"Because we love, God is present." 

(Thomas Merton)

Cardinal Terence Cooke (1983):

"The gift of life, God's special gift, is no less beautiful when it is accompanied by illness or weakness, hunger or poverty, mental or physical handicaps, loneliness or old age.  Indeed, at these times, human life gains extra splendor as it requires our special care, concern, and reverence.  It is in and through the weakest of human vessels that the Lord continues to reveal the power of his love."

From Living the Gospel of Life: A Challenge to American Catholics,     

A Statement From the U.S. Catholic Bishops:

"We believe that the Gospel of Jesus Christ is a 'Gospel of life.'  It invites all persons and societies to a new life lived abundantly in respect for human dignity.  We believe that this Gospel is not only a complement to American political principles, but also the cure for the spiritual sickness now infecting our society.  As Scripture says, no house can stand divided against itself (Lk 11:17).  We cannot simultaneously commit ourselves to human rights and progress while eliminating or marginalizing the weakest among us.  Nor can we practice the Gospel of life only as a private piety.  American Catholics must live it vigorously and publicly, as a matter of national leadership and witness, or we will not live it at all."

"As we tinker with the beginning, the end and even the intimate cell structure of life, we tinker with our own identity as a free nation dedicated to the dignity of the human person."

"Real freedom rests on the inviolability of every person as a child of God."

"Today the challenge facing America is to find freedom's fulfillment in truth: the truth that is intrinsic to human life created in God's image and likeness."

"Only tireless promotion of the truth about the human person can infuse democracy with the right values.  This is what Jesus meant when he asked us to be leaven in society."