Reverend Joseph E. Kurtz, D.D. Bishop | Archdiocese of Louisville

A congregation of more than 200 worshipers gathered at St. Gabriel Church on January 13 for the annual Mass for Life, which aimed to promote the sanctity of human life. The Mass was celebrated by Archbishop Shelton J. Fabre and attended by members of various organizations, including the Knights of Columbus, the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians, families with children, and high school students.

Deacon Stephen Bowling, director of the Family and Life Ministries Office, delivered the homily during the Mass, emphasizing the importance of understanding, believing, and acting upon the dignity and sanctity of human life. He stated, "We do not often enough understand, believe, and act upon one of the greatest teachings of Christ — the dignity and sanctity of human life."

In an interview following the liturgy, Deacon Bowling further explained the concept of dignity and sanctity, stating, "Dignity is practical. It’s what you can see and what everybody seems to agree on. Sanctity is inherent to the person. It’s not always evident, but it’s constant and universal." He highlighted the tendency to dismiss those who are different from us or who have unique needs, urging the congregation to recognize the sanctity inherent in every individual.

Addressing the challenges of cultivating sanctity in a culture with numerous "attacks on life," Deacon Bowling emphasized the importance of practicing sanctity. He stated, "It can be cultivated if we do our best to practice it. We must remember that everyone is a child of God with dignity and sanctity no matter what their state of development." He acknowledged that the ideas of dignity and sanctity are not always popular, as evidenced by societal evils such as slavery, racism, and abortion.

To tackle the question of how to change hearts and promote a culture of sanctity, Deacon Bowling pointed to Jesus Christ as the ultimate source of transformation. He said, "Ultimately what will change hearts is how we treat each other. Jesus Christ is our strength. Jesus Christ is truly the way that we do this."

During the Mass, 51 white roses were presented to Archbishop Fabre, symbolizing the years since the legalization of abortion in 1972 with the Roe v. Wade decision. Notably, that decision was overturned in 2022. The Mass concluded with the presentation of red roses to schools, churches, and organizations in appreciation of their commitment to pro-life ministry.

The annual Mass for Life served as a reminder to the congregation of the importance of recognizing and promoting the sanctity of all human life. Through the teachings of Christ and the practice of sanctity, individuals can work towards changing hearts and building a culture that values and respects every person, regardless of their circumstances or differences.