Archbishop’s Vigil for Life on Saturday to precede crucial abortion vote

The Archbishop’s Vigil for Life is held annually at St. Mary Church in Bellevue, this year at 8 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 28.

Every year Archbishop George J. Lucas celebrates Mass, offers the Exposition of the Holy Eucharist and leads a rosary procession to a nearby abortion clinic.

But perhaps this year the prayers and worship will take on added significance as the future of abortion in Nebraska weighs in the balance.

In November voters will decide between two ballot initiatives. One would enshrine abortion as a constitutional right in Nebraska and is expected to wipe out decades of protections for mothers and the children in their wombs. The other is a pro-life alternative that would keep existing laws and allow the Legislature to add further protections.

Archbishop Lucas – as well as Bishop James D. Conley of the Diocese of Lincoln and Bishop Joseph G. Hanefeldt of Grand Island – have given their support to the imperfect but pro-life alternative (Initiative Measure 434) and have urged voters to reject the pro-abortion measure (Initiative Measure 439).

The bishops, through the Nebraska Catholic Conference, have asked people to pray and sacrifice for pro-life victories this election.

Participating in the Archbishop’s Vigil for Life is a powerful way to help.

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