Prayer vigil for the unborn tonight

CEBU, Philippines – Cebu Archbishop Ricardo Cardinal Vidal will lead the Prayer Vigil for All Nascent Human Life at the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. tonight.

The activity is alongside the celebration of a solemn Prayer Vigil for All Nascent Human Life at St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City to be led by Pope Benedict XVI coinciding with the beginning of the liturgical season of Advent.

In a circular addressed to all parish priests and heads of chaplains in the Archdiocese of Cebu, Vidal is calling the lay faithful to hold a vigil in their respective parish churches simultaneously this evening.

"Let's do everything possible so that our parishes, communities, prayer groups and families join in this universal prayer for life, in communion with the Holy Father," the letter further states.

A Marian procession at the Cathedral Plaza will precede the 7 p.m. anticipated Sunday Mass that will include blessings for pregnant mothers.

"This is an opportune time for the pregnant mothers to receive blessings as the whole world unites in prayer for all unborn children," said Fe Barino in a forum yesterday.

Barino is the chairwoman of the Catholic Charismatic Communities of Cebu and the Task Force for Family and Life.

Barino said that the vigil will include reflections from pro-life groups on the Catholic Church's opposition to the Reproductive Health Bill and a message from the cardinal. (FREEMAN)