The Most Rev. Joseph R. Cistone, Bishop of Saginaw, celebrated Mass on Tuesday, October 20, 2015 at St. John Vianney Church in Saginaw in remembrance of all babies who have died in their mother's womb. Bishop Cistone offered words of care, compassion and concern to parents and families who have suffered the pain of miscarriage and stillbirth. He said just as we recently saw Pope Francis picking up and kissing babies who were brought to him, he has an image of Jesus doing the very same thing with all the babies who are with him in heaven.
"Our Faith tells us at the moment of conception these children have life, they have being and they have a future. It may not be a future in the world, but they have a future in the kingdom and one day you will be united," Bishop Cistone said.
Bishop Cistone encouraged those gathered to share with family and friends the pain of their miscarriages, so they may be supported and not made to suffer alone. He also encouraged parents who have lost a child before birth to give their child a name, noting that these children are now in heaven interceding for their parents on Earth.
All were invited to light a candle in memory of their unborn children and grandchildren. The office of Christian service provided rosaries, prayer cards and other resources and materials.
October is Respect Life Month.