'No to abortion, Yes to marriage,' Peruvian cardinal tells congress attendees

Lima, Peru, Jun 8, 2010 / 19:57 pm

During the closing Mass of the First Eucharistic and Marian Congress in Lima, Peru on Sunday, Cardinal Juan Luis Cipriani Thorne called on the thousands of participants to defend life and say “yes to life-long marriage between one man and one woman.”

According to the Archdiocese of Lima, the Mass was concelebrated by Coadjutor Archbishop of Los Angeles Jose Gomez, Bishop Miguel Irizar Campos of Callao, Auxiliary Bishop Adriano Tomasi Travaglia of Lima and others.

In his homily, Cardinal Cipriani encouraged the faithful to be “defenders of life.” 

“Let us say no to abortion! Yes to life-long marriage between one man and one woman. We should defend marriage, life and the family,” Cardinal Cipriani urged.

“We love our Peru so much.  Lord, bless the Peruvian people, that we may understand each other, that there be no hatred, lies or vengeance, that violence may end.  Let us make Peru a country of greatness, solidarity and justice. 

“All of this springs from the Eucharist,” he added.

Cardinal Cipriani encouraged participants to pray the Rosary, spend time in Eucharistic adoration and attend Mass every Sunday.  “May those who feel the call of the Lord to the priestly life, to religious life, say yes to the Lord, ‘Here I am, for you have called me’.”

“Let us respond with generosity to the call of the Lord.  Parents, support your children,” he said.

During a meeting with young people on June 5, Cardinal Cipriani called on the youth to embrace love that is “beautiful and pure: the love of a young man for his girlfriend, a husband for his wife—the wonderful love that makes life so joyful.”

“May you always promote truth, freedom and friendship, and in order to do so make use of the sacrament of Confession.  The good Lord has left us this marvelous way of asking for forgiveness.  Let us receive the Body of Christ with pure souls,” he said.