In Pope Francis, we have seen an excellent example of the kind of leader our Church needs. This is not always the case with other members of the clergy, especially here in the United States. If we cannot find the truth, wisdom, and understanding of Church law from those we should look up to in the faith, then how can we ever expect anyone else to understand or follow? When leadership crumbles, so do the people. And we see a massive amount of crumbling today.

While we were all horrified by the actions of Kermit Gosnell, we should likewise be horrified by the millions of babies killed since abortion was decriminalized, and by the number of lives lost because of contraception. A baby is a baby from the moment he is created, but most people either choose to ignore that fact or remain uneducated. We must learn from the horrors we have seen and vow to do whatever we can to ensure that life, in all stages, is respected and protected.

Throughout history, during scandals and difficult times, men have stood up for what is right and for what should happen according to God’s will and the natural law. Today is no different, though we do not see this heroism as often as we should. Yet, in recent days, we have seen wonderful examples of this. Read today’s commentary for some inspirational stories.

Mother’s Day is Sunday. Traditionally, it is a day to honor and respect all that mothers do and sacrifice for the sake of their children. And while this day is important, special, and necessary, we can’t help but wonder what our country would be like if we celebrated mothers every day. If mothers and babies were held in the highest regard, as they should be, each and every day of the year, think about the lives that could be spared. Think about the heartache that would not come about because a mother chose to abort her child. That would truly be a celebration.

When a society teaches its children to value things above people and to value personal pleasure above all else, what is the result? A society of people who no longer care about their own health, well-being, or future, or about the well-being of others. This misguided notion of what is important leads them into a dangerous lifestyle, and this is where a seemingly innocuous little pill enters. Yet if you delve into this pill—not only what it does, but what it represents—you will find a horror story to rival some of the best. Except that this is reality.