The annual event promotes respect for human life at every stage and in all circumstances
NEWS RELEASE
January 6, 2025
Contact: R.J. Mangan, Director of the Office of Peace and Justice, 330-744-8451, ext. 245, rmangan@youngstowndiocese.org
YOUNGSTOWN, OH – Bishop David J. Bonnar, Bishop of Youngstown, will preside in the annual Mass for Life on Sunday, January 19, 4 p.m., at Saint Columba Cathedral in Youngstown (159 West Rayen Avenue). All are invited to pray for a greater respect for human life at every stage and in all circumstances.
At the Mass, expectant mothers, fathers and their families will be invited to receive a blessing for their preborn babies. The “Blessing of a Child in the Womb” was created to encourage prayer and recognition of the precious gift of the child in the womb, and to foster respect for human life within society. In addition, there will be a “Blessing of Pilgrims” who attend the National March for Life which will take place on Friday, January 24 in Washington, D.C.
The Mass for Life will be followed by a reception including displays of information on respect for life and Walking with Moms in Need. All are welcome to attend. No reservations are necessary. Donations are accepted and appreciated.
Also, on Wednesday, January 22, 2025 in observance of the Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children, Bishop Bonnar will celebrate the 12:10 pm Mass at Saint Columba Cathedral. From the ORDO it states, “On this anniversary of the Supreme Court decision, Roe vs Wade (1973) all dioceses of the United States shall observe ‘a day of prayer for the full restoration of the legal guarantee of the right to life and penance for the violations to the dignity of the human person committed through the acts of abortion.'” (General Instruction of the Roman Missal, no. 373). The Bishop will celebrate a Mass For Giving Thanks to God for the Gift of Human Life.
For more information, contact R.J. Mangan, Director of the Office of Peace and Justice at 330-744-8451, ext. 245 or via email, rmangan@youngstowndiocese.org
