Bishop John Noonan | Diocese of Orland website

The 37th annual Culture of Life Conference is set to take place on October 18-19 in Orlando. The event, themed “May it be done to me according to your word,” from Luke 1:38, aims to inspire attendees by emulating Mary's example.

Held every seven years in the Diocese of Orlando, the conference will be hosted at the Basilica of the National Shrine of Mary, Queen of the Universe. Topics will range from fertility issues to discussions on the death penalty.

Leidy Rivas, director of Catholic Charities of Central Florida’s Culture of Life program, encourages participation from all demographics, especially young families and high school students. "These are topics that affect us all in one or another stage of life," she said.

Rivas prayed for guidance while visiting the Holy Land last year and sought intercession from Our Lady. She hopes the conference will motivate attendees to defend life amid conflicting societal messages.

Father Jorge Torres will open the event on October 18 with a session aimed at preparing hearts and minds through Eucharistic Adoration and worship. On October 19, Dr. Steven Christie will address issues concerning unborn children in Florida. Lauren Zamora will discuss fertility awareness and Natural Family Planning (NFP).

Ingrid Delgado from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and co-chair for Floridians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty will speak about creating a culture that opposes capital punishment. Jim Towey, who worked closely with St. Teresa of Kolkata during her final years, will share his experiences and insights on advanced directives.

Given that it is an election year, Father Derek Saldanha from St. Thomas Aquinas Parish in St. Cloud will talk about faithful citizenship and voting with a well-formed Catholic conscience. Michael Sheedy, executive director for the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops, will also speak on Amendment 4.

Sister María José Salgado from Servant of the Pierced Hearts of Jesus and Mary will discuss Project Rachel—a retreat for post-abortive women—and Walking with Moms in Need ministry.

Veronica Salgado will close out the day by discussing how individuals can embrace their fiat as Mary did. "She will share how to embrace your fiat and say yes as Mary did," said Rivas.

For the first time, simultaneous Spanish translation and access for hearing-impaired attendees will be available via the Listen Everywhere app.