Dozens of white dove-shaped balloons were released into the air on Saturday March 29 outside St Mary’s Cathedral in honour of the International Day of the Unborn Child.
Established by Pope John Paul II, to be officially marked on March 25 annually, organisers chose to schedule it on the Feast of the Annunciation, marking the Angel Gabriel’s announcement of Christ’s coming to the Virgin Mary.
The event was facilitated by Pregnancy Assistance and began with a Holy Hour and Rosary led by Fr Doug Harris who prayed for all unborn children and everyone affected by abortion.
“It is a time of grace where we honour God’s gift to us,” Lara Malin, Director of Pregnancy Assistance said, explaining what the day was about.
“It is also a time to recognise the damage and distress that’s been caused by abortion and to acknowledge the often delayed grief.”
Mass followed Holy Hour with Emeritus Archbishop Barry Hickey as the principal celebrant.
In his homily he told the congregation that abortion doesn’t remove problems but only takes the life of a child.
After the Prayers of the Faithful, Archbishop Hickey invited everyone to lay flowers in baskets placed at the foot of the altar, in honour of all the babies who have died before they were born.
“It is a memorial procession,” Miss Malin said.
“It is especially moving for those who are remembering their own loss and it’s a sign to bring dignity to the unborn child.”
At the end of Mass around 100 people gathered outside St Mary’s Cathedral and following a short prayer dove-shaped balloons were released in memoriam.
“We believe all unborn babies are welcomed into the loving arms of their Father and enjoy the peace of heaven,” Miss Malin said.
“The doves symbolise the loss parents feel due to abortion and when they are released it is a way for them to understand that their children are in heaven and are happy.”