TRENTON – “As Catholics, we are pro-life. How can a Catholic be otherwise?” Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., asked the more than 1,000 people gathered for Mass in Saint Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton.
Faithful, religious, clergy, students, doctors, nurses and more nodded their heads as the Diocese of Trenton’s bishop preached Sept. 26 during the statewide bilingual Mass for Life, which brought together bishops from each of New Jersey’s five Catholic dioceses, including Bishop Dennis Sullivan and Coadjutor Bishop Joseph Williams. Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R., from the Archdiocese of Newark, served as the principal celebrant.
“We see people in our day — even some who self-identify as Catholic, some who hold the highest positions in government — who not only are not pro-life, but who … tragically seek to advocate legislation that enables the destruction of life at its most-vulnerable stages in the womb,” Bishop O’Connell preached. “The dying cries of innocent children call out to them. God will be their judge.”
Every human life, from conception to natural death, he said – “Ours is a duty to protect.”
That message to protect is one that resonated with Sandy Regenye, from the pro-life ministry at Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, Absecon.
“Take action. Even if it’s a simple first step. Say a Rosary prayer every day. Get someone else to say it with you. Be demonstrative, and speak up. Don’t be quiet anymore.”
After the Mass, which was livestreamed, hundreds – including students from the Diocese of Camden’s high schools – walked a couple of blocks over to the State House Annex for the NJ March for Life and Rally, where speakers addressed the sanctity of life in the womb.
More to come on this story.
at the bottom and then tap “Add to Home Screen”
