Celebrating, Walking for Life and the Chrism Mass

Recognizing the Courage to Defend Life

Tomorrow, Thursday, March 27, at 11 a.m., we will gather for the  Annual Pro-Life Mass at St. Julie Billiart Parish in Dartmouth. This special Mass invites us to gather as a diocesan family to pray for the protection of all human life, from conception to natural death. The Mass provides a witness to our inherent belief in the dignity and value of every human life. During the Mass, we will pray for strength in our work to protect life and support the vulnerable, including mothers facing difficult pregnancies and families in need.

We will also pray for healing for those affected by abortion and for a renewed culture of life in our communities. As I shared in last week’s blog, we must “go to the peripheries”  to do what we can to help our sisters and brothers during uncertain times. We will also take this opportunity to recognize the courage of those who protect life in word and deed.

Last November, Irina Robinson, the Family and Respect Life Director in the Secretariat for the New Evangelization, invited Catholic school principals and teachers in the Diocese to nominate students who express a deep understanding of the sacredness of life. They were also invited to encourage students in grades 6 to 12 to write essays that reflect on the inspiring courage of St. Gianna Molla, who defended the sanctity of life from conception to natural death, famously declaring, “I wish that my child should live.” Catholic students attending a religious education program in the Diocese were also eligible to submit essays. Those essays selected for recognition will be announced at the Mass. 

During the Mass, we will also announce the recipients of the John Cardinal O’Connor Annual Pro-Life Award, which honors two individuals each year in the Diocese— one adult and one youth — who demonstrate a deep commitment to the sacredness and dignity of human life. Essay winners and those recognized with the pro-life award will be listed in next week’s blog.

A great deal of work has gone into planning this Mass. I am grateful for the dedication of our Respect Life Ministry and for all who continue to stand for the sanctity of life. Your prayers and presence at the Pro-Life Mass will be a sign of hope and encouragement for our Church and the youth in our Diocese

Taking Steps Toward a Culture that Respects Life

The Second Annual Local Diocesan Walk for Life is scheduled for Saturday, May 17, at the National Shrine of Our Lady of La Salette from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. The day includes a Rosary for Life; Keynote Speaker, Alicia Kowalski; a Mass I will celebrate; Prayer Walk to Cyril M. Angell Park; and Adoration.

Alicia Kowalski – songwriter, singer, and the founder of His Grace Ministries – will share her powerful story, “My Baby Saved Me.” Alicia will share the healing message of Jesus Christ through testimony, spoken word, and worship. As a mother of three, she believes that life is a precious gift from God and strives to bring hope and encouragement to others through her faith-filled journey. I hope you can join us for this inspirational witness to life.

You are invited to register here for free. 

Blessing the Sacramental Oils

I extend a personal invitation to the faithful of the Diocese to join us for the Chrism Mass at 4 PM on Tuesday, April 15, at the Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Assumption. This Mass during Holy Week is a sacred celebration where our priests renew the promises they made at their ordination and the holy oils used in the Sacraments will be blessed. As mentioned in my pastoral letter –  A Time for Fortitude: Stronger Priests, Stronger Parishes, Stronger Church, our priests appreciate your support and prayers.

By attending the Mass, your presence and prayers are an important sign of encouragement and support for our clergy and the future of our Church.

Sincerely,

+Bishop da Cunha