June 20, 2017: Del Rio News-Herald * LOCAL * Letter to the Editor * Pence: National Catholic Prayer Breakfast

Letter to the Editor,

Pence: National Catholic Prayer Breakfast

Vice President Mike Pence recently gave an inspiring address at the National Catholic Prayer Breakfast in Washington, D.C., saying that the administration is committed to protecting life and religious freedom.

These are some of the highlights of his address:

“Life is winning through the steady advance of science that continues to illuminate more and more when life begins” and thanks to the “generosity of millions of adoptive families” and “through the compassion of caregivers and volunteers at crisis pregnancy centers and faith-based organizations”.

He called the President’s executive order on religious freedom an “action to protect men and women of faith in the public square.”

In reference to the president’s meeting with Pope Francis at the Vatican, the vice president said the two leaders spoke about ways that the U.S. and the Church can work together, such as to counter the persecution of people of faith around the world.

The administration “stands with those who are persecuted for their faith around the world” and “stands with the most vulnerable, the aged, the infirm, and the unborn,” he said.

“Protecting and promoting religious freedom is a foreign policy priority of this administration”. “I believe we’ve come to a pivotal moment in the life of our nation, and indeed, the life of the world. The Catholic community in America has made an enormous difference in the life of this nation,” Pence said.

“And at this moment, I urge you to continue to stand up, to speak out, to continue to be that voice for the voiceless that the Church has been throughout its history, continue to be the hands and feet of our Savior, reaching in with love and compassion, embracing the dignity of all people of every background and every experience.”

He stressed the importance of daily prayer, “in these challenging times I encourage you to take time every day to pray” because there is “so much need for healing”.

Throughout the speech he reiterated the Administrations’ commitment to promoting and protecting life and freedom of religion.

Marian Casillas, Ed.D.

Del Rio