# Praying for the First Saturday and for Unborn Children
*2015-11-07*

> Bill Young leads the First Saturday prayer, reflects on the disturbing news about the use of unborn bodies for scientific research, and asks for united prayer to protect the unborn.

## Opening and the First Saturday

Good afternoon, I’m Bill Young, and welcome to the Prayer and Lunch podcast. Today is the first Saturday of October, a month dedicated to the Holy Rosary. I hope we can someday gather for a group rosary and see how it goes.

## A Disturbing Report on Unborn Bodies

Recent news reports have claimed that Planned Parenthood is providing the bodies of unborn children for scientific research. Some politicians argue that using these tissues could help cure diseases. While I do not know the factual accuracy of those claims, the idea that miscarried fetuses could be harvested for research is deeply troubling. It reminds me of the atrocities of World War II, when the Nazis used living people for experiments. Both involve taking innocent, living souls for the sake of science. I do not believe this is necessary. Natural miscarriages already occur, and we should not exploit those tragedies for research. Abortion, where a child is kept alive only to be killed for its parts, is never acceptable. We must pray for those who speak out against this practice, and we need our bishops and priests to raise their voices as well.

## St. Theodora (Feast Day)

Today is also the feast day of St. Theodora. She was a remarkable saint of the early 19th century, born in France and later serving in Indiana, where she founded hospitals and schools despite great hardship. She trusted in the providence of Jesus Christ, and her example reminds us to persevere in faith.

## First Saturday Prayer to the Blessed Virgin Mary

Let us pray the First Saturday prayer:

Holy Virgin Mary, Mother of God, Queen of angels and of all peoples, we thank you and the Most Holy Trinity for the glorious privileges you have received. We believe the Church teaches us of your greatness, power, goodness, and virtue. We believe, O Mary, that your conception was immaculate, that your motherhood is united with your perpetual virginity, and that through the fullness of the graces you received you were raised to the highest degree of holiness, above all heavenly and human creatures. You share in the redemption of the world and are the gate to heaven. You are the refuge of sinners and a powerful help to Christians. We thank you for the many graces you obtain for the Church and for all your children.

Forgive us, O Queen, for the sins we have committed against you. Help us to love, honor, and imitate you. Forgive the blasphemies and the violations of your images. May we be worthy children and faithful servants, and may we join the choirs of angels and saints in praising you. Amen.

*We must unite in prayer to protect the unborn and uphold the dignity of every human life.*