Pro-Life Day 2012 focuses on Youth

Żgħażagħ miftuħa għall-ħajja (Youth open to Life) is the theme chosen by the Italian Bishop’s Conference for the Pro-Life Day 2012.  Dar Ġużeppa Debono, which is organising various interesting initiatives in order to spread “the culture of life” among the various categories of Maltese society, will celebrate this Day with various activities because it believes entirely that “authentic youth exists and flourishes among those who do not close themselves in before life”.  In fact, many are the youths who are doing voluntary work within this Gozitan entity.

On Sunday 5 February, at 5.00pm, the Bishop of Gozo Mgr Mario Grech will be presiding on a Solemn Concelebrated Mass at Ta’ Pinu Sanctuary.  An hour before, at 4.00pm, the general public is invited to participate in a symbolic walk in which volunteers and students from various Gozitan schools will participate; this will start from beside the tree at the very beginning of the road that leads from the Għarb crossroad to the sanctuary.  During this walk, reflections by Fr Richard N. Farrugia on various themes related to the value of life will be read.  These stops will be animated with a choreographic presentation by the students of the Central Academy of Dance.  Number Nine has been chose on purpose to symbolise the months embracing pregnancy.

On the same day, on the precincts or stairs leading to the various parish churches of Gozo, coloured ‘steps’ will be signalling the entrances to these places of worship in order to announce a positive message on life.  Those who enter for Mass will notice the message; various Eucharistic adorations and special prayers will also take place with the intention of spreading the Gospel of Life.

The last activity for the Pro-Life Day this year will be aiming towards youth.  Fr Richard N. Farrugia, a young priest studying Moral Theology in Rome and Dr Margaret Spiteri, a GP specialised in Gynaecology will lead reflections on the meaning of life during a special meeting for youth; they will consider the theme of life from a bioethical and physical health perspective.  This meeting will take place on Saturday 11 February, at 2.00pm, in Dar Ġużeppa Debono, Għajnsielem.

For more information please visit www.darguzeppadebono.org or phone on 21552595.  Dar Ġużeppa Debono offers various services and it provides support to single mothers, fathers and their families in the most professional way.  Lately, in collaboration with the Ministry of Gozo and Aġenzija Appoġġ, the Home has just extended the Home-Start service for the island of Gozo; it has also produced a full-colour publication with resources for teachers in primary schools with the theme The Beauty of Life, thanks to funds by the eko-Għawdex scheme.