The 1973 decision effectively legalized abortion on demand in the United States, and its anniversary has become the focus of annual demonstrations and other events lamenting its effects and rallying supporters of unborn children’s right to life.
The Saturday, January 22, conference at Sacred Heart Major Seminary will feature speakers and workshops on the theme of “Life is a Gift – Giving Witness to the Sacredness of all Human Life.”
The conference was the idea of Archbishop Allen Vigneron, who will also be one of the day’s speakers.
“The archbishop wanted to renew the message of the Gospel of Life in our archdiocese,” said Socorro Truchan, marriage, family and pro-life coordinator for the archdiocesan Office of Evangelization and Catechesis.
The conference will be in addition to the annual archdiocesan Mass for Life, to be celebrated the previous weekend, on Sunday, Jan. 16, at 11 a.m., at the Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament in Detroit.
At the Jan. 22 conference, Janet Smith, Ph.D, nationally known pro-life author and professor of moral theology at Sacred heart Major Seminary, will address the question “Why is Human Life so Highly Valued?”
Dr. Paul A. Wright, who was Blessed Teresa of Calcutta’s cardiologist and wrote a book on his life-changing experience working with her in Calcutta, will give a talk titled “Reverence the Dignity of Life.”
Michael Kenney, J.D., LL.M., a Madonna University vice president, will speak on bio-medical issues and ethics in his talk: “When Life Begins.”
Archbishop Vigneron will address the conference on “Called to Holiness: Witness to the Gospel of Life.
Teresa Tomeo, host of “Catholic Connection” on Ave Maria Radio (WDEO, 990 AM), will be master of ceremonies for the event.
Attendees will also be able to attend one of four workshops being offered. They can chose from among:
- “Promoting a Culture of Life” (pro-life witness and sidewalk counseling).
- “Living out our Vocation for Life” (living as witnesses to the Gospel of Life).
- “Let the Healing Begin” (Project Rachel/Rachel’s Vineyard Ministry).
- “End-of-Life Issues and Caring for the Elderly with Dignity” (Angela Hospice).
At the conclusion of the conference, Archbishop Vigneron will bless the buses of pilgrims setting out for the annual March for Life in Washington, D.C., which is being held this year on Monday, Jan. 24.
Truchan said the conference’s goal is to better equip attendees to help others recognize the inherent worth and dignity of each person at each stage, condition or circumstance across the life spectrum, from conception to natural death.
 | "Life is a Gift" | |
| What: | Conference addressing aspects of the Gospel of Life | |
| Where: | Sacred Heart Major Seminary 2901 Chicago Blvd., Detroit | |
| When: | Saturday, Jan. 22, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. | |
| How: | Register online or call (313) 237-4691 to be sent a registration form. Cost is $20 for adults, $15 for students 13 and older. | |
