Showing local support for the 44th annual March for Life in Washington, D.C., staff at the Archdiocesan Pastoral Center lit nearly 200 luminaries Jan. 26 to remember the millions of unborn human lives lost to abortion since it became legal in 1973. Msgr. Daniel J. Kutys, moderator of the Curia for the Archdiocese, presided over the prayer service and blessing of the luminaries.
The luminaries helped raise awareness of Project Rachel, a post-abortion ministry administered by archdiocesan Catholic Social Services and the Office of Life and Family, both of which sponsored the event. The ministry provides healing to women whose lives have been affected by the decision to abort a child. It is composed of a network of specially trained clergy, spiritual directors and therapists who provide compassionate one-on-one care to men and women who are struggling with the aftermath of abortion and seek emotional and psychological healing. Visit www.HopeAfterAbortion.org for more information. (Photos by Sarah Webb)
Msgr. Daniel J. Kutys, moderator of the curia for the Philadelphia Archdiocese, presides over the prayer service and Blessing of the Luminaries for Life.
Meghan Cokeley from the Office for the New Evangelization proclaims a reading from Scripture.
Participants in the prayer service at the Archdiocesan Pastoral Center in Philadelphia respond in unison to the prayers of petition.
Msgr. Daniel Kutys blesses the luminaries that were placed publicly to remember the millions of lives lost to abortion since 1973.
Ed Lis of Catholic Social Services place luminaries along the ledge of the entrance to the Archdiocesan Pastoral Center on the eve of the 44th anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court’s Roe v. Wade decision legalizing abortion in the United States.
Luminaries are placed along the entrance of the Archdiocesan Pastoral Center and its fence along the block of 17th Street in center city Philadelphia.
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