Wednesday, January 22nd: Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children. A few words from Father Dort: As you may know, the results of the recent election in the state of Virginia have been troubling for those involved in promoting a culture of life and it should be troubling for everyone. Our state legislators are moving rapidly: enacting bills to remove necessary parental and ultrasound informed consent requirements before an abortion is performed. They are trying to eliminate health and safety standards for abortion facilities, and even seeking to alter the Virginia Constitution itself so as to establish the so-called “fundamental right to personal reproductive autonomy.” They say that such measures protect and empower women but make no mistake: they destroyed women along with the unborn. Some of the most difficult conversations I have had as a priest are with women whose tears stream forth uncontrollably like Rachel in the Old Testament. We recall the words of the prophet Jeremiah: “A voice was heard in Ramah, weeping and loud lamentation, Rachel weeping for her children; she refused to be comforted, because they are no more.” During this respect for life month, we must pray! We must March! And we must support candidates who are pro- life and who are committed to protecting human life at all stages, including the ‘pre-born.’ Killing can never be a medical matter. We pray for the day that we will no longer need to March for life because all children will be welcomed as they come into this world.