Day for Life is the day in the Church’s year dedicated to raising awareness about the meaning and value of human life at every stage and in every condition.

It is celebrated annually on Father’s Day, which this year falls on Sunday 21 June.

This year’s theme is The Wonder of the Child in the Womb. Below is more information about how you can mark the day:

Read:

Archbishop John Sherrington, Archbishop of Liverpool and Bishop for Life for England and Wales, together with Bishop Kevin Doran, Bishop of Elphin, Ireland and Bishop John Keenan, Bishop of Paisley,Scotland have written a shared reflection on the theme.

In their reflection they say: “Today we remember with gratitude the loving care and direction our parents gave to us, whether they are still with us or have gone to the Lord.

“Parenthood is a vocation of joys and hopes, of griefs and anxieties. On this year’s Day for Life, we acknowledge the particular grief of mothers and fathers who have lost a child before birth or in infancy. Mother’s Day and Father’s Day can be especially difficult for parents who experience the loss of an infant. Such loss often takes its bodily toll upon the mother, and it can leave fathers feeling helpless and unsure of how to support their family,or of how to express their own grief.

“The Church wants to be especially close to parents who have suffered the loss of an infant. We try to offer spiritual support through the pastoral care and blessing of our priests, and through the comfort of our liturgy. You only have to reach out to your priest or deacon if you would like to know more about this.”

You can read the full message here: Message for Day for Life 2026 | News

Listen:

Archbishop John spoke to the Bishops’ Conference about Day for Life and reflected on the wonder of the child in the womb. Can you listen to his interview here Archbishop Sherrington: Archbishop Sherrington: Naming the truth and loss of a child is a way of being compassionate - Catholic Bishops' Conference

Pray:

I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made 

Bidding prayers and prayers for baby loss and their parents can be found here Prayers for Day for Life 2026 - Catholic Bishops' Conference

You can also offer prayers to Saint Gerard Majella, recognised as the patron saint of childbirth and expectant mothers and children and unborn children.

Pope Leo XIV:

His Holiness Pope Leo XIV has also sent his prayerful good wishes to those participating in the Day for Life.

In a message via Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, His Holiness also expressed his pleasure of the theme chosen for this year, as well as efforts to support mothers and fathers who have suffered the loss of an infant.

The Holy Father also assures all taking part of his prayerful closeness and cordially imparts his Apostolic Blessing as a pledge of comfort, strength and peace in Christ.