Filed under: Pro-life
On Saturday, January 22, 2011, our sponsoring organization Unborn Word Alliance had an exhibitor booth at the 7th annual WALK FOR LIFE WEST COAST which took place in San Francisco. An estimated 40,000 people participated in the Walk.
The Walk began at 11:00 a.m., but at 8:00 a.m. there was a Mass at the Catholic Cathedral in San Francisco, thereby linking praying & walking for Life; a good way to start. The large Cathedral Church was full. But what surprised us was the number of young people attending this 8:00 a.m. Mass on a Saturday morning. At least 50% of the congregation looked to be under 30, and probably 2/3 of the congregation was under 35. (Note: To get there for 8:00 a.m., they had to get up at probably 6:30 a.m. or earlier – on a Saturday!)
For those of us….over 39….this was inspiring. Dude, it was awesome!!!
One of the keynote speakers before the Walk was Abby Johnson, the former Director of a Planned Parenthood abortion facility, turned Pro – Life. As she looked out over the Young crowd, she spoke out enthusiastically:
“You are the new generation of pro-lifers and let me tell you something friends, Planned Parenthood and the pro-choice movement, they are shaking in their boots…. They are terrified because there are so many more pro – life young adults than pro – choice young adults….You guys 30 years of age and younger, you guys, you’re the movement. You’re the next generation. This is our time; make it count.”
Filed under: Pro-life
A young woman was walking along the public sidewalk towards one of the city’s assembly line abortion facilities. Her head was bowed beneath the double burden she was carrying; 1.) she was pregnant and felt completely incapable of continuing on with the pregnancy and then caring for this unplanned baby, and 2.) she had refused to listen to her conscience during this time of stress and confusion. And she was frightened.
Her boyfriend had soured on their relationship soon after he found out she was pregnant. She had confided in a longtime friend about her dilemma, but the friend had a meeting to go to and just told her to do whatever she thought was best for her future. She phoned her brother and he immediately told her to abort ‘it’. She contacted Planned Parenthood and they told her it would be over in an hour and she would be back to normal within a few hours. Finally, she called her aunt – who she suspected may have had an abortion many years ago. Her aunt couldn’t say enough good things about abortion, and also encouraged her to abort ‘it’.
So the young woman approached the abortion facility, ill at ease (not from morning sickness, but due to heart sickness). Suddenly she heard a soft voice calling out to her, “There’s a better way you know…” Startled from her sad misgivings, she looked up and saw a teenage girl – younger than she was – standing by the sidewalk’s edge and looking straight at her with a tempered, tender smile. She stopped, and without thinking replied “What do you mean?”
The teenager answered, with a little more enthusiasm than may have been ‘appropriate’ for such a delicate situation, “I know a whole bunch of people who would love to help you! We would consider it an honor if we could be of help…” The young woman froze, she tightened, then a tear trickled down her cheek, immediately followed by a stream of quiet tears. The teenager leaned forward and hugged her…. and…. She hugged back.
A hundred yards away, they sat together sipping coffee. The teenager had one character trait, a gift, that was rather striking – sincerity, a loving, caring sincerity. She explained to the young woman that she knew of a Pregnancy Counseling Clinic nearby with medical personnel on staff who could meet with her anytime – right now if she liked – and that the charitable organization that operated this clinic helped young woman with unplanned or problem pregnancies… right through the nine months and even after, as needed.
The young woman listened in awe, for as the teenage girl spoke, she could also hear her conscience breaking free, longing to assert itself. Here was the first person who had reached out to her, to help. A complete stranger, but a caring person.
“Which of these…proved neighbor to the (young woman who was pregnant)”?
Filed under: Papal Quotes, Pro-life, Quotes from Great Christians, Unborn Jesus
God has always been reaching out to us! Today He is reaching out personally to you!
Michaelangelo captured the scene in his famous painting of God the Creator Father reaching out to Adam who represents humanity.
Mother St. Paul explains how God the Father reached down to touch each of us at our creation:
“Our Lord Touched us when He created us to His own image; He could have created us to the image of the angels but no, He created us to His own – it was a touch.” Virginibus Christi p. 25
Interior Of The Mezquita Cathedral Virgin Mary Icon
From Mary’s womb Unborn Jesus was reaching out to us, but we couldn’t see. Perhaps in a Michaelangelo moment, in Mary’s womb He extended His tiny unborn arm, hand, and finger towards each of us.
Pope Pius XII tells us:
“But the knowledge and love of our Divine Redeemer, of which we were the object from the first moment of His Incarnation, exceed all that the human intellect can hope to grasp. For hardly was He conceived in the womb of the Mother of God, when He began to enjoy the Beatific Vision, and in that vision all the members of His Mystical Body were continually and unceasingly present to Him, and He embraced them with His redeeming love” On the Mystical Body of Christ, #75
As we remember this sad anniversary of Roe v Wade, let us realize that in the silent cries of the unborn He is reaching out to touch our hearts.
Let us reach out to touch Him for as St. Mark tells us:
“As many as touched Him were made whole” (Mk 6:56)
Photo by Lennart Nilsson
“Behold, he comes, leaping upon the mountains, bounding over the hills. My beloved is like a gazelle, or a young stag.
Behold, there he stands behind our wall, gazing in at the windows, looking through the lattice.” Song of Songs 2:8-9
In this final trimester of growth within His mother’s womb, Unborn Jesus is dramatically growing in size; a tripling in weight and a doubling in length. More sleeping and less leaping. This sanctuary of Mary’s womb is closing in on Him as He grows in size. He is content, but as the weeks and months go by He will become lovingly restless for the world awaiting Him.
The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, initially within His mother’s womb. Let’s consider for a moment the ‘face of God’; the face of Unborn Jesus. By 25 weeks gestation, the retinas of His eyes are developed, He has eyebrows and eyelashes and now His eyelids can open. He now has a mature face, with distinctive features, and recognizable expressions reflecting in part His experiences even here in the womb, even now before birth. Dark hair is growing on His head. Even here and now, like His ancestor David, He “was ruddy, and had beautiful eyes, and was handsome” (I Sam 16:12).
“Thou hast said, ‘Seek ye my face.’
My heart says to thee,
‘Thy face, Lord, do I seek.’
