public hearings to urge that the law be overturned.

“We will make the words of the Holy Father John Paul II to our country our own: ‘May no Mexican dare to violate the precious and sacred gift of life that springs forth in the mother’s womb,” organizers said.