Sanctity of Life: How Our Regions Are Celebrating Life Through Local Events and Activities

Photo Credit: Evan Scudner

Most Reverend Ronald Gainer, Bishop of Harrisburg, was the principal celebrant and homilist for the Annual Sanctity of Life Mass in Lancaster, PA sponsored by the Order of Malta. He spoke of the importance of the dignity of human life. Approximately 200 members of the public joined 23 Knights, Dames and candidates from the Lancaster and Philadelphia Regions and six priests from the Diocese of Harrisburg at this special Mass on January 20 at St. Anthony of Padua Parish in Lancaster, PA.

The three local regions of Montgomery County, Washington, DC and Northern Virginia gather for an annual Sanctity of Life Mass. It is held at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Bethesda, Maryland and usually on the second Saturday in September. We start with the Mass at 10 a.m. and follow with a light coffee and Danish fellowship. This past year we had a nice turnout of over 50 Knights and Dames along with added family members in attendance. Msgr. William English, Associate Chaplain of The Order of Malta, was our celebrant and homilist for the September Mass. 

In his homily Msgr. English challenged us to look inside of ourselves, just as Jesus in St. Matthew's gospels does. Monsignor started with a story about a person running for reelection as governor. While at an event, he wanted to get extra helping of a particular food, and it was running out. This person kept saying, "Do you know who I am?" – as if he were above everyone in attendance. Then Monsignor reminded us that "we all belong to God and He loves us totally and unconditionally. Since we belong to God, our value and worth flow from this relationship. Our individual lives are sacred because of it."

We need to be open with our hearts and minds to every form of life. As Monsignor said, "the gospels are always inviting us to go inside and look at our own attitudes, at how much larger our hearts can become. Our attitude must be that of Christ's." Monsignor also included a few other stories about how people can take the value of an individual person's life for granted.

The Mass and homily gave all in attendance much to think and reflect about in each of our hearts. It is important to be reminded of Jesus's invitation to each of us, which is why the Sanctity of Life Mass is so important.

Our Syracuse Region had our annual Sanctity of Life Mass on October 1, 2014 at Christ the King Retreat House.  The celebrant was Fr. Lou Aiello.  Mass was followed by dinner.  After dinner, Lisa Hall, the director from the Respect Life Office here in the Syracuse Diocese spoke about her work with Project Rachel, which is an organization founded to help women who have had an abortion be able to forgive themselves once they realize the spiritual, emotional, and physical toll on their lives.  It also helps the men who have been involved in abortions, too.

Another woman spoke about her abortion and how she heard about Project Rachel.  She was able to tell her story for the first time to our group.  It was very emotional for her and for all of us to see how God works in all of our lives and that He is willing to forgive even the sin of abortion to those who seek His help.

I am on the board of Friends for Life here in Syracuse.  Our group educates people about abortions.  One thing we do is put up billboards with a pro-life message along the busy highways leading into the city.  We also have volunteers go into schools to talk about the truth about abortion.