More than 30 people gathered for an inspiring pro-life talk, on Saturday February 14, at the Good Shepherd Church in Arnold

^{Source: Diocese of Nottingham}

The keynote speaker for the day was Fr Bernard Murphy, who is a member of the Order of the Franciscan Friars of Renewal, an order especially dedicated to the pro-life cause.

Fr Bernard, who is based at St Fidelis Friary in Canning Town, East London reflected on the Scriptural Roots of the Church’s teaching on the sanctity of life.

Addressing a diverse audience composed of both Catholics and Protestants, Fr Bernard emphasised the Church’s unwavering stance on the defence of human life. He explained that this commitment extends from the moment of conception through to natural death.

He reminded listeners that the Church’s teaching recognises no distinction based on age, social status, or ability; every human life is regarded with equal dignity and must be protected at all stages.

Fr Bernard praised the work of the St Colete’s Pregnancy Support Centre in Nottingham, which offers free, confidential and non-judgemental advice to women facing crisis pregnancies.

Students from Nottingham University Pro Life Society were in attendance at the event, along with trainee doctors and young families.

One of the young adults who went along, called Joseph, said: “I found the talks really engaging and entertaining too. I especially liked how he drew on scripture, both Genesis and the epistles, to show how the sanctity of life runs through all of scripture and is central to our faith. I am still chewing over some of the big ideas in his talks days after the event.”

The Pro-Life movement in Nottingham has also just commenced its 40 Day for Life campaign, for the season of Lent.

During this time, they will hold vigil near to the BPAS clinic in Stapleford, but they are not permitted within 150m of the clinic following buffer zone regulations.

Any woman who seeks their help will be referred to the St Colete’s Pregnancy Centre and they welcome any new supporters who wish to join in the vigil.

If you want to find out more about pro-life work in the diocese please email: pro-life@dioceseofnottingham.uk Or St Colette's scpscuk@gmail.com

Also www.40daysforlife.com/Nottingham.

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