Disabled, “champions of life”

“The disabled are champions of life for their courage. The are an example for everyone and a authentically testifying to the greatness of human existence”. From this reflection springs the message released by Spanish bishops for the Day of Life, which recurs in the Country on March 25, solemn celebration of the Lord’s Annunciation. “There is much life in every life” is the title of the document, signed by Monsignor Mario Iceta Gavicagogeascoa, bishop of Bilbao, president of the Sub-commission for Life and the Family of the Spanish Bishops’ Conference (CEE). The message underlines the importance of protecting the weak and the disabled persons, which contemporary society tends to marginalize. Always a precious gift. “We must recognize the precious gift of life, regardless of circumstances and conditions – states the prelates’ message -. Every human life is precious as it reflects the image of God”, since “for God every human being has an exceptional, unique and irreplaceable value. Our life is a gift that stems from the love of God for all mankind, since the moment of conception, from a special place in His heart, calling us all to a joyous communion with Him. Throughout our life, in the life that has just been conceived, in the lives of those that are weak or in a state of suffering, we can see the Yes that God has uttered once and forever. Here lies the very reason to ensure that this yes may become the appropriate approach towards each one of our neighbours regardless of their life conditions”. The Spanish bishops also point out that “man is not an island, he is not a reality closed in itself, but a relational being” that achieves fullness in communication and in interpersonal dialogue that creates communion”. By comparison, given “the individualism of our society”, the Spanish Church reiterated that a full life “cannot be achieved without other people’s help and without the acceptance of the gift of others that fulfils our flaws”. “Great people”. As for those that are born in this world with special needs, vulnerability and disabilities” the Spanish Bishops’ conference points out that “today, unfortunately there are those who believe that these lives are not worthwhile and are not worth living”. But “this way of thinking – the bishops underline- highlights the inability of appreciating the value and dignity of every human existence and leads to contempt, albeit subtle and veiled, against disabled and sick persons”. “Which society can be created with the refusal of the most defenceless and needy ones?” ask the Spanish prelates. They go on: “How can there be a world that denies the acceptance and protection of the weakest persons?” Conversely, disabled persons “are champions of life thanks to their courage. They are an example for all of us and they offer a true testimony of the greatness of human existence. They are great persons, capable of giving everything, of enriching others and welcoming everyone”. Not only: families with a disabled person among them “learn to see life from a different angle”. In fact, often these families show that these “so-called ‘special’ children are a source of true happiness, love and hope, and help us grow in humanity”. Everyone’s responsibility. The Bishops’ Conference reiterates that everyone has the responsibility of defending life, from the moment of conception until natural death, “in a symphony of charity through which can be erected a truly humane world”. “The commitment of service to life is everyone’s obligation”. For this reason, “specifically ecclesial responsibility” does not exclude “social, political participation from the perspective of the promotion of the common good”. The Spanish Church institutions, families, and civil associations should “work with courage, determination and creativity for the defence and protection of each stage of life, reforming and derogating unfair legislation whilst promoting initiatives for the protection of human existence, understood as the foundation of a truly human society”.