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This year's Day for Life is celebrated on Sunday 16 June with the theme "The Lord is my Shepherd: Compassion and Hope at the End of Life". Bishop John Sherrington (England and Wales), Bishop Kevin Doran (Ireland), and Bishop John Keenan (Scotland) commend this year’s theme:

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"The Church teaches that life is to be nurtured from conception to natural death. There has been much discussion in the media recently about "assisted suicide", whereby people who feel they are overburdened by suffering will be facilitated in bringing their lives to a premature end by a change in legislation. The Catholic Church opposes this.

"As Catholics, along with many people of other faiths and none, we share a different vision about what it is to be fully human, especially when we are suffering and approaching death in the hope of eternal life. People who are coming towards the end of their lives can feel vulnerable, and recent research shows that many consider themselves a burden on their loved ones and wider society. Jesus shows us that life always has dignity and that there is no such thing as a useless life. We are called to defend this gift of life to its natural end and to protect vulnerable citizens from a culture that could pressure them into assisted suicide. We support people with the companionship of a listening ear, appropriate treatment, and the best of care, so that their last days can be times of grace, intimacy and love.

"Jesus did not send the sick away. Our Lady remained at the foot of the Cross to the very end as Her Son, Jesus, died. Mary is the model of compassionate presence and prayer whom we are called to imitate. People close to death and their loved ones, often go through similar darkness and pain but can come to a more complete acceptance and find peace in those treasured last moments accompanied by spiritual care."

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This Day for Life, we hope that parishes will be able to prepare to promote the Catholic view of life as a gift, highlighting the importance of care at the end of life. You can access Day for Life resources on the CBCEW website, including details of charities offering support and the Day for Life Fund, which supports organisations with specific projects relating to life issues.