St. John Paul II was the Pope of Life. The defense of human life was a key priority for him and, as he explained in his great encyclical Evangelium Vitae (1995), abortion presents a particularly grave moral challenge to society. St. John Paul’s Feast Day is October 22..
Father of Love and Life,
In every age you inspire your people
Through the teaching and example
Of leaders who are living witnesses of your Kingdom.
We thank you for Saint John Paul II,
Whom you raised up to point the way
To a Culture of Life.
May we learn from his teachings
That the defense of the unborn
Stands at the center of our moral priorities.
May we learn from his example
How to defend life with courage and joy.
May we echo his conviction
That the outcome of the battle for life
Has already been decided,
Because Jesus Christ is Risen from the dead.
May we, remembering Saint John Paul II,
Always proclaim, celebrate, and serve
The Gospel of Life.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen!
St. John Paul II, Pray for us!
Fr. Frank Pavone, National Director, Priests for Life