Bishop praises those who defend life

By Tanya Connor | The Catholic Free Press

Bishop McManus told people who filled St. Paul Cathedral Monday that they have been drawn into one of the most important conversations in history.
He was preaching at the diocese’s annual Mass for Life on the feast of the Annunciation. Students from 19 Catholic schools came, with Trinity Catholic Academy in Southbridge forming the choir, according to Allison LeDoux, director of the diocesan Respect Life Office, which organizes this Mass. A number of priests concelebrated and permanent deacons assisted at the Mass.
During Mass Bishop McManus presented the annual pro-life awards.
Elinor Reilly, a member of St. Paul Cathedral Parish and a senior at the College of the Holy Cross, received the Ruth V.K. Pakaluk Pro-Life Youth Award.
Father Walter J. Riley, pastor of Immaculate Conception Parish in Worcester and chaplain for Worcester firefighters, received the Gospel of Life Award.
Corinn Dahm, of St. Bernadette Parish in Northborough, and Martha Dolan, of Worcester, her husband’s primary caregiver for 20 years, each received the Mother Teresa Pro-Life Award.
Bishop McManus preached about the Annunciation, in which the angel Gabriel tells the Virgin Mary of God’s plan that she give birth to his Son. (Lk1:26-38) The bishop said he believes this was “one of the most important conversations that has ever been held in the history of the world.”
He asked where the students from St. Bernard’s were seated, and told them their patron wrote a beautiful meditation about this conversation, saying that all creation held its breath waiting for Mary’s answer.
Mary said “yes,” Jesus took flesh in her womb, was born nine months later, and, 33 years later was crucified, he noted. He “gave us the promise of spending eternity” with God.
“We’ve been drawn into that conversation this morning,” Bishop McManus said. Each person is a creature of God who has a dignity which comes from God.
No one has the right to take life from another person, the bishop said, but today there is a “throw-away culture.” He spoke of people being attacked with chemical weapons in Syria and said in “our country” babies are killed in their mother’s womb and people take their own lives by suicide.
Bishop McManus said those gathered at the cathedral came to pray to be witnesses to the value of life. He said all members of the Church are called to be missionary disciples, sharing with others that Jesus saved the world.
“If we believe that … we can live in peace,” he said.
Prayers of the Faithful asked that leaders defend the rights of each person, that there be a greater respect for human life from conception to natural death and that the choices of humanity more closely reflect God’s will for his creation.
“We pray for the grace to respect and protect every human person, so they may be brought into your kingdom for all eternity,” Bishop McManus added.
Awardees have served the pro-life cause in a variety of ways, according to biographies Mrs. LeDoux read for the award-granting.
Ms. Reilly has written for The Fenwick Review at Holy Cross, and has been a four-year member of the Students for Life group and its co-president the last two years. This year, at Georgetown University’s annual Cardinal O’Connor Conference for Life, Holy Cross received the Father Thomas King Award for 2017-2018 best university pro-life group. Under Ms. Reilly’s direction, the group has been involved in prayer in front of an abortion clinic, pregnancy counseling services, a baby shower and pro-life campus vigils, and the March for Life in Washington, D.C.  
Father Riley has participated in the March for Life and offers opportunities at his parish for learning about Church teaching on life issues and other topics.
“Having the unique distinction of being one of 16 siblings, Father Riley attributes his special heart for the Gospel of Life to his late mother, who he has described as a staunch pro-life advocate and a woman of great faith,” Mrs. LeDoux said.
Mrs. Dahm brought the 40 Days for Life campaign to the Norwich (Connecticut) Diocese, started a pro-life, pro-family television program there and helped found the “Truth Squad” ministry to teach youth about abortion. Now in the Worcester Diocese, she teaches religious education classes, participates in 40 Days for Life, and is a certified ultrasound technician and a volunteer counselor at Problem Pregnancy of Worcester.
Mrs. Dolan, was active in pro-life activities before her husband, Kevin, experienced a debilitating neurological condition, which ultimately led to his death. She cared for him, raised their four children and worked full time. She often took him to an adoration chapel in Worcester, where they prayed from the car when he could no longer go in.