Hide not thy face from me.” Psalm 27.8-9
The physiological bonding between Mother and Unborn Son is marvelously supplemented by behavioral bonding (for example, as Mary rubs her abdomen or repeatedly sings her favorite Psalms to God and her unborn child). But there is also a spiritual, redemptive bonding between Savior and Mother – which both would ponder in their hearts.
This pregnancy – like all pregnancies – gives glory to God and hope to humanity! But this pregnancy – unlike all others – will bring forth the only begotten Son of God!
Madonna and Child with two Votaries by Paolo Veneziano
“Behold, he comes, leaping upon the mountains, bounding over the hills. My beloved is like a gazelle, or a young stag.
Behold, there he stands behind our wall, gazing in at the windows, looking through the lattice.” Song of Songs 2:8-9
We consider Unborn Jesus in the Virgin Mary’s womb during the second trimester of this Redemptive Pregnancy.
By the 14th week (of gestation) He has significant cerebellar control which is reflected in a variety of coordinated physical movements and facial expressions. Unborn Jesus clenches His fists, somersaults, rolls over and kicks. For he is like us in all things, but sin (cf. Heb 4:15). 4 1/3 to 4 2/3 inches in length and about 2 ¾ ounces in weight.
His wrinkled skin is still somewhat transparent and noticeably we see His heart vibrant and beating 120 – 160 beats per minute (around twice the adult heart rate). Thirty years hence Jesus will say: “Come to me…for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Mt 11:28-29). This miniscule heart, is even now pumping the Savior’s blood, which will wash away the sins of humanity. A tiny red tide of mercy.
By the 20th week of gestation, Unborn Jesus can hear conversations between Mary and Joseph (and others) – Joseph’s deeper voice is easier for Him to hear. He recognizes their voices. When Mary visits with Joseph while he is working at his carpenter’s trade, Unborn Jesus exhibits a ‘startle reflex’ when He hears loud hammer blows and other noises. (After birth He will grow accustomed to these familiar sounds.) And when Mary sings Psalms, He is comforted. “Sing to the Lord, bless his name; tell of his salvation from day to day” (Psalm 96:2). By the 22nd week of gestation, He is about 8 ½ inches in length and weighs about 1 ¼ pounds.
Straßburg, Frauenhaus-Museum, Zweifel-Joseph (Detail) Mary and Joseph before the Birth of Jesus.
Painting from Gemaldegalerie Berlin
As we approach Christmas – keeping in mind the pregnant Virgin Mary and her growing unborn baby – this is a good time to ask, “What does our little Savior look like?”
The Zygote Christ Child is a mere one cell and you can’t even see Him. This cornerstone cell of the Christ Child’s Body is a male human living cell with 46 chromosomes. Jesus at this one cell stage is literally bursting with Grace! This is “the grace of union”, when the Son of God assumed a human nature from His very conception, which St. Thomas Aquinas taught was the source of every other grace. He is One Cell and one with us.
The Blastocyst Christ Child at about one week development now consists of more than 100 cells; a one hundredfold blessing for humanity. He is implanted into the lining of Mary’s womb and is clearly focused on His Incarnation Mission.
The Embryonic Christ Child is between 1/12 to 1/6 of an inch in length (around 4 weeks gestation). He is “the least among us” but has the most to give! His primitive Sacred Heart is beating for love, a tempo that this world has never heard before, with a meaning that will take a life time to comprehend. (Memo to Mary: Your little baby has taken charge of this redemptive pregnancy already, sending chemical-hormonal messages from His body to yours – thank you Mary for passing on essential nutrients to your Embryonic Christ Child, you are building up His tiny body and preparing Him for His Redemptive Mission.)
The Fetus Christ Child (around 8 weeks gestation) is 1 ¼ to 1 2/3 inches in length and weighs about 1/3 ounce. He is not heavy, He is our brother, in solidarity with all unborn children, embracing our humanity in His body and Soul. In proportion to the rest of His rapidly growing body, Christ’s head and heart are very big; He knows us and loves us. His Sacred Heart beats at about 140 beats per minute.
As His First Trimester ends, Unborn Jesus shows extraordinary signs of typical growth for an unborn baby. All vital organs are fully formed, His hair is growing, you can count the fingers on His hand and His finger nails are growing too! See each ear taking on its final shape and the iris forming in His eye. “Incline thy ear, O Lord, and hear; open thy eyes, O Lord, and see….”(Isaiah 37:17) In the buoyant liquid environment in which He grows, Unborn Jesus is showing not just a ‘walking reflex’ but vigorously stretches His limbs and can even be seen leaping.
“Behold, he comes, leaping upon the mountains, bounding over the hills.
My beloved is like a gazelle, or a young stag.
Behold, there he stands behind our wall,
gazing in at the windows, looking through the lattice.” Song of Songs 2:8-9
Maestro Francesco, XIII century
Madonna Platytera fra tre santi , Venezia, Scuola di S.
The picture above is a mural on the Visitation Church in Ein Kerem on the outskirts of Jerusalem which commemorates Mary’s visit to her cousin Elizabeth and the Magnificat
Certainly as we accompany the Church from the First Sunday of Advent to Christmas Eve, we are exposed to many traditional and beautiful readings from scripture and powerful themes for our edification.
We look back historically – and hear the prophets proclaim the Messianic Age.
We look forward prophetically – to the Great Mystery of the Final Coming of Christ.
We live the present expectantly – preparing for Christmas and our encounter with Christ!
In a General Audience in 2002, John Paul II spoke of the Church providing us with 3 guides for Advent: The Prophet Isaiah, John the Baptist and Mary the Mother of Jesus.
In the Penitential Season of Lent – we discover our Savior and our need of Redemption.
In the Penitential Season of Advent – we seek a Baby and contemplate His Incarnation.
One way to travel your Advent weeks to Christmas is to accompany Mary (and Unborn Jesus) on her (and His) nine month journey. Their journey together is gestational and spiritual….but when you join them on their journey it becomes very personal.
Enter into the Mystery of the Incarnation. Mary is overshadowed by the Holy Spirit and conceives the Son of God – then she leaves in haste on a 4 day journey to the hill country of Judah to visit her pregnant cousin Elizabeth. When she arrives remarkable events unfold – her unborn Child right in the middle of it all (CCC #717). On one level, Mary is visiting Elizabeth, on another level, God is visiting His people. You can join in this visit.
