Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Manila (Agenzia Fides) - Walking and praying side by side, religious, laity, priests, bishops for the protection and dignity of life, from birth to natural death, for the promotion of the family, for the defense of every abused or discarded life: with this spirit, the Filipino faithful held again, after suspension due to the pandemic, the annual gathering dubbed "Walk for Life" on February 18, 2023, organized by the Council of the Laity of the Philippines, in collaboration with the Commission for the Laity in the Bishops' Conference of the Philippines. As pointed out by Msgr. Enrique V. Macaraeg, D.D., chairman of the Bishops' Commission for the Laity, the theme of this year's celebration, in a reflection that will involve the country's dioceses and last throughout February, is "Synodality, Accompaniment and Closeness," in communion with the journey of the universal Church, is taken from Pope Francis' words for the Synod on Synodality.
Thousands of faithful took part in the march and prayer vigil, which started from the Welcome Rotunda in Quezon City and ended in the compound of the University of Santo Tomas in Manila, where the solemn Eucharistic Celebration was held. "Our spirit of support for life has never wavered, even during the pandemic. We have become more deeply aware of the sacredness of life and continuously pray and work immensely to preserve it. In our society, the various issues that touch human life are urgent, and as believers, we are constantly called to remember the sacredness and dignity of every human life," said Raymond Daniel Cruz Jr, president of the Philippine Council of Laity.
The March for Life aims to raise awareness and offer concrete support to local communities for believers to cherish respect and protection for human life, in all its moments and conditions: from the child in the womb, to street children who are victims of abuse, to women victims of trafficking and violence, to destitute families, to the discarded elderly. The theme for 2023, "Synodality, Accompaniment and Closeness," organizers said, intends to focus on ways of closeness to every human person and the difficulties they encounter in every age of life. (PA) (Agenzia Fides, 20/2/2023)
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