December 28th Memorial Mass for the Feast of the Holy Innocents

The Feast of the Holy Innocents is observed each December 28th to remember the children slaughtered by King Herod and his henchmen. 

 According to the Gospel of Matthew, Herod ordered the execution of all young male children in the "Vicinity of Bethlehem," so as to avoid the loss of his throne to a newborn King of the Jews whose birth had been announced to him by the Magi. (Wikipedia)

This feast day holds a particular significance to the pro-life movement as we also remember all the innocent preborn babies killed each and every day through the terrible sin of abortion.  

 In the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, PA,  a Mass is celebrated each year on this date to honor the memory of those children who have been killed these past 40 years though abortion.

The organizer of this year's Mass, Theresa Synder, told me her family and she have been organizing this observance for the last nine years.  According to Theresa, “abortion is the most serious civil rights issue in our country and our world.”  

Pat O’Brien of Chester County, told me her parish will hold a memorial service after the usually scheduled 8:00 am Mass at Saints Peter and Paul Church, located in West Chester, PA.  Pat has been trying to encourage all Parish Respect Life Groups to initiate an effort at their own churches.  Pat commented, “I think it is really important to continue this remembrance of our precious unborn lost through abortion.  Maybe doing it locally will bring forth more participation.” 

The Mass and memorial service for the Feast of the Holy Innocents, will be held in Bucks County at 12:00 noon at St. Cyril of Jerusalem Church, located at 1410 Almshouse Road in Jamison, PA.  The Most Reverend Joseph Francis Martino D.D., Bishop Emeritus of Scranton, will be the main celebrant for this Mass.  

All are invited to attend and refreshments will be served following the Mass. 

Use this link to find directions to St. Cyril of Jerusalem Church