Three months later, Elizabeth gives birth to her baby John, and shortly thereafter, Mary (and Unborn Jesus) return to Nazareth. Trusting Joseph encounters Mary (and Child) and becomes perplexed, then resolved upon a course of action. But God introduces into the marvelous mystery of the Incarnation a simple human institution called ‘adoption’. The angel of the Lord visits Joseph in a dream and the rest is salvation history. You can visit Nazareth during the second and third trimesters of this singular Redemptive Pregnancy.
Travel to Bethlehem with the Holy Family. Witness the rejection this young pregnant mother experiences as the door to the inn is closed in her face, and the babe in her womb vigorously stirs within her. Behold Joseph’s resolve now. Watch God the Father provide for the birth of His Son. The angels tell all! The shepherds teach all!
Finally, you can welcome God’s newborn newfound Love at journey’s end with worship and a promise to be childlike yourself, and always respectful of the child.
Pregnant virgin. In Pinacoteca, Vatican Museum
During his Homily for the Vigil of Nascent Life on November 27, Pope Benedict speaks of the connection between the unborn and Christ’s time in the womb:
“The beginning of the liturgical year helps us to relive the expectation of God made flesh in the womb of the Virgin Mary, God who makes himself small, He becomes a child, it speaks to us of the coming of a God who is near, who wanted to experience the life of man, from the very beginning, to save it completely, fully. And so the mystery of the Incarnation of the Lord and the beginning of human life are intimately connected and in harmony with each other within the one saving plan of God, the Lord of life of each and every one of us. The Incarnation reveals to us, with intense light and in an amazing way, that every human life has an incomparable, a most elevated dignity.”
Later in the Homily he states:
“With regard to the embryo in the womb, science itself highlights its autonomy capable of interaction with the mother, the coordination of biological processes, the continuity of development, the growing complexity of the organism. This is not an accumulation of biological material, but a new living being, dynamic and wonderfully ordered, a new unique human being. So was Jesus in Mary’s womb, so it was for all of us in our mother’s womb. With the ancient Christian writer Tertullian we can say: ” he who will be a man is already one” (Apologeticum IX, 8), there is no reason not to consider him a person from conception.”
He closes the Homily by entrusting the unborn to Our Lady who bore Jesus, our Savior in her womb:
To the Virgin Mary, who welcomed the Son of God made man with faith, with her maternal womb, with loving care, with nurturing support and vibrant with love, we entrust our commitment and prayer in favour of unborn life .
To read the entire homily click here
From Diocese of Witchita Website
Note: We encourage you to double check times and locations with the diocese/parish in your area.
This is a very partial list – if you know of locations that we have not been able to find please leave a comment or email us at info@unbornwordalliance.com
Arizona
Time 4:30 PM Date Saturday, Nov 27 Location SS Simon and Jude Cathedral, Phoenix Presiding Most Reverend Thomas J. Olmsted, Bishop of Phoenix
California
Vigil for All Nascent Human Life (Prayer) Nov 27 Time: 7:00 PM Location: St. Brigid Roman Catholic Church 4735 Cass Street San Diego CA Prayer Service and Benediction for all Nascent Human Life. Bishop Robert Brom Celebrant.
The Franciscan Friars of Old Mission San Luis Rey, 4050 Mission Avenue, Oceanside cordially invite the public to a Solemn Vespers service at 4 p.m. on November 27 in the Historic Mission Church marking the start of Advent and the reopening of the Church to the public for visitation and private prayer. Most Rev. Robert Brom, D.D., Bishop of San Diego, will be the celebrant. Vespers also known as “Evening Prayer,” is part of the tradition of the “Liturgy of the Hours” and provides an opportunity for communal prayer. A reception will follow in the Sacred Garden.
Vigil for All Nascent Human Life – The Pro Life community of Sacramento invites all to participate in a Prayer Service and Benediction for All Nascent Human Life Saturday, November 27, 2010 5:30 p.m., at the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe 711 T Street, Sacramento CA . Bishop Soto celebrant.
Cathedral Basilica of Saint Joseph 80 S Market St, San Jose, CA Bishop Patrick J. McGrath of the Roman Catholic Diocese of San Jose invites all the faithful to a special Evening Prayer November 27, 6:00pm to pray for the blessing and protection of new life in our midst.This simple prayer service will include a blessing for all expectant mothers. Expectant mothers of all ages, walks of life, and Christian traditions are especially invited to participate.
Cathedral of the Annunciation 425 West Magnolia Street Stockton, Bishop Stephen E. Blaire will be presiding – November 27, 7:30-8:30
Most Reverend George Niederauer Archbishop of San Francisco has sent a letter to the parishes of his diocese ( Archdiocese of San Francisco letter) asking each parish to participate in this worldwide celebration of prayer at their parish’s Saturday evening Vigil Mass on this First Sunday of Advent. He has suggested in the letter that: “In addition to offering your Mass intention for the protection of all newly-developing human life, you may also wish to include special prayers, the rosary, Eucharistic Adoration or other special devotions after Mass.”
– Holy Family Church , 209 E. Lomita, Glendale, CA will also join the Pope for the hour of prayer. Exposition and benediction of the Blessed Sacrament, Rosary, and prayers will begin immediately after the 5:30 PM Mass on Nov 27.
– St. Denis Catholic Community, 2151 S. Diamond Bar Blvd, Diamond Bar, California will also join Pope Benedict for the hour of prayer. Exposition and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament, Rosary and prayers will be at 4:15 – 5:15 p.m., with evening Mass following at 5:30 p.m. Please join Msgr. James Loughnane and us at this vigil on November 27, 2010!
– On Saturday November 27th, Pope Benedict the XVI will celebrate a Solemn Prayer Vigil in St. Peter’s Basilica, lifting up in prayer all children living in the womb. Mother of Life Pro-Life Center will be participating in this special prayer vigil. Please join Fr. Nabil Mouannes and us, along with the universal church throughout the world, in this historic call to defend the unborn with our greatest weapon of Prayer. November 27th 6:30 p.m St Ephrem Church Mother of Life Pro-Life Center 750 Medford Street El Cajon, CA
– St. John the Baptist Church, 11150 San Pablo Ave., El Cerrito, CA will hold its vigil after the 5 PM mass on Sat. November 27. Our vigil will involve benediction with prayer and the Joyful mysteries of the Rosary.
