Dozens of expectant mothers and their families attended the annual Mass for Pregnant Mothers at St Mary’s Cathedral last Sunday.
Among them were Gladesville couple Christine and Luke Neely who preparing to welcome their first child in October. They were thrilled to be able to attend the Mass which is organised each year by the Sydney archdiocese’s Life, Family and Outreach Centre.
The couple, who married last August, will wait until the big day to find out whether their baby is a boy or girl but didn’t want to lose the chance to get their little one blessed by Bishop Tony Randazzo during the special Mass.
“I knew about this Mass and thought it would nice to go, but it’s usually held in November so I’m glad we didn’t miss the opportunity,” said Mrs Neely.
“We’re very excited. This is the thirteenth grandchild on my side so there will lots of cousins and the first grandchild on Luke’s side so he or she will be showered with love.”
Mums, dads and their unborn children are blessed during the Mass which forms part of the archdiocese’s extensive support offered to all the people of Sydney at every stage of life.
Bishop Randazzo extended his blessings “to all expecting parents and the new life they hold”. “May mothers and fathers know the importance of their vocation and the difference they make in our world,” he said.
Following the Mass, the couple joined more than 3000 others at the Stand for Life rally to protest NSW’s abortion bill.
“It was a nice coincidence and quite appropriate that the two events were on the same day,” Mrs Neely said.
“Life should be something to be treasured and blessed.”
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