Florida Catholic | Novena Of Masses For Life Continues To Draw Faithful

BOB REDDY | FC
This statue of the “Virgin Mary of Hope Expectant” was on display at Resurrection of Our Lord Parish in Fort Myers July 25 during a Novena for Life Mass. The statue is appearing at different parishes throughout the nine-month novena.

Novena of Masses for Life continues to draw faithful

BOB REDDY | FLORIDA CATHOLIC VENICE BUREAU EDITOR

Published: 08.15.08

FORT MYERS | A statue of “Virgin Mary of Hope Expectant” was placed on the altar at Resurrection of Our Lord Parish during a special Mass recently as a reminder for those who were in attendance why they came.

The statue was shown by John McDougal, who has brought it to parishes throughout the Diocese of Venice that have been participating in the Novena of Masses for Life with the intention of creating a greater respect for human life. The statue was designed by Antonio Reyes of Ecuador.

The statue was such an attraction that a respect life group from St. Katharine Drexel Parish in Cape Coral came to be in its presence.

July 25 marked the fourth month of Jesus’ development in the womb of his mother. Resurrection’s pastor, Father Patrick Oliver Toner, said that at four months after conception, humans experience their first dreams.

“We need to remember that God lives life in all its forms and we need to respect life in all stages from conception to death,” Father Toner said. “If we are anchored in God, we will be anchored in the nature of God and we will be pro-life.”

Patricia Bucalo, president and co-founder of Laity for Life, a Naples-based group that provides spiritual and moral support for lay Catholics who are active in the pro-life movement, said she is encouraged by the response to the Masses. Attendance has doubled at daily Masses held at many of the 29 parishes that have served as hosts.

“The response really has been wonderful,” Bucalo said. “The purpose of this Mass intention is to provide encouragement and grace for the pro-life supporters.”

Bucalo spoke with a member of the Knights of Columbus from Rhode Island who attended one the Masses and now wants to have similar celebrations back home.

“This was the first we’ve heard of it moving outside of the Diocese of Venice,” Bucalo said. “I encouraged him to approach his bishop to make it diocesewide there.”

She credits the strong support of Bishop Frank J. Dewane with the response the Masses have received. There is also a commitment from Bishop Dewane to continue the Masses in 2009 and beyond.

“We need to stay faithful in our efforts,” Bucalo said. “It is a big moral support to know that other pro-lifers are praying for them.”

The complete list of scheduled Masses through November is available HERE. Call 239-352-6333 for additional information.

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