The following bilingual homily was delivered on Friday, January 21, 2022 by Bishop Jaime Soto at the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament in downtown Sacramento at the Mass of Reparation and Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children for the 49th anniversary of Roe v. Wade:

La misión encomendada a los primeros discípulos todavía lleva validez para los discípulos hoy en día.  En el evangelio, el Señor Jesús los mandó a predicar y expulsar a los demonios.  Mis hermanos, el Señor Jesús vive y manda a ustedes y a este servidor con la misma tarea: anunciar el evangelio de la vida y expulsar a los demonios.

The approaching 49th anniversary of Roe v. Wade comes at a historic moment. The nation stands on the precipice of potentially overturning Roe v. Wade. At the same time, the Governor and state legislators have issued calls to make California a “sanctuary” destination for women seeking abortions from in and out of state.

However, asking to increase the number of abortions in California completely misses a vital, life-affirming point. California is already uniquely situated to respond actively to the needs of women, children, and families. Over the years, the California Catholic Conference has supported the state’s dynamic efforts to build programs for our most vulnerable populations, lifting families out of poverty and affirming the inherent dignity of each person.

WASHINGTON – On January 22, 1973, the Supreme Court of the United States legalized abortion nationwide in its decision on Roe v. Wade. Archbishop William E. Lori of Baltimore, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Pro-Life Activities called on the faithful to “pray, fast, and work for the day when the gift of every human life is protected in law and welcomed in love” on the anniversary of the court’s decision.

Archbishop Lori’s full statement follows:

“January 22 marks the 49th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, the Supreme Court decision making abortion legal in all 50 states.