Bishop John Doerfler preaches on abortion, "preeminent issue"

“I have stated repeatedly, and I state again that abortion is the gravest social issue that we face. All other human rights are rooted in this fundamental right to life. I join with my brother bishops as we have united our voices to state that abortion is the preeminent issue,” said Bishop John Doerfler in his homily at the Mass in Thanksgiving for Life.
The Mass marked the conclusion this year’s Nine Days for Life in Marquette at St. Peter Cathedral. The annual novena began with a Holy Hour and Rosary for Life on Jan. 22 with pastor Msgr. Michael Steber presiding. 
Bishop Doerfler noted the stark terms used by Pope Francis in a letter commenting on the abortion debate: “And it’s good for us to ask two questions,” he (Pope Francis) wrote. “Is it fair to eliminate a human life to resolve a problem? Is it fair to hire a hitman to resolve a problem?”
Bishop Doerfler said, “It is particularly troubling when we live in a county where what is so evil is considered a right, where our government is now promoting it, and where those working in health care are coerced to act against their consciences to participate in abortion. Beginning with Cain killing Abel, the killing of human life is perpetuated, and those who stand for life are persecuted.
“How bad it is that attitudes of indifference about abortion even have crept into hearts of Catholics! Some who actively promote abortion are unbelievably considered to be devout or faithful Catholics! We cannot be faithful followers of Jesus and be indifferent to evil. We cannot be faithful followers of Jesus and promote evil.”
All is not lost, however, and Bishop Doerfler pointed to our greatest hope. 
“[W]e know that evil does not have the last word. Jesus does. By his death and resurrection, he has already won the victory. There is no sin too great for Jesus to forgive. If you have had an abortion or participated in an abortion, Jesus stands with open arms to forgive you, to bring you peace and healing.  In the Gospel reading, Jesus said to the repentant criminal who was crucified with him, ‘Today you will be with me in paradise.’ Our Lord longs to extend the same mercy to you.”
For those impacted by abortion, Bishop Doerfler recommended Project Rachel through Catholic Social Services for counseling and healing. Additionally, he said, “Priests stand ready to offer God’s mercy through the Sacrament of Penance. If you are experiencing a difficult pregnancy and you do not know where to turn, you can approach any parish in the Diocese of Marquette, and we will find a way to help you choose life.
“God is changing minds and hearts. The Pro-life movement is growing. In a particular way, I wish to state how edified I am by the witness of growing numbers of young adults who are standing for the dignity of all human life. I also applaud the fine crisis pregnancy centers in the U.P., such as the Care Clinic here in Marquette.
“Let us all join together to pray and fast for the end of abortion and for the healing of those who have had abortions. Let us continue to look to Jesus who has won the decisive victory over evil, over sin and death, and who has come to bring us life.”