Tears were brought to the eyes of some of the more than 300 people who attended Sydney Archdiocese’s annual Memorial Mass for the Unborn on 30 August, as Archbishop Anthony Fisher OP led women, men and students in an evening of prayer and remembrance.
Seventy-seven candles provided a striking memorial on the steps of the St Mary’s Cathedral after Mass, a symbol of the average number of unborn children lost to abortion in NSW each day.
In his homily, Archbishop Fisher stressed the loving heart of God and the desire of Jesus to forgive and heal anyone who asked Him.
Although a solemn occasion, the Archbishop said he was cheered by the strong representation from Catholic schools, who participated in the Mass as one of the major events in Sydney Catholic Schools’ annual Life Week.
He said that the presence of so many students provided great hope for the future, describing the young faces before him as a new generation giving witness to the Gospel of Life for the world.
Their numbers included a large number of students from Seton Catholic College and a girls’ choir from St Clare’s College, Waverley, whose rendition of the David Haas hymn, ‘You Are Mine,’ was a highlight of the evening.
Archbishop Fisher used the order of Mass for unbaptised children and was joined at the altar by Frs James McCarthy and Martin Maunsell.
Organised by the Life, Marriage & Family Centre, the event is one of several annual events at the cathedral, designed to help people in happy and distressing times of life.
They include the Annual Mass for Pregnant Women and the Annual Mass for the Renewal of Marriage Vows.
More information about Sydney Archdiocesan events is available at sydneycatholic.org