Catholic Communications, Sydney Archdiocese,
13 Sep 2012
Bereaved mothers and fathers hurt by the tragedy of abortion and the loss of their unborn child will be among those who will attend Sydney's first-ever Memorial Mass for the Unborn to be celebrated by the Archbishop of Sydney, Cardinal George Pell at St Mary's Cathedral tomorrow night.
An initiative of Cardinal Pell's, the idea for an annual Sydney Memorial Mass for the Unborn was inspired by Los Angeles' Requiem Mass for the Unborn which was introduced by Cardinal Roger Mahony in 2003.
In January this year Cardinal Pell was invited to concelebrate Los Angeles' Requiem Mass for the Unborn with the Archbishop of Los Angeles, the Most Rev Jose Gomez. Participating in the solemn remembrance of the unborn children lost to abortion, Cardinal Pell recognised the need for a similar Memorial Mass for the Unborn in Sydney.
Each day 82 unborn children lose their lives to abortion across NSW. The Mass tomorrow evening will provide a beautiful and consoling occasion to unite the Catholic community in remembrance and prayer for these children as well as reaching out to support and pray for the mothers and fathers who grieve their loss.
"During the Mass 82 candles will be lit to commemorate the children lost each day to abortion in NSW, and will express the Church's love and compassion for all those hurt by abortion," says Mary Joseph, Project Officer with the Archdiocese of Sydney's Life, Marriage and Family Centre which has helped organise this very special Mass.
Among attendees at the Mass will be staff and students from Catholic schools and universities, members of parishes across the Archdiocese and representatives from Catholic agencies such as CatholicCare, the Catholic Education Office, Pregnancy Help Australia, the Catholic Women's League, the Maronite community, pro-life groups such as Family Life International, Right to Life Australia and NSW Right to Life. Representatives from Rachel's Vineyard, a healing ministry of the Catholic Church for women hurt by abortion will also be present.
While abortion can trigger long term emotional distress among mothers, what is often forgotten is the toll taken on fathers of unborn children whose lives were terminated.
"A recent Los Angeles Times survey of 3600 men found that 66% or two third reported feelings of guilt and anxiety after their involvement in an abortion," Mary reports. "Other research indicates men can experience post-traumatic stress, depression, sexual dysfunction and anger post abortion as more and more fathers share testimonies on how deeply they regret their involvement and the ongoing grief they feel for the loss of their child."
As with many women, men also find the birth of their first child and the deep joy they feel at becoming a parent can trigger grief for the child they never had a chance to know or love.
But it is not only mothers and fathers of children lost to abortion who suffer, Mary says but grandparents and siblings who have also lost the chance of ever knowing their unborn grandchild or sibling.
Prayers will echo the words of Blessed John Paul II in Evangelium Vitae that those touched by abortion may come to understand what has happened and know they can turn to their heavenly Father and his infinite mercy with the sure hope entrust their child to him.
Those babies lost for medical or sometimes inexplicable reasons prior to birth and those still born will also be remembered during the Mass.
The Mass will also offer prayers for those in public office and those entrusted with the responsibility of the law and healthcare in NSW that they will recognise the truth that the unborn child belongs to the human family and that their life must be protected and valued.
Prayer cards distributed at the Mass will also provide contact details for pregnancy counselling and support and post-abortion healing.
All are welcome at this historic Memorial Mass for the Unborn to be held at St Mary's Cathedral at 7.30 pm, Friday 14 September.
13 Sep 2012
Memorial Mass for the Unborn
An initiative of Cardinal Pell's, the idea for an annual Sydney Memorial Mass for the Unborn was inspired by Los Angeles' Requiem Mass for the Unborn which was introduced by Cardinal Roger Mahony in 2003.
In January this year Cardinal Pell was invited to concelebrate Los Angeles' Requiem Mass for the Unborn with the Archbishop of Los Angeles, the Most Rev Jose Gomez. Participating in the solemn remembrance of the unborn children lost to abortion, Cardinal Pell recognised the need for a similar Memorial Mass for the Unborn in Sydney.
Abortion can trigger longterm trauma and distress for a woman
"During the Mass 82 candles will be lit to commemorate the children lost each day to abortion in NSW, and will express the Church's love and compassion for all those hurt by abortion," says Mary Joseph, Project Officer with the Archdiocese of Sydney's Life, Marriage and Family Centre which has helped organise this very special Mass.
Newborn and unborn babies are aware and respond to music, voices and even their own name
While abortion can trigger long term emotional distress among mothers, what is often forgotten is the toll taken on fathers of unborn children whose lives were terminated.
Each day in NSW 82 unborn children lose their lives to abortion
As with many women, men also find the birth of their first child and the deep joy they feel at becoming a parent can trigger grief for the child they never had a chance to know or love.
But it is not only mothers and fathers of children lost to abortion who suffer, Mary says but grandparents and siblings who have also lost the chance of ever knowing their unborn grandchild or sibling.
Prayers will echo the words of Blessed John Paul II in Evangelium Vitae that those touched by abortion may come to understand what has happened and know they can turn to their heavenly Father and his infinite mercy with the sure hope entrust their child to him.
The birth of a first born can trigger grief and distress over involvement in abortion for men as well as women
The Mass will also offer prayers for those in public office and those entrusted with the responsibility of the law and healthcare in NSW that they will recognise the truth that the unborn child belongs to the human family and that their life must be protected and valued.
Prayer cards distributed at the Mass will also provide contact details for pregnancy counselling and support and post-abortion healing.
All are welcome at this historic Memorial Mass for the Unborn to be held at St Mary's Cathedral at 7.30 pm, Friday 14 September.
SHARED FROM ARCHDIOCESE OF SYDNEY
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