“Protecting life from beginning to end should be the cornerstone of our nation. Life must be treated as a sacred taonga,” stated Bishop Michael Gielen, at the Mass for Life.
Two hundred people attended Mass and Adoration at Saint Mary of the Angels in Wellington City on Friday night in preparation for the fourth National March for Life.
Both the Saint Mary of the Angels choir, and Mother of Divine Mercy Refuge Choir from Auckland added to the prayer with their singing.
Bishop Michael Gielen, Auxilary Bishop of Auckland, offered the Mass.
During his homily, the Bishop expressed how proud he was to be with those gathered that evening. “I appreciate your prophetic witness on behalf of life,” he said.
“How honoured I am to lead you in this great prayer of the Mass.”
Quoting Pope Francis, Bishop Gielen highlighted the value of every human being. “Human beings have inherent, irreducible value, but when a throwaway culture finds them inconvenient, it deems them “inefficient” or “burdensome”; and they are ignored, rejected or even disposed of.”
“Jesus has called you here,” he stated. “It is His work first.”
He reminded the congregation of St Teresa of Calcutta’s words that “we are not called to be successful, but faithful.”
“Let us take hope, he concluded. “Allow Him to use us in this March for Life.”
At the conclusion of Mass, the Blessed Sacrament was exposed for an hour of Eucharistic Adoration. The time offered participants an opportunity to quietly pray.
The evening concluded with Benediction.
The fourth National March for Life will take place today, Saturday 5 December in Wellington City. Gather at Civic Square, 101 Wakefield Street from 1pm for prolife stalls, family-friendly entertainment, and a sausage sizzle. The March begins at 2pm and will conclude at Parliament with speeches. For more information visit www.marchforlife.nz
