Mass for Life set Jan. 17 at St. Columba Cathedral

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

Bishop George V. Murry will celebrate the annual diocesan Mass for Life at noon next Saturday in St. Columba Cathedral.

At the Mass, expectant parents and their families will be invited to receive a blessing for their unborn babies. The “Blessing of a Child in the Womb” was created to encourage prayer and recognition of the precious gift of the child in the womb, and to foster respect for human life within society.

After the Mass, a pasta luncheon will be provided in St. Columba Hall by the Alliance Catholic Worker. All are welcome to attend. No reservations are necessary. Donations are accepted.

The Mass for Life corresponds with “Nine Days for Life” called for by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. On Jan. 22, the United States will remember the 42nd anniversary of Roe v. Wade. Since that decision, more than 55 million children’s lives have been lost to abortion.

In prayerful recognition, “Nine Days of Prayer, Penance and Pilgrimage” will take place Jan. 17-25.

To participate, go to www9daysforlife.com to download an app, or arrange to receive text messages or emails for each day of the 9 Days for Life novena.

In another activity, buses are being organized throughout the Catholic Diocese of Youngstown to transport supporters of the annual March for Life Jan. 22 in Washington, D.C.

That date marks the 42nd anniversary of the Supreme Court decision, Roe v. Wade and Doe v. Bolton, which struck down most laws against abortion. In recent years, the March for Life has drawn more than 250,000 marchers demonstrating on behalf of the right to life of unborn children.

For more information on activities, contact the Catholic Diocese of Youngstown’s Office of Pro-Life, Marriage and Family at 330-744-8451, ext. 272.