Dear Brother Priests,
Today, October 29, 2026, Mass Citizens for Life held a press conference outside the Massachusetts State House to announce that the signature drive to block the implementation of Section 188, the grossly immoral bill that would allow an abortion to be performed throughout the entire third trimester of pregnancy, a procedure that is morally tantamount to infanticide, was a monumental success.
Today, October 29, 2026, Mass Citizens for Life held a press conference outside the Massachusetts State House to announce that the signature drive to block the implementation of Section 188, the grossly immoral bill that would allow an abortion to be performed throughout the entire third trimester of pregnancy, a procedure that is morally tantamount to infanticide, was a monumental success.
I write to thank you sincerely for your supporting and promoting the gathering of signatures in your parishes. Leaders of this signature campaign have said that participation of our Catholic parishioners contributed in large measure to the success of this morally praiseworthy undertaking to push back against this terribly immoral abortion bill.
Once again allow me to thank you for your pastoral leadership and your parishioners' support in this crucial matter. I am proud to be your Bishop.
Bishop McManus
The following is a statement issued by the Massachusetts Catholic Conference today following the press conference:
A Message from Archbishop Henning, Bishop McManus, Bishop da Cunha, and Bishop Byrne for the Clergy, Religious, and Lay Faithful of Massachusetts:
Today, thousands of voices have been raised in the defense of the sacred dignity of human life. Voters across Massachusetts signed a petition to recall the recent radical law that eliminated all limits on late-term abortion. As pastors, we raised our voices in opposition to the bill and in favor of the beauty of life. Every child is a gift, and every person deserves a chance to live. We wish to express our gratitude to God and to all of the coalition partners who worked so hard to champion this effort and to all the voters who signed the petition. May the Lord turn every heart towards compassion and love and may God bless the people of this Commonwealth, every one.