Vatican OKs blessing of child in the womb

3/31/2012
BLADE STAFF

WASHINGTON — The Vatican has approved the publication of the Rite for the Blessing of a Child in the Womb, which will be printed in English and Spanish in a combined booklet and is expected to be available for parishes by Mother's Day.

The U.S. bishops who collaborated on the development of the blessing welcomed the announcement by the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments in Rome.

"I'm impressed with the beauty of this blessing for human life in the womb," said Cardinal Daniel DiNardo of Galveston-Houston, chairman of the Committee on Pro-Life Activities of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.

The blessing was prepared to support parents awaiting the birth of their child, to encourage parish prayers for and recognition of the precious gift of the child in the womb, and to foster respect for human life within society. It can be offered within the context of the Mass as well as outside of Mass.