The Guadalupan Appeal

October 27-31, 1999 Mexico City

Under the auspices of the Pontifical Council for the Family and the Pontifical Council for

Healthcare Workers, the Association "Defend life with Mary", in association with Kirch in Not, Priests for life, Sacerdos, the International Federation of Catholic Medical Associations

(I.F.C.M.A.) and the Union Internationale des Jurists Cattholiques, in the Archdiocese of Mexico City, promote

"The Guadalupan Appeal". In this context the Pontifical Academy for Life, the Association "Defending life with Mary" and the

Anahuac University organize the International Scientific Congress

"Dignity and status of the human embryo"

INFORMATION ON THE EVENT

In his encyclical letter "Evangelium Vitae", the Holy Father states that "a general mobilization of consciences and a common ethical effort are urgent in order to put into effect a great campaign in favor of life" (EV 95). Accepting that invitation and fully aware of the importance of "Mary's experience as incomparable model of the reception and care of life" (EV 102), the Association "Defending life with Mary" has decided to help to spread the "culture of life" and to organize an event significant both from the cultural point of view and from the religious one, in Mexico City, at the Lady of Guadalupe's feet.

In fact at Guadalupe the Holy Virgin Mary appeared wearing a belt, a symbol of pregnancy among the natives. In this way she came to the people carrying the Baby Jesus in Her womb, like the woman who appeared in the sky in the great sign of the Book of Revelation. Here originates the invitation to the great Basilica of Guadalupe. Together with the Catholics of Mexico, we want to make a Solemn Act of Consecration to the Virgin Mary - Our Lady of Guadalupe- the sun dressed Mother who fights against the dragon and defends life, to create in the world a solid obstacle to evil, which in our time has brought about a culture of death and mobilizes daunting strategies against life.

All over the world, abortion has spread dramatically. It is estimated that since the first legalization of abortion, which took place in Russia in 1920, then in Japan, in Canada and afterwards in very many countries, the number of human lives put to death before their births has reached millions, numbering one fifth of humanity.

The remains of aborted fetuses are usually treated inhumanely. Sometimes they are used, often illegally, as biological material for different purposes such as the production of cosmetics or complementary material for road asphalt, or they are destroyed or thrown away together with hospital waste material. This situation cannot be tolerated by Christian and human consciences any longer.

Following these remarks and the consideration of abundant Church teaching in the past few years, from "Donum Vitae" to "Evangelium Vitae", many Catholics have chosen to live fully this teaching in their ordinary lives.

The project of The Guadalupan Appeal aims first of all to make consciences aware of the gravely inhuman activity of the abortion industry and to consecrate the care of all human life to the Virgin. Consecration to the Virgin simply means an act of love and devotion for Her, which acknowledges Her role in promoting and defending life.

Aware of the necessity of promulgating and advancing the scientific and ethical aspect of issues surrounding abortion in order to enlighten consciences, the Pontifical Academy for Life together with the Association ""Defending Life with Mary" and the Anahuac University has organized this important International Congress on the status of the human embryo, which will be held concomitantly with the solemn act of consecration to the Virgin

The event will be an enlightening and purposeful contribution to Catholics, particularly those in Latin America, where a young and deeply rooted Catholic population is waiting for an encouraging word.

Beside the Scientific Congress, for those who find it difficult to participate (because they have children with them or due to other reasons), we propose a 2-day cultural and religious itinerary on the interpretation of the Gospel in Latin America:

1st day - dedicated to the pre-Columbian cultures and religions that have prepared the coming of Christianity in Central America (visit of the pyramids)

2nd day - dedicated to religious expressions in the Christian culture of Mexico (Cathedral, Town Hall, etc.) and to the Guadalupan event.

The Congress will join the World Rosary Day, which originated in Mexico City and now takes place in many countries in the world.

Further Details

Travel Agency in USA -

REGINA TOURS 401 South Street - Chardon, Ohio 44024 - USA Tel. 1-800-228-4654 - Fax. 440-228-4654

To all those who feel themselves called to respond to the Holy Father's request to promote the culture and defense of life.

WHY WE'RE MEETING IN GUADALUPE

To make an Act of Consecration to Mary in defense of life.

To affirm the status and dignity of the human embryo in a solemn public demonstration, to express the fundamental value of life as a gift from God, and to send an appeal to international institutions to put an end to the crime of legal abortion. Within these lines, the Pontifical Academy for Life will hold a worldwide scientific congress.

To create an awareness of the respect due to the mortal remains of the unborn.

The Catholic Church teaches that "the remains of human embryos and voluntarily or involuntarily aborted fetuses should be respected in the same way as the remains of other human beings" (Donum Vitae 1.4; 1987).

PROGRAM

WEDNESDAY, 27^TH OCTOBER:

Guided tour of the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Patroness of the Americas, where the memorial of her apparition is conserved to the present day in the miraculous image on the "tilma" of Blessed Juan Diego.

In the Basilica, Marian prayer and inauguration of congress. Eucharistic concelebration presided by His Eminence Alfonso Cardinal Lopez Trujillo.

Lecture by Father Daniel Ange on the topic: 'Defending Life with Mary'.

THURSDAY, 28^TH OCTOBER AND FRIDAY, 29^TH OCTOBER:

Scientific convention on the Dignity and Status of the Human Embryo.

During these days, time will be set aside for prayer and personal interaction. The Eucharistic concelebrations will be presided by His Excellency Bishop Elio Sgreccia and His Excellency Justo Mullor, the Apostolic Nuncio in Mexico.

The following subjects will be discussed: ethics of the human embryo and fetus; the status of the human embryo from the biological, physiological, anthropological, juridical and genetic points of view; practices and abuses with regard to the human embryo in contemporary society. These conferences will be followed by various personal testimonies.

The Congress will end with an appeal to the world and to the United Nations, requesting that the juridical status of the human embryo is recognized.

During these two days there will be perpetual adoration of the Holy Eucharist in reparation for the abuses against human life.

SATURDAY, 30^TH OCTOBER:

Morning: The Guadalupan Appeal by Fr. Maurizio Gagliardini; exhortation by His Eminence Alfonso Lopez Trujillo followed by pro-life testimonies and Eucharistic Celebration.

In the afternoon, celebration of the World Day of the Rosary together with the Catholic faithful from Mexico City in conjunction with the faithful in 160 countries. The Rosary for life will be led by Norberto Cardinal Rivera.

SUNDAY, 31^ST OCTOBER:

Morning, Solemn Consecration to Mary in Defense of Life, Basilica of Guadalupe. Time for personal reflection, community rosary and closing Eucharistic concelebration presided by His Eminence Norberto Card. Rivera.

Association Defending Life with Mary

Viale Duca d'Aosta, 3 - 21052 Busto Arsizio (VA) Tel. 0331 624.634 Fax 0331 629.186