St. Peter Chanel Church 12001 E 214th Street (Hawaiian Gardens) will participate in the Vigil for all Nascent Human Life by offering a Rosary, Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, and Benediction following Saturday’s, November 27th, 6:00 PM Regular Vigil Mass (starting approximately 7:05 to 7:15 PM).
Connecticut
Vigil for All Nascent Human Life at Villa Maria Guadalupe 159 Sky Meadow Dr., Stamford, CT Saturday November 27, 2010, 4pm-5:30pm Bishop Lori will preside
Vigil for All Nascent Human Life at the Nazareth Spiritual Life Center
1428 Monroe Turnpike, Monroe, CT Saturday November 27, 2010, 7pm-8:30pm Bishop Lori will preside
On Saturday, November 27, 2010, at 7:00 p.m., in the Cathedral of Saint Patrick, 213 Broadway, Norwich – the Most Reverend Michael R. Cote, D.D., Bishop of Norwich, will celebrate a Holy Hour for all nascent human life.
Colorado
November 27 6 pm Cathedral Basilica of Immaculate Conception Denver, CO Archbishop Chuput presiding
Bishop Michael Sheridan will celebrate the vigil ceremony in Colorado Springs, CO at St. Mary Catholic Cathedral (22 W. Kiowa St.) immediately following the 4:00 pm Mass.
Delaware
The Most Rev. W. Francis Malooly, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Wilmington, will preside at a special Evening Prayer and Vigil Mass for the Unborn on Saturday, November 27, 2010, at Saint Peter’s Cathedral, Sixth and West Streets in Wilmington, beginning at 4:00 p.m. The event is open to the public.
Florida
November 27th Cathedral of Saint Mary 7525 NW 2nd Avenue, Miami 5:30 pm Holy Mass for the 1st Sunday of Advent 6:30 pm Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament – Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary – Prayer of Pope John Paul II – Evangelium Vitae – Benediction – Archbishop Wenski presiding
Diocese of Venice Respect Life Office will be putting up a list soon, click here
Vigil for All Nascent Human Life will be held Saturday, Nov. 27, at 7 p.m. in the Ave Maria Oratory Ave Maria, FL with Fr. Robert Tatman presiding.
Georgia
In the Archdiocese of Atlanta, Archbishop Wilton D. Gregory will celebrate the prayer service for all nascent human life on Saturday, Nov. 27, at 12 noon at the Cathedral of Christ the King, Atlanta, Georgia Other prayer services may be held at parishes of the archdiocese.
Illinois
Francis Cardinal George, O.M.I. will be leading a vigil at Holy Name Cathedral on Saturday, November 27 at 6:30 p.m. in solidarity with the Holy Father and the faithful throughout the world. Chicago, ILL Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament as well as a special Benediction. Please note the date and plan to attend as we join the Vicar of Christ in demonstrating our respect for all human life.
Auxiliary Bishop Joseph Siegel will be celebrating a vigil “For All Nascent Human Life” at the Cathedral of St. Raymond Nonnatus in Joliet,Illinois on Saturday, November 27, 2010, at 7:30 pm.
Indiana
On Nov. 27, St. Francis of Assisi Newman Center, 1200 W Riverside Ave., Muncie, IN will be celebrating with Exposition, Vespers and the Rosary at 6:45pm in the Worship Space (Vigil for all Nascent Human Life).
Iowa
On Saturday, November 27th, Pope Benedict will preside at a “Vigil for all nascent human life,” and he has asked all bishops around the world to preside at similar celebrations in their own dioceses. Therefore, Bishop Amos will celebrate Vespers at Sacred Heart Cathedral 422-E. 10th Street, Davenport at 7:00 p.m. We are also making available a booklet for families to use at home if they so desire.
Bishop Richard Pates invites the public to join him in a Mass and evening prayer service at St. Ambrose Cathedral 607 High Street Des Moines, IA on Nov. 27 beginning with the regularly scheduled 4 p.m. Mass. Immediately following, there will be a special evening prayer service at the cathedral with benediction of the Blessed Sacrament.
Join us November 27, 7:30-8:30 p.m. at Immaculate Conception-Moville for our Vigil for All Nascent Human Life.
Nov 27 Vigil for All Human life after 4:30 Mass, St. John’s Parish 24043 302nd Place, Adel
Kansas
Diocese of Wichita WSU Newman Center 1810 N. Roosevelt Wichita, KS 4- 7 pm Bishop Michael O Jackels presiding
Archbishop Emeritus James P. Keleher will celebrate the vigil ceremony in the Kansas City area at St. Joseph Church in Shawnee, KS (11311 Johnson Dr) at 7:00 pm on Saturday, Nov. 27th.
Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann will celebrate the vigil ceremony in Topeka, KS at Assumption Church (204 SW 8th Ave) at 7:00 pm on Saturday, Nov. 27th.
November 27th, 5pm, Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Dodge City, KS Bishop Ronald M. Gilmore, presiding.
Kentucky
The Pope, Prayer, and You – Pope Benedict XVI requests world-wide prayer for all nascent (starting to develop) human life on Saturday, November 27. We invite you to pray wherever you may be Thanksgiving weekend. Archbishop Kurtz also invites you to a “Prayer Vigil for Nascent Human Life” (English and Español) on November 27 at 7:00 p.m. at the Cathedral of the Assumption, Louisville, KY.
Our celebration of the First Vespers of the First Sunday of Advent will take place at St. Agnes Church in Fort Wright, Kentucky at 7:30 p.m. I have asked priests of the diocese to join me in this celebration, and I invite all the faithful from across the Diocese to come and pray with us. Most Rev. Roger J. Foys, D.D. Bishop of Covington, KY.
You’re invited to celebrate vespers with Bishop Medley at Saint Stephen Cathedral 610 Locust Street Owensboro, KY at 6:30 pm on November 27. Vespers will be preceded by the regular 5:00 pm Mass and a short period of adoration
Next Saturday November 27 Bishop Gainer will be with us to celebrate the Vigil for All Nascent Human Life. starting with the 5:30 p.m. Mass, followed by an evening prayer with Adoration and Benediction. St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, 1730 Summerhill Dr., Lexington, KY.
