Florida Catholic | Nine Months Celebrating The Annunciation Planned

Nine months celebrating the Annunciation planned

Masses to offer the intention of a greater respect for all human life.

KRISTIE NGUYEN | FLORIDA CATHOLIC CORRESPONDENT

Published: 03.14.08

Mass and Luncheon

What: Mass celebrated by Bishop Frank J. Dewane and luncheon with the bishop as guest speaker.

What: 11 a.m. Mass; noon lunch

Where: Epiphany Cathedral Parish, 350 Tampa Ave. W., Venice

Reservations: No reservations necessary for Mass. Prepaid reservations for the luncheon are required by March 24. Reservations are $25 each. Send name, mailing address, telephone number and check payable to Laity for Life Inc. to P.O. Box 111478, Naples, FL 34108.

Contact: For more information contact Laity for Life at info@LaityforLife.org or
239-352-6333.

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Click HERE for a complete schedule of Novena Masses

VENICE | Jesus’ earthly journey began with nine months in his mother’s womb.

This year, faithful can honor the Lord’s incarnation and gestation during a novena of Masses for life that will be celebrated in parishes and missions throughout the diocese.

To begin the novena, Bishop Frank J. Dewane will celebrate Mass at 11 a.m. March 31, the solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord, at Epiphany Cathedral Parish in Venice. A luncheon will be served after the Mass in the parish hall with Bishop Dewane as guest speaker.

Following the Annunciation, Masses will be held in various parishes and missions on the 25th of each month from April through December. Each Mass will be offered for the intention of greater respect for all human life.

Laity for Life, a Naples-based pro-life group, and the diocesan Respect Life Office organized the novena.

“We felt that there is no greater way to promote the work of pro-life than through the graces of the Mass,” said Laity for Life board member Lucia Barone.

“It is a way to involve our local parishes and make people aware not only of the feast of the Annunciation, but (also) highlight some facts about the unborn child’s development (each month) to help reinforce the pro-life message.”

The Annunciation is significant because Catholics believe that human life begins at conception, said Jeanne Berdeaux, director of the diocesan Respect Life Office.

“As Catholics, we believe the Annunciation is very important because it’s the beginning of Christ’s earthly life,” she said.

Laity for Life hopes to eventually have Masses celebrated all over the country for pro-life efforts.

“Prayer is at the root of all our efforts and we cannot bear fruit without prayer,” Barone said. “That is how God works through individuals to enlighten and move hearts. That’s the root and foundation of all pro-life efforts. It’s centered (on) prayer.”

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