Pope John Paul II referred to the various attacks against human life and the impoverished attitudes, philosophies, world views that undergird theses attacks as a "culture of death." This "culture of death" has significantly undermined society’s regard for the dignity of human life.
Many in our society do not view human life as a sacred gift, nor do they see other people and their needs as opportunities for us to demonstrate true love. Instead, they view human life as a burden, an obstacle to freedom or problem to be eliminated.
This impoverished view of human life has metastasized to an even more troubling violation of human rights and dignity: man’s transgression into God’s domain as the Author of Life. Artificial reproductive technologies that have given man the ability to "produce" human life in a petri dish has exposed nascent human life to a whole new level of abuse (e.g. being frozen, eugenically screened, objectified as biological material to be destroyed and exploited for the benefit of others).
Richard Doerflinger, associate director of the U.S. Bishops’ Pro Life Secretariat, explained this new challenge as follows: "Today we face a challenge that is more subtle, but even more overpowering, as human beings are tempted to exert ultimate control over the origins and traits of fellow humans. As ethicist Nigel Cameron has said, we are moving from the "Cain and Abel issues" to the "Tower of Babel issues," from denying human lives to denying our human limitations."
The varied and growing attacks against the rights and dignity of our most defenseless brothers and sisters has prompted our Holy Father, Pope Benedict, to open the new liturgical year by celebrating a "Vigil for All Nascent Human Life" at St. Peter’s Basilica Nov. 27. The pope has requested that "all diocesan bishops (and their equivalent) of every particular church preside in analogous celebrations involving the faithful in their respective parishes, religious communities, associations and movements." In the Diocese of Lincoln, Bishop Fabian Bruskewitz will lead a prayer vigil Nov. 27 from 7 to 8 p.m. at the Cathedral of the Risen Christ in Lincoln.
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Secretariats of Divine Worship and of Pro-Life Activities have developed resources to help parishes, religious communities and organizations participate.
One of those aids is the following prayer of supplication for all nascent human life. This Thanksgiving, let us give thanks for God’s sacred gift of human life, for our own life, and for the lives of our family, friends and parishioners. And let us pray that our society will rediscover a proper sense of awe for the miracle that is human life.
Supplications for Vigil for All Nascent Human Life
Let us pray to God, the Father of Life and Font of all Mercy:
Lord, have mercy on all who have sinned against life.
You knit us in our mother’s womb,
— Preserve all children from bodily harm
From the moment of conception.
Your Son ennobled all human life when he became flesh in the womb of the Virgin Mary,
— Enlighten our minds to see the dignity of every human life
From its earliest embryonic beginnings.
You are author of science and knowledge,
— Bring an end to the destruction of human embryos
In research facilities and IVF clinics.
You are the law-giver and ruler of the world,
Help us to overturn unjust laws that permit the destruction of innocent lives,
And guide our public officials to defend the littlest among us.
You love those who are afflicted,
Help parents of unborn children with disabilities
To cherish the baby you have entrusted to their care.
Your Son, Jesus, healed the sick,
— Guide all doctors to be guardians of life,
Especially the lives of unborn children with serious health conditions.
Lord, you are love and mercy itself,
Draw all who have acted against innocent human life
To repentance and forgiveness,
And heal them through an outpouring of grace.
