Since the legalization of abortion 45 years ago, the pro-life cause has always been important to our Franciscan community. Our Sisters have been dedicated to praying in front of the abortion clinic in Fargo, supporting pregnancy centers, and much more.

Here at St. Anne’s, we have the custom of including a ‘prayer for life’ in our common devotions after vespers.

Working at a facility which offers care for the aged and disabled, those well on their way to the other end of life’s journey, we have a special concern for respect for life “until natural death,” to quote an often-used phrase.

Like the unborn, the elderly and disabled are vulnerable and in need in their own way. We are glad to be able to provide a home for individuals who often lack family support. We recognize the dignity and worth of them, as well.

Sometimes, this is not easy; we can get caught up in our own agenda and forget about each person’s human dignity and the importance of cherishing each person.

Our “prayer for life,” consequently addresses this.

Please join us in praying:

Mary, our Mother,

as you once cherished Christ’s life

within your womb,

teach us also to cherish all life,

from the unborn to the elderly

from the physically disabled

to those whose minds fail them.

Help us to treat each person we meet

as we would Christ, remembering his words:

“Whatever you did for the least of my brothers, you did for me.”

Teach us to love Him each day

in each precious life we encounter.

Amen.