March 11, 2010
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Late last year, the U.S. House of Representatives and the
U.S. Senate passed differing versions of legislation intended
to reform our nation’s health care system. The U.S.
Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) continues to insist
that any measure must maintain the longstanding policy
against federal funding of abortion, include full conscience
protection, and assure that health care is accessible and
affordable for all.
Catholic teaching tells us that our support for the dignity
of life includes access to affordable health care. This
support, however, cannot come at the expense of the respect
for life at all stages, from natural conception to natural
death.
As negotiations that are now underway could lead to further
Congressional action very soon, in accord with Canon 1244,
paragraph 2, I invite you to take part in a day of prayer and
fasting on Monday, March 15 for protecting the life, dignity,
health and conscience rights of every human person in any
legislation that Congress considers. I also invite Catholics
to pray and fast for this intention beyond March 15.
In moments of concern and crisis, Catholic tradition through
the centuries has unfailingly urged the faithful to turn to
the spiritual aids of prayer and fasting in order to draw
closer to our Lord and His will. Through these deliberate
actions, we communicate a desire to avoid sin and unify
ourselves with that which is right and good. I firmly believe
that, working together while open to God’s wisdom, the
citizens of our nation can respect the dignity of each human
person both in law and in practice.
Although the law of fasting binds persons age 18 through 59,
anyone can voluntarily fast. Fasting allows a person to eat
one full meal as well as two smaller meals, which are not to
equal one full meal. In addition, I ask you to consider
offering a Rosary, prayers at Mass, time spent in Eucharistic
Adoration or other forms of prayer for this important
intention. Through our fasting and prayers, we ask the Lord
to lead the hearts and minds of our nation’s leaders as they
make crucial decisions concerning the protection of life.
Due to the uncertainty surrounding Congressional negotiations
and the speed at which these discussions could be resolved,
electronic media will be the most effective way to keep up
with – and take action upon – any legislation. The Virginia
Catholic Conference e-mail network will keep parishioners and
priests apprised of any further updates on the issue of
health care. Please visit www.vacatholic.org to join the
e-mail network or to contact your members of Congress via the
USCCB action alert.
Faithfully in Christ,
Most Reverend Paul S. Loverde
Bishop of Arlington
