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Newsletter's content:
• Everybody’s Biography
• A New Apostolate - Prayers For
Suicide-Souls
• Link between Abortion and Suicide
What is it that you most desire in this brand new year/century/millennium? I
have a long prayer list and one of those prayers is that our Apostles for Life
continues to grow as it did in 2000. Looking back, I can see that we have come a
short way to promoting the Culture of Life here in Lismore Parish/Diocese and
beyond. Through our own study and prayer, we are able to gently make available,
in all its beauty, wisdom and fullness, the life-giving message of the Church’s
teachings on human sexuality. More and more I come to realise that it only makes
sense if you take the whole of it, and you can only take it whole, if you are
nourished by a rich sacramental and prayer life.
In 2000 we have been able to inspire others in far-flung places to at least
contemplate forming similar small prayer/action groups. Especially we pray that
this year we may he used by God to support distressed pregnant women and girls
to bring their babies to birth, into a society that is made so much more loving
by their presence. May they come to know God’s love through our prayer and
action.
Everybody’s Biography
• Heartbeat begins between 18th
and 25th day.
• Foundation for the entire
nervous system is laid down by day 20.
• At day 42 skeleton is
complete, reflexes are present.
• Electrical brainwaves have
been recorded as early as day 43.
• By 8 weeks the brain and all
body systems are present.
• At 8 weeks if we tickle
baby’s nose, he will flex his head backwards away from the stimulus.
• At 9 weeks be squints,
swallows, moves his tongue; if you stroke his hand he will make a fist.
• 11-12 weeks be sucks his
thumb vigorously, breathes his amniotic fluid to develop the organs of
respiration.
• 11-12 weeks fingernails are
present.
• 6 weeks eyelashes have grown.
• At 12 weeks all body systems
are functioning.
A New Apostolate - Prayers For Suicide-Souls
A new apostolate has been formed in response to the need of the souls of
those who have died by suicide, for their families and for those who are
thinking about suicide. Their website is:
http://www.geocities.com/suicidesouls/index.html
Please say this prayer every day if you can. Also offer the Holy Sacrifice of
the Mass four times a year for those who commit suicide.
God our Father, those who have died by suicide need Your Mercy. Their
lives were sorrowful; their deaths even more so. Give them your peace, O
Lord. Give them rest and refreshment and call them out of darkness into Your
most wonderful light. Comfort their families and pour Your Mercy on those
who are contemplating suicide. We ask this through Christ our Lord, Amen.
From the Catechism of the Catholic Church, The Fifth Commandment:
2283 - We should not despair of the eternal salvation of persons who
have taken their own lives. By ways known to him alone, God can provide the
opportunity for salutary penance. The Church prays for persons who have taken
their own lives.
From BROKEN BRANCHES Newsletter of Victims Of Abortion,
Anne Lastman writes: As I read about suicide task forces and ingenious ideas
about the ever-increasing rate of suicide especially amongst the youth, I am
mortified that not a word is spoken about abortion. Not a word is said about
promiscuity. Not a word is said about early sexual experimentation, which the
young are not equipped to handle. I am mortified that the very issues which
cause confusion, are not addressed. I am mortified that those in positions of
power do not or cannot see that the integrity of the young person is
consistently violated, and from this violation arises confusion, panic, anxiety
and so on.
While not all youth suicide is abortion related, it is my contention that
there is a stronger link than we care to admit. In my encounters I had spoken to
a 17-year-old young man called ‘Andrew’ and he was absolutely devastated that
his girlfriends mother insisted that his girlfriend abort their baby. He has no
say in the matter. He was told to go home and wait till it was over, then his
girlfriend was to come over and see him. I don’t know what was the outcome of
‘Andrew’. I don’t know where he is today because he came to my office only once,
but unless there was some intervention in his life I am not sure of the outcome.
Youth suicide is a reality. Abortion by the youth is a reality. Substance abuse
by the youth is a reality. Pain alleviation (alcohol/drugs) by youth is a
reality. How long will it be before someone in position of power can see that
abortion/suicide are connected and something must be done about this thing
called “killing a baby” or abortion.
Please remember our monthly Rosary in front of the tabernacle in the
Cathedral each third Saturday of each month. Our prayers are bearing fruit in
Brisbane, where The Helpers of God’s Precious Infants, supported Human Life
International (Brisbane Chapter) have established a Vigil for Life on the 2nd
Saturday of each month with 7.30 am Mass in the Chapel of the Holy Spirit
Hospital, Wickham Terrace, followed by a prayer vigil at the abortuary to
promote the Culture of Life and do away with the culture of death, to convert
hearts an to save lives and souls. Please keep praying that we may be able to
extend this work to Tweed Heads where Lismore women go for abortions.
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