Posted October 15, 2012

During October the Catholic Church throughout the United States observes Respect Life Month. This annual tradition is now in its forty-first year.  On October 7, Respect Life Sunday, our nation’s Catholics were called to renew their personal commitment to defend all human life, especially the most vulnerable members of the human family.  We demonstrate this commitment in a variety of ways—by participating in prayer services and educational conferences, engaging in public witness and advocacy, and helping to offer church and community services to those in need.  Archbishop Charles Chaput celebrated mass for our archdiocese at the Cathedral.  The theme of this year’s Respect Life Program is one often expressed by Pope Benedict XVI: “Faith opens our eyes to human life in all its grandeur and beauty.”

  • Josue Alegre gives his mom Maria a big hug during mass.

  • Seminarian Kyle Thompson served mass as an acolyte.

  • Students from the Pro-Life group at Monsignor Bonner and Archbishop Prendergast Catholic High School attended Respect Life Sunday mass.

  • Students from St Hilary School in Rydal and St Dominic School Philadelphia attended mass to show their support for Respect Life Month.

  • Gabrielle Zachwieja prays with her mom Patricia. Gabrielle is a student at St Lucy School for the Visual Impaired.

  • Isabel Chocko, all smiles, attended mass with her mother Princy.

  • Students from Gwynedd Mercy Academy High School present the gifts to Archbishop Charles Chaput.

  • Archbsihp Chaput and Fr. Michael Speziale celebrate mass for Respect Life Sunday.

  • Beth, Marshall, Emme and Steve Grandizio pray the Lord’s Prayer while holding hands. Beth and Steve adopted Marshal and Emme through Catholic Social Serviecs.

  • Fr. Michael Speziale offers a blessing to Isabel Chacko.

(Photos by Sarah Webb)