Dominica’s National Right to Life movement, celebrating its tenth anniversary, has received a pledge of assistance from US-based Human Life International (HLI), the world’s largest pro-life and pro-family apostolate.

The pledge was made to the Church’s Social Justice and Peace Committee as it continues preparations to mark the tenth anniversary of World Respect Life Day.

A month of activities is being planned and a tenth anniversary magazine, Defending the right to life is to be published, featuring the work of the pro-life movement across the Caribbean region.

One of the main activities during the month will be a consultation on the 40-year-old papal encyclical, Humane Vitae

HLI president Fr Thomas Euteneuer, STL is expected to participate in the consultation, to be held at the Holy Redeemer Retreat House, Eggleston.

Fr Euteneuer and Brian Clowes, HLI director of research, recently paid a visit to the diocese of Belize City and Belmopan on the invitation of Voices for Life, a coalition of pro-life organisations.

According to the diocesan monthly Christian Herald, during their February 13-18 visit, they spoke to primary and secondary school teachers, doctors, pharmacists and clergy about abortion, contraception, sex education, marriage, and family life and society. They also spoke to Catholic communities in Santa Elena, Orange Walk Town, San Pedro Town and Belize City.

Before returning to the United States, Fr Euteneuer and Voices for Life spiritual director Fr Mark Wendling, SOLT concelebrated a February 17 pro-life Mass at the Holy Redeemer Cathedral.

World Youth Day rally in Dominica

The Catholic Youth Secretariat in Dominica is collaborating with the St Alphonsus parish to hold its annual World Youth Day rally on March 15 at Lindo Park.

More than 1000 youth and young adult Catholics from across the Roseau diocese are expected to attend; Bishop Gabriel Malzaire is expected to address them during the day.

Rally theme is You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you and you will be My witnesses (Acts 1:8). The afternoon activities will include a procession at 4 p.m. to the St Alphonsus church grounds for the Palm Sunday liturgy.

The Church celebrates World Youth Day, an initiative of Pope John Paul II, every Palm Sunday. The international celebration is held every three years; it will be held in Australia later this year.