Life and Dignity of the Human Person
October 2025
Core Principle
The foundation of all Catholic Social Teaching is the belief that every human person is created in the image and likeness of God. This divine imprint bestows an inherent dignity that cannot be earned, diminished, or taken away. As St. John Paul II affirmed, “Respect for life requires that science and technology always be at the service of man and his integral development.”
From conception to natural death, every life is sacred. This principle calls us to defend the vulnerable, uplift the marginalized, and build communities where every person—regardless of age, ability, race, or status—is seen, known, and loved. The dignity of the human person is not an abstraction; it is the heartbeat of justice, mercy, and solidarity.
Scriptural Reflection
Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you.
Jeremiah 1:5
Prayer & Petition
God of Life, You knit us together in our mother’s womb and breathed Your Spirit into our being. Teach us to see Your image in every face, and to uphold the dignity of each person with reverence and love.
We offer these intentions:
- For the unborn and their mothers—may they be surrounded by care, protection, and hope
- For the elderly and the dying—may they be honored, comforted, and never abandoned
- For those living with disabilities—may their gifts be recognized and their dignity upheld
- For victims of violence, abuse, or neglect—may they find healing, justice, and peace
- For those struggling with mental illness or addiction—may they be met with understanding, support, and dignity
- For Catholic Charities’ Pregnancy and Parenting Support Services—may they continue to empower families and affirm the sacredness of life
- For all who feel unseen or unloved—may they encounter the mercy of God through our witness
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.