Louisiana
Maryland
Special Holy Hour on November 27th at 6:30pm At the request of the Pope Benedict XVI, churches all over the world will be celebrating a “Vigil for All Nascent Human Life” coinciding with first vespers of the First Sunday of Advent on November 27th. Jesus the Divine Word Catholic Church 885 Cox Rd Huntingtown Maryland
Massachusetts
Saturday, November 27, 2010 7 p.m. Vigil for All Human Life at its Very Beginnings St. Julie Billiart Church 494 Slocum Road North Dartmouth Mass. Saturday, November 27, 2010 at 4:00 p.m.
Cathedral of the Holy Cross – Lower Church Boston, Mass
Prayer Vigil with Evening Prayer (Vespers),Rosary and Benediction November 27, 2010 at 4:00 p.m.Presider: Seán Cardinal O’Malley, OFM, Cap. Archbishop of Boston
All are invited to join Bishop McManus at the worldwide Vigil for All Unborn Human Life Sunday, November 28, 2010 7:00 p.m. Cathedral of St. Paul, Worcester
Michigan
Join Archbishop Allen H. Vigneronin a vigil of prayer including the Liturgy of the Hours, exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and Benediction. The vigil will coincide with vespers of the First Sunday of Advent, and with reference to the approaching solemnity of the Nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ. When: November 27th 2010 at 7:00 P.M.Where: St. John Neumann Church 44800 Warren, Canton, Michigan.
Chancellor Msgr. Steven Raica – Prayer Vigil – Sat., Nov. 27, 2010 at 7:00 pm at St. Mary Cathedral, 219 Seymour, Lansing, MI.
Bishop Walter A. Hurley – Holy Hour with exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and Benediction – Sat., Nov. 27, 2010 at 7:00 p.m. at Cathedral of Saint Andrew, 301 Sheldon Blvd. SE, Grand Rapids, MI
Christ the King Catholic Church, 4000 Ave Maria Dr., Ann Arbor will have a Prayer Vigil for the Unborn on Saturday evening Nov. 27th. The vigil schedule is as follows:
- 8 p.m.: Liturgy of the Hours Evening Prayer, followed by the Divine Mercy Chaplet
- 9 p.m.: Stations of the Cross with Pro-Life Meditations
- 10 p.m.: Rosary with Pro-Life Meditations
- 11 p.m.: Charismatic prayer and intercession
- 11:45 p.m.: Benediction
Each hour will include a time for private prayer before the Blessed Sacrament, which will be exposed in the Worship Space during the vigil. Please Note: Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament in the Adoration Chapel will continue as usual.
Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Imlay City will hold a Vigil for All Nascent Human Life Saturday Nov. 27th, 6:10pm. The Vigil will include Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, Vespers, the Holy Rosary, Benediction and an opportunity for Confession, with refreshments following in the hall.
Diocese of Gaylord – Services are being planned for Saturday, November 27, 2010 at:
* St. Mary Cathedral in Gaylord (606 North Ohio Avenue)from 4:00-4:45 p.m. Bishop Bernard Hebda will preside at Evening Prayer for the First Sunday of Advent with Exposition and Benediction. Mass will begin at 5:00 p.m. and be followed by Bishop Hebda leading the Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary at 6:15 p.m.
* Holy Family Parish in East Tawas (516 West Lincoln) beginning at 2:45 p.m.
* St. Bernard Parish in Alpena (322 West Chisholm) beginning at 7:00 p.m. Fr. Rolando Silva will preside.
* St. Patrick Parish in Traverse City (630 West Silver Lake Road) beginning at 7:00 p.m.
* Holy Rosary Parish in Cedar (6982 S. Schomberg Road) will follow the 4:00 Mass with a Vespers Service beginning at 5:00 p.m. Fr. Donald Libby will preside.
* St. Francis of Assisi in Lewiston (4086 Salling) beginning at 4:00 p.m.
A special service is also planned for Sunday, November 28 at:
* St. Francis Xavier in Petoskey (513 Howard Street) beginning at 7:00 p.m.
NOTE: As services in the Diocese of Gaylord are added they will be posted at http://www.dioceseofgaylord.org/
Minnesota
Worldwide Prayer Vigil for the Unborn – Pope Benedict XVI has asked the entire Church to pray with him for unborn children on the eve of the New Church Year.Saturday, November 27, 6:30-9:00pm at Divine Mercy Catholic Church, 139 Mercy Dr. Faribault.
Several parishes in the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis are participating in the Pope’s worldwide Prayer Vigil for All Nascent Human Life and the National Night of Prayer for Life. Click HERE for a list of parishes participating.
Missouri
Bishop John R. Gaydos will lead the Diocese in Vespers Prayer on November 28th, 6:30 pm at the Cathedral of St. Joseph, 2215 West Main Stree. Jefferson City This Prayer is a Vigil for All Nascent Human Life requested by Pope Benedict XVI to be celebrated in every diocese and parish throughout the world. Prayers will include Benediction, the Rosary, and Supplication for Life. Everyone is invited to come as we begin the Advent Season by praying for all human life as we prepare for the birth of the Child Jesus on Christmas Day.
Bishop Robert Finn will celebrate the vigil ceremony in downtown Kansas City at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception (416 W 12th St) at 4:00pm on Saturday, Nov. 27th.
St. Joseph parish 106 N. Meramec Ave. Clayton, Missouri will offer a holy hour for all preborn human life from 3-4 pm on November 27. . Benedict XVI has issued a request for prayers worldwide from all pro-life people against abortion on November 27, the vigil of Advent. Confessions will follow the Holy Hour at 4 pm with the vigil mass at 5 pm.
Montana
Bishop Warfel will be celebrating a vigil at St. Ann Cathedral in Great Falls. He is asking that all parishes in the diocese consider doing a similar vigil.
Nebraska
St. Peter Catholic Church, 27th & Leavenworth, Omaha Vigil for Nascent Life, Sat. Nov. 27 the schedule at St. Peters will be; 6 pm Eucharistic Exposition – 6:10-6:40 Solemn Chanted Vespers in Spanish – 6:40 pm Rosary in Spanish -7-7:15 Silent prayer – 7:15 pm Rosary in English – 7:30-8 pm Solemn Chanted Vespers and Benediction in English
Nevada
Bishop Calvo will lead us in “Vigil for All Nascent Human Life” at 7:00 p.m. St Thomas Aquinas Cathedral 310 West Second Street, Reno, Nevada
Saturday, November 27, 2010 – Shrine of the Most Holy Redeemer, 55 E. Reno Ave, Las Vegas, NV at 6:00pm the Diocese of Las Vegas will be holding a Pro Life Vigil consisting of Evening Prayer, a Rosary, and Benediction. All the parishes around the world are asked by Pope Benedict XVI to participate in this vigil.
