Advent is a rich liturgical season designed to prepare our hearts for the coming of Jesus at Christmas. While there are many spiritual themes that run through Advent, one of the most powerful is the challenge to protect all unborn human life.
The Vatican's Directory on popular piety and the liturgy specifically states this pro-life "spirit of Advent."
Pope Benedict XVI made this connection explicit in 2010 with the annual recitation of Vespers on the first Sunday of Advent, marking it as "pro-life vigil."
Pope Benedict XVI urged all political leaders to do what they could to protect all human life and entrusted this task to the Virgin Mary.
Advent is a beautiful season and it is one where we are challenged to evaluate our efforts to protect all life in the womb, as St. Joseph protected the Savior of the world in Mary's womb.
