UPDATE: over 60 peers spoke against the Bill. That they had courage to speak out is certainly answer to our prayers – thank you God, thank you Pope St. John Paul II, thank you all of you who prayed. This isn’t the end of the story, though – so let’s keep up our prayers.

Next Friday, 22nd October, Baroness Meacher’s Assisted Suicide Bill will receive its second reading in the House of Lords. Assisted suicide is contrary to human dignity, and with an ageing population and increasing demand on carers and health resources, many elderly and chronically ill people could face pressure to end their lives.

BUT providentially 22nd October is also the feast of Pope St John Paul II, promoter of the “Culture of Life” against the “Culture of Death”. He spoke courageously about the infinite worth of each human person, and bore his final illness with such courage. So our Bishops have put together a SHORT AND SIMPLE NATIONAL NOVENA seeking the intercession of St John Paul II starting THIS WEDNESDAY 13th October. The Cambridge Dominican community will be taking part – join us! The prayer is below.

Remember, all that is needed for evil to triumph is for good people to do nothing. But Jesus told us to pray and not lose heart. So join us in prayer! And there’s also this petition – please consider signing:

Here’s the prayer:

Merciful God, we pray with thanks and gratitude for the great spiritual gift of Saint John Paul II’s apostolic life and mission. Through his heavenly intercession we ask that the ‘Assisted Dying’ Bill be defeated and that the infinite worth of each human person is upheld through proper investment in palliative care. Grant also that we may grow in love for You and proclaim boldly the love of Jesus Christ to all people. Through Christ, Our Lord. Amen

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be….