Originally published at Southern Cross
WASHINGTON – “With one clear voice, we reaffirm our unwavering and unqualified recognition of the fact that each and every human life is sacred, that all persons are imbued by God with an inviolable dignity, which no earthly power can deny.”
The Catholic Church commemorates the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, patroness of the Americas on Dec. 12. Besides this Marian feast day and devotion to the Blessed Mother carrying special significance for many immigrants in the United States, Our Lady of Guadalupe is also known as patroness of the unborn after appearing to Saint Juan Diego as a pregnant mother.
Invoking her intercession, the following reflection was authored by several chairmen of committees of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB):
“Though we so often distinguish ourselves through borders, races, languages, political ideals, and so many other possible sources of division, Our Lady’s patronage is a powerful reminder that we are all called to be one in Christ Jesus, beginning from the moment of our conception.
“At this time, when some of our brothers and sisters are experiencing fear and anxiety, we are reminded of the abiding words of Our Lady to St. Juan Diego: ‘Do not fear any
