My Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ:
As adopted daughters and sons of God, each October we begin the activities of Respect Life Month with the observance of Respect Life Sunday, celebrated on October 6th this year. At Masses that day, thousands of parishes across the country begin a year-long educational and prayer campaign in support of life. As chair of the bishops’ Committee on Pro-Life Activities, it is my pleasure to introduce this year’s theme, which echoes Pope Francis’ call for all people to "Open your hearts to life!"