November 24, 2010 - A Prayer Vigil for the Sanctity of Human Life on Saturday, November 27th

Join Pope Benedict, Cardinal Sean and Catholics around the world in beginning Advent with prayers for the sanctity of human life. 

A Prayer Vigil for All Nascent Human Life to be held on Saturday, November 27, 2010 at 4:00 p.m. in the lower church of the  Cathedral of the Holy Cross.  The Prayer Vigil will include Evening Prayer (Vespers), Rosary and Benediction. Seán Cardinal O’Malley, OFM, Cap. Archbishop of Boston will preside.

All are welcome to join in sacred prayer for the dignity of human life at the beginning of the cherished season of Advent.  Following the vigil, a 5:30 p.m. Mass for the First Sunday of Advent will be celebrated in the lower church of the Cathedral.  The celebrant will be Rev. Peter Grover, OMV.

Parking will be available in the Cathedral parking lot on Malden Street and Harrison Avenue and at Jacobson Floral Supply, 500 Albany Street.

Archdiocesan Pro Life Office Director, Marianne Luthin, explained the purpose of the worldwide Vigil this way: “The fact that the Holy Father has requested every diocesan bishop to celebrate this Vigil for Nascent Life at the start of Advent is unprecedented.  “Nascent” is a word we don’t frequently use anymore. While it clearly refers to unborn human life, its other meanings include “promising,” “growing,” and “hopeful.” As we enter into Advent, our thoughts naturally focus on the hope and expectation of the coming of Christ. Christ came to us first as an unborn child, tiny, vulnerable and needing the protection and care of his mother. By calling for this worldwide prayer vigil as we begin the season of Advent, I think the Holy Father is calling us to focus both on the hope and promise of new life in Christ that we celebrate at Christmas but also to acknowledge the sad fact that world-wide there are an estimated 50 million abortions performed each year.  We need a renewal of hope about the meaning of life as the reflection of God. Here in the US, the Vigil falls on Thanksgiving weekend when families traditionally come together. The timing is a happy coincidence that reminds us of the great gift from God that each and every human life represents.”