PORT ST. LUCIE | The first pro-life memorial Mass honoring aborted babies and deceased pro-life activists took place June 28, the feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, at Holy Family Church in Port St. Lucie, hosted by the parish’s Respect Life ministry.
The “Celebrate Life weekend” included the Eucharist and recitation of the rosary on Saturday, along with opportunities to venerate of the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe after every Mass June 29, the solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul. After Saturday’s Mass, many friends shared a meal and fellowship at the local Applebee’s restaurant.
Thousands of babies in Florida have been lost this year due to abortion. According to a flier provided by the Respect Life ministry, “Although Florida’s abortions have gone down 45 percent, thanks to the six-week abortion ban, 17,377 (lost babies) have already been aborted so far this year.”
Jim Thoma, Holy Family respect life co-chair, said, “This year, we have lost so many people (active pro-life leaders).” Deanna Herbst-Hoosac, Respect Life director for Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Palm Beach, said, “It was a beautiful tribute to honor the pro-lifers who spent many years of their lives defending and protecting the unborn, especially on the feast day of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.”
Father An Pham of the Congregation of the Sacred Heart celebrated the Mass. “Today, we gather for a special celebration of the holy Mass united with beautiful intentions, the protection of human life and memorial of the Immaculate Heart of Mary,” he said. “We lift up our prayers for the dignity and defense of every human life from conception to natural death,” and with “Mary’s intercession to strengthen our commitment to cherish and protect life in all its stages.”
Deacon Martin Sandigo’s homily focused on the importance of saving babies from abortion. He said, “390,000-something babies are going to die here in the United States from abortion. It is a societal genocide.”
Advising on what to say to an expectant mother contemplating abortion, Deacon Sandigo said, “Just proclaim the truth; just say the truth: ‘Human life is precious.’”
He reminded everyone about the feast honoring Mary’s Immaculate Heart. “Remember, when Our Lady of Guadalupe arrived, 50 million converted. So do not lose any hope, this is the beginning,” Deacon Sandigo said.
Fred Bradley read the names memorializing deceased parishioners, pro-life activists and “for those wounded by abortion, that they may experience healing.”
Continuing the celebration weekend on Sunday, many faithful were drawn to pray before the large image of Our Lady of Guadalupe after Masses. Maria Egerton, emissary of the image, said the only way to end wars and for true peace to occur is “the Eucharist and to pray the rosary, a powerful weapon given to us by Our Lady.”
“The Blessed Mother means everything to me,” said Pauline Soto, who was with her daughter, Veronica Nichols. “I have pictures all over my house of her.”
For information on the Diocese of Palm Beach’s Respect Life ministry, contact Herbst-Hoosac at dherbst@ccdpb.org, 561-360-3330 or 561-312-4847. To reach Thoma, email jimthoma@comcast.net or call 772-240-6186.
