The Austrian branch of Human Life International and the World Apostolate of Fatima are organizing a World Congress for Life, to be held in Fatima, Portugal, under the theme, “Mary, we entrust to you the cause of life.”

The event, which will take place October 4-8, 2006, will be kicked off with a rosary and procession.  On October 5 there will be presentations on the teaching of Church on human life, as well as presentations on the lives of St. Pio of Pietrelcina and St. Gianna Beretta Molla.

On October 6, Fr. Leo Maasburg, National Director of “Missio Austria” and confessor and retreat master of the late Mother Teresa of Calcutta, will speak of the work of the “saint of the gutters.”  The next day will feature talks Bishop Antonio Marto of Fatima and Dr. Thereza Amela, foundress of the Prayer Chain for Life in Portugal.

The conclusion of the event will include a special lunch with pro-life leaders who will speak about their different apostolates, and there will be testimonies from several abortion survivors.

Those giving presentations during the Congress include Archbishop Karl Josef Romer, secretary of the Pontifical Council for the Family, Auxiliary Bishop Andreas Laun of Salzburg, Austria, and Professor Americo Lopez Ortiz, international president of the World Apostolate of Fatima.