People of all ages from throughout the diocese joined in the prayerful walk to the clinic. Bishop George Lucas leads the rosary, and children hold balloons that were released in the “litany of remembrance.” GRANITE CITY - Pro-life supporters from parishes throughout the diocese and beyond filled the pews of Holy Family Church in Granite City to near capacity Saturday morning, Oct. 27, for the annual Diocesan Respect Life Mass. After the Mass, over 500 joined in praying the rosary as they slowly walked to a nearby abortion clinic, the Hope Clinic for Women.

 

"This is the first time the church has been filled for this Mass since I have been here," said Father Larry Brunette, pastor of Holy Family. "Next year we hope it will be standing room only." He estimated that about 600 people participated in the Mass, which was celebrated by Bishop George Lucas. Members of the Fourth Degree from the Granite City Knights of Columbus Council #1098 and the Highland Council #1580 provided an honor guard for the bishop, priests, deacons and seminarians.

"It is a sad duty that draws us together," Bishop Lucas said during his homily. "In a country that provides so many opportunities for its citizens, the life of every person is not seen as valuable." He encouraged those present to not become discouraged in their pro-life efforts, but to model the hope and joyful trust of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

"Mary invites us to be totally focused on Jesus," Bishop Lucas added. "Mary cooperated with God in her humble way, always trusting that God would fulfill the promises he made. It is our joyful responsibility to share the light of the Gospel with those we meet, and to give witness that the promises of God will not be frustrated. We must always remember that this is the Lord's work."

Local police officers blocked Washington Avenue, and representatives of youth groups carried banners on the mile-long walk, leading the prayerful march from the church to the clinic. Some participants carried large paintings of Mary. Included in the prayers at the clinic was a "litany of remembrance," and a balloon was released with each of the 12 intentions of the litany.

Participants were invited back to the church for a light lunch and to hear keynote speaker Deirdre McQuade, the Director of Planning and Information for the Pro-Life Secretariat of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

McQuade drew on the story of Jesus' encounter with the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4) as a model for those in the pro-life movement. "Jesus was in foreign territory and met this woman where she was. Jesus gave her an occasion to be generous with him and an opportunity to be truthful with him," McQuade said. "There was something about Jesus' loving encounter that drew her out of herself."

In contrast to Jesus' non-accusatory approach, McQuade said some who are active in pro-life efforts unnecessarily alienate people. "We always want to leave the door open for conversation," she emphasized.

Sister Jane Boos, SSND, the Director for the Diocesan Office of Social Concerns, said several factors accounted for the large turn-out at the Mass and vigil. "Our newly-ordained deacons have been getting the word out about this in their parishes, and there were a lot of prayers that went into this. Prayer unites us." She added that youth groups from parishes in Springfield and throughout the diocese helped contribute to the huge attendance as well.

Sister Jane also credited the "wonderful participation" of the priests of the diocese and said that many pastors promoted the event in their weekly bulletins. She said that the Diocesan Council of Catholic Women also supported the effort.

Barbara Pearson, a member of St. Louis Parish in Nokomis, left at 7:15 a.m. for the trip to Granite City. She said that the Mass and prayer vigil were a powerful experience, and added, "I felt the Holy Spirit was with me."

Mike Papa, a parishioner at St. Elizabeth's Church in Granite City, said he has been participating in the annual Mass and pro-life vigil since it began about 10 years ago because of his commitment to the unborn. "I pray the rosary every day for the unborn," he added, "and for peace."