As members of the Diocese of Allentown moved through May, which was dedicated to Our Blessed Mother Mary and her motherhood, mothers were celebrated in various parishes and events. However, this was a difficult time for those around us who lost a child.
On May 8 at the Cathedral of St. Catharine of Siena, Allentown, Bishop Alfred Schlert celebrated a Mass honoring families of babies loved and lost. The remembrance Mass, “Garden of Light,” was sponsored by the United Hearts of Life (UHL).
“Our prayers and offerings to heaven this evening are in remembrance of your children and for your strength and perseverance as you await the day when you will be reunited at the heavenly banquet table with your children,” read a statement provided by UHL for those in attendance.
Votive candles were lit near the front of the church in honor of the families who have lost little ones too soon.
Mass began with the singing of “Lift High the Cross” as a reminder that although there is suffering, Jesus Christ is a victor over death; an encouraging hymn to remind those in attendance to live out the message of the Cross. Hymns such as “Hail Mary Gentle Woman,” and “Blest Are They” were sung throughout the Mass and provided comfort for the grieving.
The first reading, read by John Cavanagh, was from Lamentations 3. It spoke of God’s love and mercy for all His people and encouraged listeners to know and trust Him.
The second reading, read by Delphy Defalcis, was from Thessalonians 4. It encouraged those in the attendance not to grieve without hope.
Finally, Bishop Schlert read excerpts from Mark 10. Within this passage, Jesus shares the famous lines, “Let the children come to me; do not prevent them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Amen, I say to you, whoever does not accept the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it.”
Bishop Schlert provided a warming and encouraging homily, focusing specifically on the Communion of Saints. “We come together tonight, as a community, to remember all those who have gone before us,” he began.
He shared a tender story of how his parents had twins prior to his birth that died shortly after their Baptism. He described how his parents continued on, despite their grieving, knowing that their lost children would be with them and are with Christ. “My mom and dad always referred to them as our family members in heaven.”
Using his family as an example, Bishop Schlert comforted the congregation by saying how difficult it is for a parent to lose a child and how, despite everything, this is something that can also bring us closer to Our Blessed Mother. He reminded everyone that Mary, too, had to suffer after her Son died.
The Bishop ended his homily by encouraging all those grieving to seek comfort in the Holy Spirit.
For more information on UHL, go to www.unitedhearts.life.
Article and Photo by Jennifer Russell.
