RALEIGH – The Diocese of Raleigh celebrated its annual Mass for Life Oct. 25 at Holy Name of Jesus Cathedral. Bishop Luis Rafael Zarama presided and celebrated the Mass with members of the faithful, deacons and Monsignor David Brockman, pastor and rector of the cathedral.
This year organizers moved the diocesan Mass for Life from January to October, said Deacon Joshua Klickman, to spread the Prayers for Life out throughout the year and to put emphasis on October as Respect Life Month. Another reason, he said, was that holding the event in October gives parishioners more time in January to travel to national events, such as the March for Life and National Prayer Vigil for Life, which are held each year in Washington, D.C. during the month of January.
“As always, the Mass began with a rosary for life, and the rosary, like the Mass, was fully bilingual in English and Spanish,” Deacon Joshua wrote. “At the Mass for Life, groups from many Life and Dignity ministries were represented, including Sidewalk Advocates (who provide counseling for pregnant women considering abortion), Pregnancy Resource Centers, parish "Walking With Moms in Need" ministries, Catholics for Abolition (of the Death Penalty) in North Carolina, North Carolina Catholics Caring for Our Common Home, Catholic Charities and various other ministries that accompany refugees, minister to migrant workers, and work for justice for those on the margins.”
During the prayers of the faithful, those present prayed for many intentions, including for the Holy Spirit to be with world leaders as they work toward peace and justice. They also prayed for people to understand “more deeply the challenges of pregnant and parenting moms and to respond with care and support.”
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