.- Due to an initiative by the Bishops Conference of Brazil (CNBB), the country will celebrate National Day of Life this Wednesday, October 8, in order to reflect upon “the way to live in society and the respect for human rights.” October 8 was chosen because it coincides with the celebration of Children’s Week, during which many parishes in Rio will be promoting activities in support of the rights of children, together with the Movement in Defense of Life (MDV), which will encourage people to reflect upon the theme, “Human life is of inestimable value and should be defended in all circumstances, from conception to natural death.”
In the Archdiocese of Porto Alegre, activities are being coordinated by Father Gerson Schmidt, director of media ministry. John Paul II’s Encyclical “Evangelium Vitae” will be the text used for reflection during the various activities.
“We are aware that we are engaged in an enormous and dramatic struggle between good and evil, between death and life, between the culture of death and the culture of life. We are taking direct part in this conflict, with the duty to choose unconditionally the side of life,” the Pope writes in his Encyclical.
