Remembering our little ones who have died not yet born

People gathered throughout New Zealand on Friday night for Masses of Remembrance and a Vigil for Life.

Held in Auckland, Wellington and Dunedin, the Masses were poignant reminders of the tragic loss of life and pain people experience because of still birth, miscarriage, abortion and IVF.

The date of November 21st was chosen as it was the eve of one of New Zealand’s most tragic days in history. A day where almost 2,000 embryos were given their death sentence as they reached their legal “use-by” date of ten years.

Bishop Patrick Dunn and three other priests celebrated a Mass of Remembrance in Auckland. Remembered were all babies lost through miscarriage, stillbirth, abortion as well as the embryos discarded through IVF, and their parents.

The Mass of Remembrance in Auckland, celebrated by Bishop Patrick Dunn, was well attended. Participants processed to the front of the Church after Bishop Dunn’s compassionate homily to light candles for babies lost. The sight of so many flames a stark reminder of just how precious human life is.

Some of the candles lit to remember the little ones in Auckland.

A Mass of Remembrance was also held in Dunedin, with the full blessing of Bishop Colin Campbell. This was the first Mass of its kind in the diocese. Many of those present appreciated the opportunity to mourn and remember.

In Dunedin candles were placed at Our Lady's feet in remembrance of babies lost. — In Dunedin candles were placed at Our Lady’s feet in remembrance of babies lost.

Family Life International NZ’s John Paul II Centre for Life in Wellington holds a regular Vigil for Life. This month, it was held to coincide with the Masses of Remembrance in Auckland and Dunedin.

The Mass was celebrated by Archbishop John Dew, and was followed by Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and a rosary pilgrimage to the front of Wellington Hospital. Here, more than 2000 preborn babies loose their lives to abortion every year.

Archbishop John Dew in adoration at the Wellington Vigil for Life.

Close to the abortion facility, Te Mahoe, stands the fertility clinic. Significantly many human embryos loose their lives here every week.

The Vigil for Life is a very special opportunity for locals to pray for an end to abortion and make a regular act of love for the preborn babies and their families.

Participants in the Wellington Vigil for Life process to the local abortion facility.

The team at Family Life International NZ believe it is important to remember and to pray for all those who have lost in these tragic circumstances. In the presence of Our Lord in the most Blessed Sacrament, hope can be found.

“The Lord is close to the broken-hearted; those whose spirit is crushed he will save.”
Psalm 33:19