People of all ages came from throughout the diocese to participate in the Oct. 4 Respect Life Mass, rosary walk and prayer vigil outside an abortion clinic in Granite City.

GRANITE CITY - All the pews at Holy Family Church in Granite City were filled and people were standing in the back of church at the annual diocesan Respect Life Mass, celebrated by Bishop George J. Lucas on Oct. 4. "We had 600 people, the largest turnout I've witnessed, since I've been here," Father Larry Brunette, Holy Family pastor, said.

Seven priests from the diocese and a visiting priest from Priests for Life concelebrated the Mass. They were Fathers Brunette, Pat Jakel, Christopher Commerford, Thomas Donovan, Stephen Sotiroff, Joseph Carlos, OFM, Eugene Prendiville, OMI, and Father James Heyd, from Priests for Life. Deacon James Ghiglione was the deacon. Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus from the area served as honor guards for the bishop at Mass, and the choir from St. Jerome Parish in Troy led the singing.

After Mass, over 350 people from throughout the diocese joined Bishop Lucas to pray the rosary as they walked six blocks to the abortion clinic.

"We prayed together and gave witness to the dignity and value of all life, especially the most vulnerable, the unborn," said Sister Jane Boos, SSND, director of the diocesan Office for Social Concerns.

Bishop Lucas stood on the flatbed of a truck, to lead prayers outside the abortion clinic.

Mike Unnerstall, a high school student from Maryville, led the litany remembering unborn children. A balloon released with each petition, "lifted our minds and hearts to God," Sister Jane said. "As Catholics, we believe that all life is precious and that our prayer, advocacy and witness are needed to raise awareness of the importance of protecting the unborn."

The service ended with a re-commitment to life, recognizing the importance of helping any woman who is in need because of an unplanned pregnancy, said Sister Jane.

At the luncheon that followed at the Holy Family Community Center building, Father Heyd, the guest speaker, "urged people to remain faithful and to share the values of our faith and to take the opportunity to vote," said Sister Jane.