Catholic Community Unites in Hope: A Call for Dignity on Respect Life Sunday
The Respect Life Sunday gathering hosted by ACT Right to Life heard from Monica Doumit
Last Sunday, the Catholic community gathered to honour both Respect Life Sunday and World Day of Migrants and Refugees.
Archbishop Prowse delivered an inspiring homily at 11 a.m. Mass, reminding the congregation of the Church’s unwavering commitment to upholding the dignity of every human life.
This spirit of advocacy continued to resonate at a following event hosted by ACT Right to Life, where community members united in their mission to support life from conception to natural death.
“Today, we reflect upon the intrinsic dignity of every individual,” Archbishop Prowse proclaimed during his homily.
He emphasised that “we all make mistakes, but no one is a mistake,” echoing Pope Francis’s words about the inherent value of life.
In an era where societal pressures often threaten to devalue human existence, the Archbishop firmly affirmed that “migrants and refugees deserve dignity and compassion,” urging listeners to reject the narrative that portrays them as burdens.
Aodhan and Lorraine Kirk with their son Noel
The Archbishop recounted a powerful story from within the Archdiocese that exemplified the compassion expected from their community.
“A parish priest who was once a Vietnamese refugee faced perilous conditions at sea,” he shared, recalling how the captain of a ship, initially unwilling to help, was moved to action when he saw desperate refugees raising infants. “This act of compassion saved lives,” he said, illustrating the profound impact one decision can have.
Among the attendees was Aodhan Kirk, who is a husband, father, and passionate advocate for life.
“On Respect Life Sunday, I’m reminded of the profound importance of advocating for the dignity of life,” said Mr Kirk.
“It’s crucial to support those who are vulnerable, particularly individuals pressured into making tough decisions about their pregnancies.”
Mr Kirk stressed the urgency for a “united front” in the defense of life, pointing out that “many people are eager to lend their support to those in need.”
“Becoming a parent has only deepened my commitment to this advocacy.”
“I want to counter the prevailing misconception that children are burdens,” he added passionately. “Every life carries immense joy and value.”
Joined by his wife, Lorraine, they expressed that gatherings like the one on Sunday reinforce their conviction in fostering a supportive atmosphere for families, especially during difficult times.
Monica Doumit
The event further featured an impassioned address by Monica Doumit, Public Affairs Director of the Catholic Archdiocese of Sydney. Opening with humour, she stated,
“If there were an Olympic sport of losing some pro-life battles, I would be a gold medalist.” Her poignant remarks shed light on the tumultuous history of the pro-life movement in Australia.
“Since the first abortion clinic opened in Canberra in 1994, we have consistently been in the trenches,” she asserted, emphasising the ongoing struggle against abortion and euthanasia.
In her talk, Ms Doumit presented ten practical tips to enhance the impact of a strong pro-life community.
“It’s okay to pause and catch our breath,” she advised the gathering, yet warned that such pauses should be brief as “there’s work to do.”
“We must form our youth in the dignity of human life,” she urged, recognising the vital role of educating the next generation.
Ultimately, her words resonated with a hopeful determination: “A culture of life will outlive, outlove, outpray, and outserve a culture of death.”
In a world that often struggles to grasp the value of every life, the messages shared on this Respect Life Sunday served as a potent reminder that the fight for human dignity from conception to natural death continues, urging all to remain steadfast in their advocacy for life.
Australian Christian Lobby (ACL) have compiled prayers and information to assist voters. To see that a preferred MLA votes pro-life is pleasing. Alternatively it’s a way to bring them before God in prayer.
There was a massive turnout in St Christopher’s Cathedral at the 11 am Mass before the talk on Respect Sunday. My grandmother, May Taylor & my mother, Ella (6 yo) attended the opening of the Cathedral back in 1928. They came over from Braidwood for the long day out. My grandmother was an Anglican convert.
A man who was my age (over 70), spoke from the heart about Respect Sunday. He informed our gathering that he was a member of the Church of the Latter Day Saints as well as a DLP supporter.
Currently, I’ve traced my cousin’s birth parents through AncestryDNA. He was adopted by my uncle & his wife. My cousin is the son of a Catholic Priest and his young housekeeper who were living in a Qld parish at the time. The trauma was too much for her as she didn’t want to meet her son (my cousin) before she died recently. So sad. My uncle & his wife were so grateful for the opportunity to share their love with their 2 adopted children.