The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales has invited Catholics across the country to unite in prayer through a special Holy Hour for the dignity of human life, to be held on Sunday 19 April at 4:30pm.

Parishes and communities are encouraged to join spiritually with the bishops by holding a Holy Hour locally, offering a visible and prayerful witness to the sanctity of life. The initiative comes as peers in the House of Lords continue to debate proposed legislation on assisted suicide.

In a recent Lenten message, Archbishop John Sherrington, Lead Bishop for Life Issues, reaffirmed the Church’s opposition to the Terminally Ill (Adults) End of Life Bill. He called on the faithful to pray particularly for those nearing the end of their lives, for their carers, and for all parliamentarians engaged in this important debate.

Here in the archdiocese, Archbishop Sherrington has echoed this call, encouraging parishes to participate in the Holy Hour as a sign of unity with the wider Church in England and Wales. This shared moment of prayer offers an opportunity to commend the gift of life to the Lord and to seek His guidance for society at a critical time.

Resources to support the Holy Hour, including suggested readings and prayers, are available via the Bishops’ Conference website: https://www.cbcew.org.uk/holy-hour-for-the-dignity-of-life/.