New Jersey
Bishop O’Connell will be celebrating a Mass for Life at St. James in Pennington, NJ at 5 pm on November 27th.
Diocese of Metichen New Jersey has a list of parishes that will be holding vigils click here
St. Matthias will join in this Prayer Vigil with the Holy Father following the 5:30 Mass on Sat., Nov. 27 with EVENING PRAYER AND BENEDICTION. All are welcome to join us in this worldwide prayer service. 168 John F. Kennedy Boulevard, Somerset, NJ
Nov. 27, 7:30 p.m. Vigil For All Nascent Human Life – Our Lady of Guadalupe, 135 N. White Horse Pike, Lindenwold
New York
Archdiocese of New York Family Life/Respect Life Office has put up a list of parishes participating in this Vigil) – click here
Ohio
Our Lady, Queen of the Most Holy Rosary Cathedral, 2535 Collingwood Blvd, Toledo Saturday, November 27, 2010 @ 6:00 p.m. Evening Prayer and Benediction with Bishop Blair.
Catholic Diocese of Youngstown will celebrate this special vigil at St. Columba Cathedral on November 27. Bishop Murry will preside at Evening Prayer and Benediction at 4:30 p.m. Mass for the First Sunday of Advent will follow at 5:30 p.m.
Pope Benedict XVI will be celebrating a “Vigil for all nascent human life” on 27 November 2010. In the Diocese of Cleveland Bishop Lennon will be celebrating Evening Prayer I of the First Sunday of Advent in conjunction with the anticipated Mass of the First Sunday of Advent at the 4:30 p.m. Mass at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, 1007 Superior Avenue East, Cleveland, OH.
A Vigil for all Nascent Human Life Thursday, December 2, 2010 5:15pm Evening Prayer with Exposition will take place at The Athenaeum of Ohio Mount St. Mary’s Seminary Chapel of St. Gregory the Great 6616 Beechmont Avenue Cincinnati, OH
Oklahoma
Please join Bishop Edward J. Slattery for the Nascent Vigil at Holy Family Cathedral 122 West 8th Street Tulsa on Saturday, November 27th after the 5pm Mass. This vigil will coincide with Pope Benedict’s vigil at St. Peter’s.
The Church of Saint Mary 1347 East 49 St., Tulsa, will hold this Vigil request by the Holy Father at 4:00 p.m. in the Chapel on November 27th. All are welcome and invited to participate
Oregon
Vigil for all Nascent Human Life 6:30 pm in the Church. St. Mary’s Catholic Church 501 NW 25th St. Corvallis For more info call 541-757-2788
Pennsylvania
Prayer for the Protection of Nascent Human Life, The observance at St. Peter’s Cathedral 315 Wyoming Avenue Scranton, will begin at 3:30 p.m. with the praying of the Rosary,with a special intention for the protection of all nascent life. Cardinal Justin Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia, will be the celebrant of the 4 p.m. Vigil Mass. Following the Mass, the Cardinal will lead a brief prayer service at the monument to the unborn located on the grounds of the Cathedral.
Our Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI has asked that we join him in a Vigil for Nascent Life on Saturday evening of the first weekend of Advent. Cardinal Rigali has asked that the Holy Rosary be recited in every church one half hour before the Saturday evening Mass. Deacon Jim McAvoy will lead the Rosary in the Chapel of St. Peter’s Catholic Church 2835 Manor Rd., West Brandywine, at 4:30. Our parish will continue the experience of this event with a Holy Hour at the end of the 5:00 PM Mass. The Most Blessed Sacrament will be exposed while the Holy Rosary is recited and Benediction will complete this wonderful time of prayer
The Departments for Worship and Human Dignity are jointly organizing a diocesan celebration at Saint Paul Cathedral Pittsburgh, PA beginning with 6:00 p.m. Mass on Saturday, November 27. There will be Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament at the end of Mass, followed by organized prayer and silence, with Benediction beginning at 7:50 p.m. Bishop William Winter will preside.
Vigil for Nascent Human Life on Saturday, November 27. In response, Bishop Joseph P. McFadden will hold a vigil at Saint Patrick Cathedral Harrisburg, PA at 7:00 p.m. that day. Please come and unite with the Holy Father and our Bishop to pray for all unborn life. Please gather at St. Lawrence Chapel at 110 State Street for the one block Marian procession to the Cathedral. Free parking will be available at the South Street Parking Garage.
Pope Benedict XVI has asked that a “Vigil for All Nascent Human Life” be celebrated on The First Sunday of Advent. To fulfill the Holy Father’s request for prayer, St. Therese Church, 25 Old River Road, Wikes-Barre, PA will have a Holy Hour at Saint Therese Church on Saturday, November 27th, at 2:00 pm, in the Church. All are welcome!
Rhode Island
Nov. 27, Holy Name of Jesus Church, 99 Camp St Providence, RI will be keeping the Vigil with the Holy Father beginning at 5:00 PM following the 4 o’clock vigil Mass. Booklets will be provided for the celebration of Vespers, Rosary and Benediction. Please invite all of your family and friends.
South Dakota
Bishop Paul Swain will preside over a local vigil for all Nascent Human Life at 6 p.m., Saturday, November 27 at the current St. Joseph Cathedral 521 Duluth Ave Sioux Falls, SD worship space (the school gym,entrance on west side of the building).
Tennesse
On Saturday, November 27, at St. Peter’s Basilica, Pope Benedict XVI will celebrate a“Vigil for All Nascent Human Life” coinciding with the beginning of Advent. In union with the Holy Father, at 5:30pm, on Saturday, November 27, we will have Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, Evening Prayer, and Benediction, followed by Mass at 6:00pm. Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 414 West Vine Avenue Knoxville.
Texas
Pope Benedict XVI Vigil for All Nascent Human Life Location: Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart 1111 Pierce St. Houston, TX Cardinal DiNardo Presiding Date: Saturday, November 27, 2010 Time: 8:30 PM
A Diocesan Day of Prayer for all Nascent [newly developing] Human Life will be celebrated by Bishop Joe Vásquez on Saturday, December 4th at 1:00 p.m. at St. Helen Parish 2700 East University Avenue, Georgetown
The Catholic Pro-life Committee (Respect Life Ministry of the Diocese of Dallas) has a list of Parishes (about 25 parishes) that are participating in the Vigil – Click HERE
St Dominic Village – Warren Chapel, 2401 Holcombe Boulevard Houston, TX will hold the Vigil for All Nascent Human Life on Nov. 27th after the 6 pm Mass (Vigil and Vespers begin at 7:00 pm).
