Vatican Approves Blessing for Child in the Womb
WASHINGTON, D.C., MARCH 29, 2012 (Zenit.org).- The Vatican has approved the publication of the Rite for the Blessing of a Child in the Womb, which will be printed in English and Spanish, according to a press release from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.
It will be published as a combine d booklet and should be available for parishes by Mothers' Day.
The approval came from the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments in Rome.
I'm impressed with the beauty of this blessing for human life in the womb, said Cardinal Daniel DiNardo of Galveston-Houston, chairman of the Committee on Pro-Life Activities of the USCCB.
I can think of no better day to announce this news than on the feast of the Annunciation, when we remember Mary's 'yes' to God and the incarnation of that child in her the womb that saved the world.
The blessing was prepared to support parents awaiting the birth of a child, to encourage parish prayers for and recognition of the precious gift of the child in the womb, and to foster respect for human life within society. It can be offered within the context of the Mass as well as outside of Mass.
