Washington D.C., Mar 27, 2012 / 05:05 am
The U.S. bishops are encouraging parishes to incorporate into their communities a new blessing for a child in the womb, which the Vatican approved on March 25.
“I'm impressed with the beauty of this blessing for human life in the womb,” said Cardinal Daniel DiNardo of Houston, chairman of the U.S. bishops’ Committee on Pro-Life Activities.
“I can think of no better day to announce this news than on the feast of the Annunciation, when we remember Mary’s ‘yes’ to God and the incarnation of that child in her the womb that saved the world.”
The prayer, titled “Rite for the Blessing of a Child in the Womb,” is intended to support parents awaiting the birth of their child and to encourage prayers for the child in the womb, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops reports. The prayer is also intended to foster respect for human life.