Virginia
“Vigil for All Nascent Human Life” will be held at St. Joseph’s, 750 Peachtree Street, Herndon, Virginia on Saturday, November 27, 2010 at 6:15 p.m. Please plan to stay or to come after the 5 p.m. Mass for the “Vigil for All Nascent Human Life” in union with our Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI, and all Bishops and parishes.
Utah
The Most Reverend John Charles Wester (Salt Lake City) sent an email forwarded by the diocesan communications director to all monsignors, priests, and Deacons of his Diocese asking each parish to participate in this worldwide celebration of prayer at their parish’s Saturday evening Vigil Mass on this First Sunday of Advent.
Vermont
There will be a Vigil for All Nascent Life on Saturday, Nov. 27, at 4 p.m. at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Burlington VT
Wisconsin
With joyful hope, Bishop Robert Morlino invites the faithful of the Diocese of Madison to observe this Vigil with him, in communion with the Holy Father, at St. Patrick’s Church of the Cathedral Parish 404 E. Main Street, Madison on November 27, at 7 p.m. Reception following prayer vigil.
Archdiocese of Milwaukee: Archbishop Listecki will preside at Evening Prayer, Rosary and Benediction on Saturday, November 27, at 5 p.m. hosted by St. Anthony Church, Ninth & Mitchell, Milwaukee.
Next weekend we begin a new liturgical year with the First Sunday of Advent. Pope Benedict XVI is calling for a Vigil for All Nascent Human Life to be observed on Saturday evening, November 27. “Nascent” means “embryonic, growing, being born.” During Advent we recall the period when Jesus was nascent. We will observe this vigil after the 5:10 Mass on Sat. Nov. 27 with a Marian Procession, Rosary and Benediction. Please come and join us. St. Joseph the Workman Cathedral, 530 Main Street, La Crosse, WI
Wyoming
St. Barbara’s Catholic Church, 3rd & Absaroka Street, Powell, Wyoming will be having a vigil for All Nascent Human Life following the 5:45 pm Mass on Sat., November 27. Eucharistic Adoration, Evening Prayer, and praying the Rosary will take place.
Filed under: Advent, Evangelium Vitae, Pope Benedict XVI, Prayer, Pro-life
Mary Kept All These Things and Pondered Them in Her Heart by Robert Anning Bell from Mary, The Mother of Jesus (Alice Meynell)
On the eve of the first Sunday of Advent – Saturday evening, November 27, 2010 – the Pope will lead a VIGIL FOR NASCENT HUMAN LIFE at St. Peter’s in Rome, and he has asked the world’s Bishops and priests to do the same in their own dioceses and parishes.
The Pope describes the intention of the Vigil as follows:
“The time of preparation for Holy Christmas is a favorable moment to invoke Divine protection over each human being called to existence, also as thanksgiving to God for the gift of life received from our parents.”
Americans please note the appropriate theme of thanksgiving which also relates to the national holiday weekend.
The call for this worldwide Vigil by our Pope is a breakthrough of momentous proportions for many reasons. But one not so obvious reason is that the Church tends to lean on her traditions, perhaps at times being slow to implement brand new ones. The Church has stood prophetically, time and again, for respect for human life from conception to natural death. But the Church has been slow to turn her coordinated worldwide liturgical prayer directly at the worldwide scourge of abortion. No longer!
Benedict’s Pro – Life Prayer Vigil is to prayer, what John Paul II’s encycylical Evangelium Vitae “The Gospel of Life” is to teaching. Our U.S. Chairman for the Catholic Bishops Committee on Pro – Life Activities, Cardinal DiNardo, says this Papal request is “unprecedented” – but that is an understatement.
By making this worldwide Vigil an Advent event, the Pope has now linked in our Catholic Christian consciousness the concept of the solidarity between Unborn Jesus and all unborn children. There is no turning back now!
Mary is the ‘Holy House’ who bore God in her womb and is forever to be honoured by Elizabeth Wang
The unique St. John Eudes wrote many diverse prayers during his lifetime demonstrating his desire to offer every action of each day to God in a special and meaningful way. This is reflected in prayers such as this:
“O Jesus, I offer Thee the rest I am about to take, in honor of the eternal rest Thou dost enjoy in the bosom of Thy Father, and in honor of the sleep and temporal rest Thou didst take in the bosom of Thy Mother, as well as during Thy whole life on earth.”
His reference to the “bosom of Thy Mother”, is an endearing term for the womb of Mary as we see in the following instruction he gave elsewhere to retreatants:
“Your retreat ought to be made with these chief ends in view: 1. To continue and honor the various retreats of Jesus, for example, His retreat from all eternity in the bosom of His Father; His retreat for nine months in the bosom of His Mother…”
During his times of rest, sleep and even retreat John Eudes was reminded of Unborn Jesus within Mary’s womb. As he instructs us above, we can honor these acts of Jesus to the extent that we join ourselves to Him with these mysteries in mind.
Quotes taken from: St. John Eudes, C.J.M., The Life and the Kingdom of Jesus in Christian Souls
Unborn Word of the Day has received permission to post The Annunciation by Bradi Barth* copyright “BRADI BARTH” “HERBRONNEN” vzw www.bradi-barth.org
Mother St. Paul wrote this of the unborn Christ Child who rested in His mother’s womb.
“Come, my little King, Who art nevertheless the Eternal Wisdom, come and teach me this heavenly prudence….”
“…and in my own life when things seem, as they sometimes do inexplicable and beyond human ken. Oh! come and teach me that the way of prudence is to lie still like a little child in its mother’s arms, not to try to fathom nor to understand, but to say: I am in the Arms of the Eternal Wisdom, Who can do all things, Who loves me with an infinite love and Who is disposing all things sweetly, gently, mercifully for my sake. This is the lesson the Child (Christ) yet unborn would teach.”
Mother St. Paul, Ortus Christi, 1921
Filed under: Biblical Reflections, Inspirational Pro-life leaders, Pro-life, Thriving Not Just Surviving!
