Bishop to give lecture on ‘The Gospel of Life’

Bishop McManus will offer a special lecture Oct. 11 commemorating the 30th anniversary of St. John Paul II’s encyclical, “Evangelium Vitae,” in English, “The Gospel of Life.”

The presentation will be at 10 a.m. in the lower level of the St. Paul Cathedral, 19 Chatham St., Worcester. It is titled, “Evangelium Vitae: Celebrating the Thirtieth Anniversary of the Gospel of Life and its Enduring Legacy in Roman Catholic Moral Theology.”  

St. John Paul II issued Evangelium Vitae on March 25, 1995, the feast of the Annunciation of the Lord. It is considered to be one of the Church’s most definitive works on the dignity of the human person. The encyclical is particularly significant because it is consistently relevant for people of all times and places. St. John Paul II’s remarkable reflection reminds the world of the human person’s intrinsic value and he articulates the many grave threats to human life and dignity that must be countered by building a culture of life and love.  

He wrote, “Every threat to human dignity and life must necessarily be felt in the Church’s very heart; it cannot but affect her at the core of her faith in the Redemptive Incarnation of the Son of God, and engage her in her mission of proclaiming the Gospel of life in all the world and to every creature.”

Bishop McManus has expertise in the Church’s teaching on the dignity of the human person. He received his doctorate in moral theology from the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome and served for many years on the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Doctrine and the subcommittee on healthcare issues. He brings a particular proficiency to conveying the truth of the Church’s moral teaching to a world much in need of hearing it.

All are invited to attend this unique presentation which will bring much hope and encouragement for all who seek to be witnesses to the truth of the Gospel – especially during this Jubilee Year of Hope. Though not required, RSVPs are helpful for planning purposes. Please indicate your intent to attend by contacting the Respect Life Office at [email protected] or 508-929-4311.