Program Overview
As patroness of the unborn, Our Lady of Guadalupe is a powerful advocate for those at-risk of abortion and all those involved in the pro-life cause. Through this Holy Hour, councils and their parishes can pray for a variety of intentions for which to seek Our Lady’s assistance, such as defense of the unborn, healing from infertility, greater acceptance for adoption, care for mothers and families and an end to the evil of abortion. An introduction at the Holy Hour regarding Our Lady of Guadalupe's appearance and message for unborn life is recommended. "The message of Our Lady of Guadalupe is that human life is sacred from conception and protected by her maternal love. Her miraculous image, showing her in a pregnant state with a black sash, was a powerful symbol that conveyed the dignity of every unborn child and offered a stark contrast to the Aztec practice of child sacrifice. Her message to Saint Juan Diego, "Am I not here who am your Mother? Are you not under my shadow and protection?" is seen as a direct promise of protection for the vulnerable, especially the unborn."
Program Requirements
Great times for councils to run this program include the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe (Dec. 12), the International Day for the Unborn Child (Mar. 25), any time during Respect Life Month (October), or leading up to National or State Marches for Life. It can be integrated with a procession, a Mass, or the Baptism of new babies and Christians within the church. Prayer resources should be made available to the congregation for this Holy Hour.
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Program Posts