Unborn Word of the Day has received permission to post Visitation by Bradi Barth* copyright “BRADI BARTH” and “@HERBRONNEN vzw {www.bradi-barth.org) Click on painting for full view.
“…God loved the world so much that he gave his son – it was a giving – it is as much as if to say it hurt God to give, because he loved the world so much that he gave his son, and he gave him to Virgin Mary, and what did she do with him?
As soon as he came in her life – immediately she went in haste to give that good news, and as she came into the house of her cousin, the child – the unborn child – the child in the womb of Elizabeth, leapt with joy. He was that little unborn child…was the first messenger of peace. He recognized the Prince of Peace, he recognized that Christ has come to bring the good news for you and for me.”
Blessed Teresa of Calcutta, Nobel Peace Prize Lecture, December 1979
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*We would encourage our readers to visit the Bradi Barth’s website: Bradi-Barth.org. Bradi Barth (1922-2007) was an amazing Catholic artist. She was born in Switzerland but lived most of her life in Belgium. Her art is rich in tradition, amazingly unique and awe-inspiring.
In October 2000 Bradi Barth started her foundation “HERBRONNEN vzw”, fixing clearly its mission and goals:
- Evangelization in the largest sense – Support for the missions – In Union with the Pope of Rome – In Union with Christ – Under the protection of the Holy Virgin Mary
Johann Michael Rottmayr, Virgin Sewing, 1712, Mattsee, Stiftsmuseum – From the Mary Expectant with Child Exhibit, Dommuseum Zu Salzburg
“Yes, it certainly seemed that God wanted to give the world the impression that it is ordinary for Him to be born of a human creature. Well, that is a fact. God did mean it to be the ordinary thing, for it is His will that Christ shall be born in every human being’s life and not, as a rule, through extraordinary things, but through the ordinary daily life and the human love that people give to one another.”
The Reed of God by Caryll Houselander
Michele Tosini (1503-77) St. Luke
October 18 is the feast day of St. Luke.
In chapters One and Two of the Gospel of St. Luke we have 127 verses of narrative concerning the infancy and childhood of Jesus Christ and mysteries surrounding His infancy (Lk 1:5 – 2:52). These verses are unique to Luke and outline the earliest vignettes known about the childhood of Jesus Christ. The verses restricted to the infancy period are slightly less: 114 verses (Lk 1:5 – Lk 2:39).
The extraordinary account of the Annunciation to Mary by the Archangel Gabriel, for example, is presented only in Luke and no where else. Likewise, the remarkable Visitation event (and Magnificat “song”) and Bethlehem birth saga are Lukan treasures only. Which might lead us to wonder how would Christianity be different if there was no Luke? Would we celebrate Christmas? (Matthew also provides 47 verses of invaluable introductory information as well concerning Mary, Joseph and Jesus, before and after the birth. Mt 1:18 – 2:23)
We are indebted to Luke in a thousand ways, but especially for the first two chapters of his Gospel which are in a way a “prologue”, comparable to the famous “Prologue” to the Gospel of John (Jn 1:1-18): “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God…” But while the Prologue of John is about Mysteries and realities concerning the Word Incarnate, this “prologue” of Luke’s is focused on biological and historical events which reveal the Child Incarnate. While John is mystical, Luke is highly personal yet supernatural. All of this is to say that, the Incarnation Mystery of faith is so wondrous, that we need both Luke and John to unfold for us its beauty and reality. We can listen to John’s Prologue and see it with the eyes of the heart, but Luke’s we visualize all in fabulous images.
But it is only Luke who reveals to us the babyhood of Jesus and the attendant mysteries thereto. Luke is one of the Church’s great “Pro – Life” saints! There is no way around it. He alone tells of the conception of Jesus Christ, paints for us the tender mother who opens up her heart and soul to God’s plan and Spirit, then recounts the mysterious encounter between pregnant mothers and unborn children and finally recounts in all its poverty and glory the birth of humankind’s Savior in a manger.
St. Luke we thank you for the little details you carefully recorded about our Savior’s first nine months in the womb and then in the manger. You, St. Luke, have brought more tears of joy to human eyes than any other author in human history. You have revealed to us the mother of the baby Jesus and have transported us in our thoughts to kneel beside the beasts and shepherds, beneath the angels’ meditative gaze. It was first your descriptive words which gave rise to those Christmas hymns we sing now that cause our hearts to bow down in adoration again.
St. Luke, when we see you in heaven, we will get in that very long reception line of pro-life Christians who want to shake your hand, the hand which wrote down the sacred events of our Savior’s babyhood, events which gave us hope for all our earthly days.
El Greco (1541-1614) St. Luke (detail)
La Vierge Enceinte Daniel Hallé
Église paroissiale Saint-Pierre, Saint-Pierre-lès-Nemours
Commenting on the passage where “a woman in the crowd raised her voice and said to Him, ‘Blessed is the womb that bore You and the breasts that You sucked!” (Lk 11:27), the holy doctor (St. Anthony) says
“Blessed, therefore, is the womb of the glorious Virgin who for nine months was worthy to carry all goodness, the highest goodness, the bliss of angels and reconciliation of sinners.”
Elsewhere he writes that “She possessed within Her the compactness of love—for nine months She carried Love Incarnate in Her womb.”
From The Marian Devotion of St. Anthony of Padua
“There was silence in Heaven, as it were for half an hour” (Apoc. viii. I)
“Thus the Holy Spirit moves St. John to write in the Apocalypse. He speaks of time in that state where time is no more. He speaks of silence where :”they cease not day and night” to sing the praises of the Lamb, because He wants to bring within reach of our intelligence a fact-and that fact is, that there was wonder in Heaven, so great that, so to speak, the ordinary course of things was stopped.
The Beloved Disciple does not tell us what it was that caused this silence in Heaven, but it may well have been when “the Angels and Archangels and all the company of Heaven, saw a wonder even greater than they saw when the silent Word leaped down from Heaven (Wisdom xviii. 15) to dwell in the womb of the sinless Virgin.
Could any wonder be greater than this? Yes. All the company of Heaven is looking intently once more, and they see their Creator, their God, the Word made Flesh entering into one of his sinful creatures to be his Food-to feed his spiritual life. And “there is silence in Heaven” as they look upon a sight so stupendous.”
Simple Meditations by Mother St. Paul pages 93-94.
UNBORN WORD of the day 
