Annual Mass for Life 2013 to be held at Cathedral of St. Paul

April 6, 2013, WORCESTER, MA –The annual Mass for Life will be celebrated by Bishop Robert J. McManus on Monday, April 8 at 10:00 a.m. at the Cathedral of St. Paul, Chatham and High Streets, Worcester. The liturgy will celebrate the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord, a feast day with special theological significance for the pro-life cause, since it celebrates the moment when God the Son assumed human nature in Mary’s womb. We draw attention to the fact that the Second Person of the Trinity dwelled in the Blessed Virgin’s womb and shared in our human nature from its beginning, as well as in our development. All are welcome to attend and join us in prayer on this special day.

Students from the Catholic Schools of the diocese will be among those joining Bishop McManus. The Mother Teresa Pro-Life Award, the Ruth V. K. Pakaluk Pro-Life Youth Award, and the Gospel of Life Award, given annually to individuals who have shown heroic witness to the intrinsic value of each human life, will be presented at this liturgy.

The two recipients of the Mother Teresa Pro-Life Award for 2013 are Mrs. Kathy Lake, RN and Miss Jacqueline Langlois.

Kathy Lake has been a volunteer counselor at Problem Pregnancy of Worcester for many years. She is the administrator of Problem Pregnancy’s successful ultrasound program, volunteering her services to nearly full-time hours. Additionally, Mrs. Lake also trains other pregnancy counselors and oversees Problem Pregnancy’s abstinence education program, all of which contribute greatly to the life-saving work done through the center. Kathy and her husband David are the parents of five grown children. She is a member of Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish in West Boylston.

Jacqueline Langlois has been involved in pro-life work for over 40 years. She has helped many women in crisis pregnancies through her work as a counselor and housemother at the former Marillac Manor. Miss Langlois was a founding member of the group Women Exploited by Abortion and a founding board member of Problem Pregnancy where she has volunteered for many years in helping women to choose life. She is also participates in daily prayer vigils during the 40 Days for Life campaign each spring and fall, and helps at Visitation House. She is an active member of Holy Family Parish in Worcester.

The 2013 recipient of the Ruth V.K. Pakaluk Pro-Life Youth Award is Thomas Keeley. Mr. Keeley is a senior at the College of the Holy Cross, where he has been a member of the Students for Life group throughout all four years of college and co-chair of the group for the past two years. He has proven to be a thoughtful and capable leader and has been successful in recruiting many fellow students to join the Students for Life, including many of the men from his athletic teams. He has also increased participation in the annual March for Life and brings fellow students to pray at the 40 Days for Life vigils.

Brother Peter Mary, MICM will be the recipient of this year’s Gospel of Life Award. Brother Peter Mary is the band director at Immaculate Heart of Mary School in Still River, MA. He has given tremendous witness to the faith in his ministry. Recently Brother Peter Mary took a courageous stand when he withdrew the IHM band from participation in Worcester’s St. Patrick’s Day parade when he learned just before the event that the band’s assigned sponsor was a political leader who held views incompatible with the Catholic faith. Brother’s students and their families were very supportive of the decision, recognizing that it was necessary to put their pro-life beliefs into action. Back in the 1990’s a similar situation occurred with South Boston’s St. Patrick’s Day parade and ultimately Brother Peter Mary’s courage resulted in a favorable resolution welcoming the band’s participation in future years. Brother Peter Mary’s strong conviction and respect for the sacredness of all human life animates his ministry and advocacy for the Cause of Life. His fidelity to the Church and the Gospel of Life is an inspiration to all who have been touched by his ministry.

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