Upon the beginning of Lent, our attention is again caught by Belgian parliamentary developments which require our fervent prayers.
Indeed, the Parliament has been asked to examine a Bill aiming at modifying the 2002 Law on Euthanasia. This bill provides -inter alia- that “no written or non written clause can prevent a doctor to perform euthanasia within the prescribed law”. In other words, this provision aims at forbidding the running of hospitals and medical care homes with no euthanasia facilities”. This would in effect mean that there would be no official medical establishment in Belgium where patients or residents would be safe from euthanasia practice.
The Council of State has rendered an advice on the Bill, dated 7th February last. This advice reminds of ” the positive obligation of the State to protect the right of life”. it also considers that the proposition constitutes a restriction of the freedom of conscience and of religious beliefs, philosophical freedom as well as freedom of association of those who set up such medical care homes” and pressed the law-makers to clarify the proposed disposition in the light of the afore listed considerations.
On 18th February last, the Health Parliamentary Committee examined these recommendations but simply decided to ignore them and has approved the Bill which will be discussed on Plenary Session of the Chamber on 5th March next.
We invite you once more to turn to our Father through the intercession of Our Lady, in praying for our Country, while including also a special intention for the protection of life of the born-to-be, as the law on abortion is still on table at Parliament.
In practical terms, we would propose praying and fasting for the preservation of human life, from its beginning to its natural ending
on this weekend of 28 February/1st March 2020
AND
to join in the recitation of the Rosary for those intentions,
on Wednesday 4th March 2020 at 1PM,
following Mass celebrated at 12.30
in the Cathedral Saint Michael and Gudulae at the “Maes Chapel” located at the back of the Main Altar of the Cathedral,
Nr 15 Rue du Bois Sauvage, 1000 Brussels.