At the conclusion of this month of October 2026, it is important for us to remind ourselves and others of the sanctity of human life, from conception to natural death. It is a time for prayer and reflection concerning the sacredness of all human life.
People often ask questions about abortion, euthanasia, the death penalty, and related topics. I often remind them of the Catechism of the Catholic Church promulgated by St. John Paul II. It is an excellent resource for reliable information.
It begins by reminding us of basic truths about the sanctity of human life: “Human life is sacred because from its beginning it involves the creative action of God and it remains forever in a special relationship with the Creator, who is its sole end. God alone is the Lord of life from the beginning until its end: no one can under any circumstances claim for oneself the right directly to destroy an innocent human being (n. 2258).”
It also tells us that “Human life must be respected and protected absolutely from the moment of conception. From the first moment of one’s existence, a human being must be recognized as having the rights of a person – among which is the inviolable right of every innocent human being to life (n. 2270).”
Keeping in mind that every human person is made in the image and likeness of God, it is important for all of us to guard against ending human life of those who are handicapped, sick or dying. The Church teaches that these persons deserve special respect and love (n. 2276). When we encounter them, we should be aware that we have a responsibility to love them as Christ loves all of us.
We also need to educate everyone, especially teens and young adults not to be afraid of the challenges or any of the doubts concerning the sacredness of life from conception to natural death. The Church teaches that “a child is not something owed to someone.” Every child is a gift from God” (n. 2378).
When I was a young priest, the Bishop appointed me to serve as a confessor for persons who had an abortion or in any way encouraged or assisted in making arrangements for an abortion. For many, it took months or years to find emotional and spiritual healing. They knew something was very wrong, but they did not understand that mortal sin results in the loss of charity and it prevents the sinful person from receiving sanctifying grace.
Project Rachel was a pathway that could lead them to receive emotional and spiritual healing. I spent weeks listening to their stories and helping them to understand Catholic teaching. There were numerous times when mostly young men and women explained that when they sought and received an abortion, they were not thinking about the impact that it would have on an unborn child as well as themselves.
They did not understand the consequences. The Church has always understood that cooperation in an abortion is a grave offense; a mortal sin. It denies an unborn child the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. And in my experience as a confessor and spiritual counselor, many young men and women did not realize why the pursuit of their own life, liberty, and happiness was not happening until they sought forgiveness, reconciliation, healing, and peace through the Church.
During Respect for Life Month that we observe each year, we are reminded that it is important to pay attention not only to the stories that are scandalous. The Catechism of the Catholic Church, n. 2304, tells us that respect for and development of human life requires peace.
That peace is found if we keep the Lord’s commandments and it is available for those who choose life, liberty, and the pursuit of true happiness the comes from our Savior Jesus Christ.