San Pedro Sula, Honduras. On Saturday, August 3, 2024, a walk was organized to celebrate the XXI Defense of Life Day, which took place at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in San Pedro Sula, Honduras. The event brought the community together with the motto: “Changing lives, protecting the future.”
The Day originated as an initiative of a committee organized in defense of life. This committee included lay missionaries, the socio-educational program “Step by Step,” Franciscan Sisters of Mary Immaculate, and Claretian Missionaries. They were responding to the massacre of August 4, 2003, in which nine members of a family were killed. Gunfire, shouts, panic, anguish, fear, and blood were mixed during the barbarism in the humble dwelling where they lived. Three girls aged 9, 6, and 5 survived with gunshot wounds, and a 3-year-old boy was shot twice. The older girl climbed a tree in the yard of the house and witnessed the killing from there. This act of violence has impacted Honduran society, which sadly is accustomed to death and impunity.
Since then, this day has been celebrated yearly to raise awareness of widespread death and injustice. The activities promoted are intended to cultivate a culture of peace. This effort is taking place in a context marked by violence generated by gangs. It is strongly believed that to reverse this situation, education, social justice, and peace must go hand in hand.
The day started early with the arrival of participants. There was a simple and joyful atmosphere that inspired hope. It’s important to mention the involvement of the influential figures from the Rivera Hernández community, social organizations, and support from other church initiatives such as “Radio Progreso-ERIC” of the Jesuits, the “Don’t Kill” campaign led by Father Leopoldo Serrano, Radio Luz (the archdiocesan station), and the presence of Metropolitan Archbishop Michael Lenihan, O.F.M.
The event began by commemorating the mass crime that occurred in 2003 and honoring the victims of violence in the area. With strength and determination, the participants shouted, “Enough!” The walk included visits to five stations, which served as spaces for prayer, reflection, remembrance, and singing for peace. These stations were meant to express the beliefs in life, honor the martyrs, and pray for the spirit of resilience. The walk concluded in front of the cross at the Church of San Antonio María Claret in “Human Settlements,” where a Eucharist was celebrated to proclaim the victory of the Risen Lord over evil and death.
In his homily, Msgr. Lenihan expressed his joy at seeing the participation of lay people and religious present. He thanked the commission that prepared this XXI day with care: Catechists, Bible Team, Pastoral Garifuna, Team of Liturgy, the choir of Cæleo Gonzales, “Step by Step”, Lay Claretians, and Father Jeremias Lemus, CMF.
He meditated on the importance of life and peace, reminding himself of the fifth commandment: “Thou shalt not kill! Thou shalt not kill!” Quoting Monsignor Óscar Romero, he reiterated: “Enough already! It’s enough!” in response to the pervasive violence and bloodshed. He stressed human life’s unwavering dignity and sacred nature, emphasizing the responsibility to protect and defend life at every stage. “No one has the right to take away life, only God.”
The archbishop emphasized the significance of the family in nurturing life. He mentioned that the family is a privileged space for instilling values such as respect, faith, and justice, which are crucial for a society that values life, love, and peace. The archbishop also urged responsible parenthood and highlighted the importance of caring for the environment and natural resources. He condemned those who take lives with weapons and harm the environment, stating that there is enough food for everyone, but greed prevents it from reaching all.
Recalling St. Francis of Assisi, he invited them to be instruments of peace and encouraged the participants to aspire to the deep peace that comes from the Risen Lord. This peace is the source of genuine commitment to a more just and humane world.
Source: Edgardo Guzmán, CMF
