From the Editor

Each October the church in the United States celebrates Respect Life Month, and the first Sunday of October is observed as Respect Life Sunday. As Catholics, we are called to cherish, defend and protect those who are most vulnerable, from the beginning of life to its end and at every point in between. During this month, the church asks us to reflect more deeply on the dignity of every human life.

We live in a very hostile world today. In many instances proclaiming your beliefs on many issues can be met with resistance. The church’s teaching on topics like abortion, assisted suicide, and the death penalty can provoke challenging and emotional responses from those who disagree.

When we watch the news or surf through social media, we are swamped by stories of violence against human life. The attitude of public debate and discourse disrespects the dignity of the human person. We can often feel that sorrow surrounds us as abortion, assisted suicide, the death penalty, and other offenses to the dignity of the person find wide public support.

Let us not forget during this month that we are celebrating the sacredness and dignity of all human life. As mentioned before, we are called to defend life from its beginning to its end and every point in between. This means that we are called to defend the lives of those who are terminally ill and stand against assisted suicide. We are called to defend the lives of those who have been handed down the penalty of death because of a crime committed. We must stand against the death penalty.

If we truly believe that all life is sacred and that we respect the dignity of all humans, we must stand against the terrible actions of human trafficking, which is defined as the trade of humans for the purpose of forced labor, sexual slavery or commercial sexual exploitation for the trafficker or others.

Let us also not forget the dignity of immigrants worldwide who are fleeing their homeland seeking personal freedom or relief from political or religious persecution. There are also many who are fleeing their country because of violence and civil unrest.

There are many unjust situations and issues that cripple the human population in our country today. If we really claim to be Pro Life, we will show concern for those who suffer because of poverty, unjust wages, racism, homelessness, addiction and unmet mental health needs. The list is long and can be overwhelming to contemplate in its entirety.

Through prayer and action, changes can be made to help those who struggle through life daily. If we all live and act out the Gospel values of Jesus with one another and especially those who are less fortunate we can bring about hope for many.

Remember, after reading Bayou Catholic, pass it on to a friend or relative who might not be attending Mass. It’s one of the great ways to do your part in spreading the Good News! BC

Lawrence

Lawrence Chatagnier Editor & General Manager

Mass for Peace in Our Communities

A Mass for Peace in our Communities in memory of St. Peter Claver was celebrated on his feast day at St. Joseph Co-Cathedral in Thibodaux. Very Rev. Patrick J. (P.J.) Madden was the main celebrant of the Mass, which was concelebrated by priests of the diocese. St. Peter Claver was a Jesuit missionary who spent his life in the service of African slaves brought against their will to South America during the 17th century.

Photos by Lawrence Chatagnier