“We celebrate the [Day of the Unborn Child] Mass knowing that the Lord is present and He comes close to us with love and mercy, and the spiritual strength we need to go on.”
These were the words of Perth Auxiliary Bishop Don Sproxton during his homily for the Day of the Unborn Child, Saturday 5 April at St Mary’s Cathedral.
The event, which is co-ordinated by Perth-based pro-life organisation Pregnancy Assistance, has now been celebrated in the Archdiocese for nearly 20 years.
Originating in Argentina, the International Day of the Unborn Child was established by then-Pope John Paul II to coincide with the Feast of the Annunciation. In 2025, the event was celebrated internationally on 25 March.
John Paul II viewed the day as “a positive option in favour of life and the spread of a culture for life to guarantee respect for human dignity in every situation”.
As part of the celebration, those who attended were given a flower and invited to put it into baskets on the sanctuary to remember children who had died at birth through miscarriage, stillbirth, abortion or other causes.
Continuing his homily, Bishop Sproxton said we celebrate this day of memories and hope in this 2025 Jubilee Year of Hope.
“Throughout the year we will reflect on the faith that gives us hope,” Bishop Sproxton said.
“The Year of Hope has given Pope Francis the opportunity to remind us of the wonderful grace that is hope, and to call each of us to be Pilgrims of Hope,” he continued.
As part of the celebration, those who attended were given a flower and invited to put it into baskets on the sanctuary to remember children who had died at birth through miscarriage, stillbirth, abortion or other causes.
A framed image of Our Lady of Guadalupe was also placed on the sanctuary, as the patroness of unborn children.
Bishop Sproxton also praised the work of Pregnancy Assistance, who are based in East Perth.
“Those who support and continue the mission of Pregnancy Assistance are Pilgrims of Hope, offering themselves as companions to the women and men they accompany,” Bishop Sproxton said.
“They meet, encourage, offer practical assistance and pray for those facing a huge decision. They offer ongoing support, no matter the outcome,” he said.
“The prophet Jeremiah came to realise that he needed to put aside self in order to know the will of God. Our desire to walk with others, giving witness to the love of God and to faith in the mercy of God, is to be a pilgrim of Hope. Let us pray for the director and staff to be signs of hope, by their perseverance and care,” he concluded.