In October, the Catholic Church in the United States celebrates Respect Life Month, and the first Sunday of October is designated as Respect Life Sunday. To support these annual observances, the USCCB Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities provides materials to help Catholics understand and value the gift of human life and help build a culture that cherishes and protects it.

​

The 2026 Respect Life poster features the beautiful image, Virgin of the Lilies, by William-Adolphe Bouguereau. The message, “Mary, Mother of Life,” reflects on Our Lady’s distinguished role as mother of all the living. The life of the Blessed Mother teaches us to respect each human life in every stage and circumstance. We ask her intercession in helping us to recognize the gift of human life, even when that gift is unexpected or calls us to make sacrifices.

Respect Life Sunday is October 4