DATE: June 24, 2008
FROM: Kevin Moore
O: 202-541-3206
C: 203-788-8497

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


WASHINGTON— This July, an historic convocation will gather family life, social justice, and respect life leaders together with physicians and ethicists to discuss new ways to promote human life and dignity. Entitled “Life, Justice & Family: Partners in the New Evangelization,” the convocation will take up John Paul II’s call for creativity and deeper unity in crafting a “new evangelization—new in ardor, methods and expression.” Open to the public, the three-day convocation begins on Friday, July 25, 2008, the fortieth anniversary of Humanae Vitae, Pope Paul VI’s encyclical on the openness of spouses to new life.

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June 13, 2008 - Today the Catholic bishops of the United States overwhlemingly approved a new policy statement on embryonic stem cell research, by a vote of 191 to 1. The statement is attached in PDF format, and also is available at:

www.usccb.org/prolife/issues/bioethic/bishopsESCRstmt.pdf

Also see our newly updated bulletin insert on stem cell research and cloning here, available for downloading: www.usccb.org/prolife/issues/bioethic/stemcell/Q&ABulletinInsert.pdf

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I give thanks and praise to God for the news I received this morning!   The Theological Consultors of the Congregation for the Causes of the Saints expressed their opinion that the miraculous cure of Audrey Toguchi was indeed granted through the intercession of Blessed Damien.  Now the case will go to the Cardinals and Bishops who actually compose the Congregation for the Causes of the Saints for their opinion, and then to the Holy Father for final approval.  Please keep this process in your prayers, that it will result in the canonization of our beloved Father Damien.

 + Larry Silva

Bishop of Honolulu