Hundreds of Catholics from across North Carolina gathered at Holy Name of Jesus Cathedral for the annual Mass for Life, dedicated to fostering appreciation and protection for all human life from conception to natural death.
The Mass, celebrated by Monsignor David Brockman, rector and pastor of the cathedral, was a collaborative effort between the Diocese of Raleigh and the Diocese of Charlotte, bringing together faithful from both dioceses in a display of statewide Catholic unity.
Father Peter Ascik, director of the Family Life Office for the Diocese of Charlotte, joined Deacon Josh Klickman, coordinator for Human Life and Dignity for the Diocese of Raleigh, in organizing the gathering. Father Ascik also led a busload of participants from Charlotte to the event, many of whom were visiting Holy Name of Jesus Cathedral for the first time.
In his homily, Monsignor Brockman shared a poignant reflection of a recent encounter with a mother facing an at-risk pregnancy. He recounted her unwavering determination to do everything possible to nurture the new life within her, a testament to the courage and love that the Mass for Life sought to celebrate.
“There aren’t many opportunities we have to join the faithful from our two dioceses, from across North Carolina, but this is one of them—coming together to do everything possible to foster life,” Monsignor Brockman said.
Monsignor Brockman also shared a letter from Bishop Luis Zarama, who was unable to attend. The letter called on the faithful to be “beacons of hope and light” in their communities and to advocate for human dignity at every stage of life, including providing practical help for mothers facing challenging pregnancies.
“As we make our voices heard, let us also listen with open hearts, sharing hope without judgment,” Bishop Luis wrote, encouraging attendees to continue being “missionaries of life” across North Carolina.
Following the Mass, many of the participants joined the annual “March and Rally for Life,” organized by North Carolina Right to Life (NCRTL). The rally and march began at Halifax Mall and proceeded to the State Capitol in downtown Raleigh. The rally also featured speeches from pro-life advocates, who emphasized the importance of legislative efforts and community support for expectant mothers and families.
The Mass for Life and the subsequent march served as a powerful reminder of the Catholic Church’s commitment to the dignity of every human person. As Monsignor Brockman noted during the liturgy, Catholics across the state will continue to gather and highlight the need for pro-life laws in North Carolina and to foster an increase in appreciation and protection for all life in the years to come.
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