St. Joseph Cathedral hosts Rite for Blessing of a Child in the Womb

The Third Sunday of Easter served as the setting for the special Mass of this year’s Rite for the Blessing of a Child in Womb, sponsored by the Respect Life Office of the Diocese of Buffalo.

The Mass is a celebration of expectant mothers and fathers and their soon-to-be-born children, as well as children already born who dotted the landscape at St. Joseph Cathedral on May 4.

“In this Easter season we continue to celebrate new life that has been given to us from the glory of God,” exclaimed Bishop Michael Fisher. “We welcome in a special way, all those who have brought your children to the cathedral today… new life in our church, and the babies still forming in the womb, we pray for them and their mothers and their families.”

Bishop Mike said that we are in an incredible time in the life in the church, with a new pope on the horizon, a new shepherd, a new servant.  

“In today’s readings, Jesus was asking His disciples, ‘do you love me,’ ‘do you love me?’ And isn’t that the question that the cardinals are now preparing to answer as they begin to elect someone to love, to feed, and to tend his sheep,” explained Bishop Mike. 

In the Gospel reading, the bishop explained that Jesus was giving the apostles a second chance, especially Peter.

There are only two references to charcoal fires in the New Testament, the first on Holy Thursday where Peter denies Him three times, and the second charcoal fire, in John 21:1-19, where Peter seeks redemption.

“Peter wanted to ask Jesus for forgiveness, and here was the third time he was in the Lord’s risen presence, and he needed redemption,” he said. “But Jesus had a plan for Peter and asked him three times if he loved Him. This time, rather than denying Him, Peter three times affirms his love for the Lord. In a humble way, eyes lowered filled with tears, and he was not boasting.”

Bishop Mike explained that Peter’s reaction to Jesus is an example of agape love, love in its highest form which is totally unconditional love. A love that parents demonstrate when they love their children.

Following Mass, blankets were provided to expectant parents.  The blankets were touched with a Saint Gianna Molla relic, explained Cheryl Zielen-Ersing, director of the Respect Life Office.