By God’s Providence, as the United States Supreme Court today released their decision in
Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, I was with the Sisters of Life at their
Motherhouse in New York preparing to celebrate Holy Mass for them for the Renewal of
Vows of ten sisters; tomorrow I will celebrate Holy Mass for the First Procession of seven
Sisters of Life. In addition to professing the usual vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience,
the Sisters of this Community profess a fourth vow, to protect and enhance the sacredness of
human life. The Sisters pray and serve, counsel and support women in their decision for life
and open their hearts to those who seek consolation and reconciliation for past serious
decisions for which they now seek healing. The strong, visible, and prayerful witness of the
Sisters of Life inspires all people to affirm the sacred dignity of all human life, from
conception until natural death.
I ask that all our parishes and diocesan charitable agencies renew and expand their services to
women and children so that mothers can bring their children into this world with peace and
tranquility and always knowing they are never abandoned.
I join with my brother bishops of New York State in giving thanks to God for today’s
decision as we continue to pray and work earnestly for a true culture of life to flourish not
only in our state but also all around the world, that the Divine Image in all human life is
recognized, respected, and affirmed. (Cf. The following Statement by the Catholic Bishops of
New York State).
‘We Give Thanks to God’
A statement on the Dobbs decision by the Catholic Bishops of New York State
We give thanks to God for today’s decision of the United States Supreme Court in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s
Health Organization. This just decision will save countless innocent children simply waiting to be born.
On this historic day, our gratitude extends to the millions of heroic Americans who have worked tirelessly
toward this outcome for nearly a half-century. Women and men, children and adults, believers and non-
believers, people of every culture and background have advocated for life. They have been a charitable and
compelling voice for the voiceless, and today, their voice has been heard.
As Catholics, we have prayed and fasted, held vigils, offered Masses, and peacefully witnessed in these last
five decades. We have joined others in educating schoolchildren, opening pregnancy care centers, walking
with mothers, offering post-abortion counseling, and marching, year after year, to the United States Supreme
Court to witness for life. Today, our voice has been heard.
With the entire pro-life community, we are overjoyed with this outcome of the Court. However, we
acknowledge the wide range of emotions associated with this decision. We call on all Catholics and everyone
who supports the right to life for unborn children to be charitable, even as we celebrate an important historical
moment and an answer to a prayer.
We must remember that this is a judicial victory, not a cultural one. The culture remains deeply divided on
the issue, which will be evidenced by the patchwork of state statutes pertaining to abortion across the country.
To change the culture and build a culture of life, we need to enact family-friendly policies that welcome
children, support mothers, cherish families and empower them to thrive. We outlined our vision for a pro-
life New York in our recent statement, available here, and we rededicate ourselves to helping every expectant
mother to carry her baby to term.
Building a culture of life is not solely the responsibility of the government or those heroic individuals working
on the front lines, in crisis pregnancy centers and other ministries. All of us need to respect the dignity and
sanctity of human life in everything we do: in how we treat our children, spouses and parents; in the way we
behave in our place of work; in sum, how we live Jesus’ two great commandments to love God and love our
neighbor.
Love, charity and reverence for human life from the moment of conception through natural death – these will
build and sustain a culture of life.
Millions of Americans have worked tirelessly for almost 50 years towards this outcome. We thank them with
every fiber of our being. Their vital work continues, and we commit ourselves to it.
Timothy Cardinal Dolan
Archbishop of New York
Most Rev. Edward B. Scharfenberger
Bishop of Albany
Most Rev. Robert J. Brennan
Bishop of Brooklyn
Most Rev. Michael W. Fisher
Bishop of Buffalo
Most Rev. Terry R. LaValley
Bishop of Ogdensburg
Most Rev. Salvatore R. Matano
Bishop of Rochester
Most Rev. John O. Barres
Bishop of Rockville Centre
Most Rev. Douglas J. Lucia
Bishop of Syracuse
June 24, 2022

OFFICE OF THE BISHOP
1150 Buffalo Road
Rochester, New York 14624
(585) 328-3210
Statement from Bishop Matano regarding the Supreme Court Decision
Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization
June 24, 2022