Knowing that taking a strong pro-life stance is difficult in today’s society, Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap., referred to the day’s Gospel reading during the annual Respect Life Mass Jan. 22 at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception.
The Gospel of Mark relates how Jesus and his disciples were surrounded by crowds that made it impossible for them to eat. Hearing of this, Jesus’ relatives set out to seize him, saying, “He is out of his mind.”

“If you’re a pro-life activist, they probably think the same about you,” the archbishop said, eliciting laughter.
But despite the opinions of friends, neighbors or relatives, the archbishop urged determination in advancing the pro-life cause. “Keeping going in the face of opposition,” he said. “Our position does not mean that we’re wrong.”

Archbishop Chaput also noted that day’s feast of St. Vincent, a deacon who died a martyr with his bishop friend, Valerius, after undergoing torture.

“If you’re going to do difficult things, it’s important that we’re surrounded by friends,” he said in urging unity. “We ask the Lord to give us courage, persistence and kindness in the service of the truth.”

The annual Mass occurred on the week of the 32nd anniversary of Roe v. Wade, the landmark U.S. Supreme Court that legalized abortion in the United States.

On Jan. 21, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops called for a Day of Penance for the violations to the dignity of the human person through acts of abortion, and as a Day of Prayer for the full restoration of the legal guarantee of the right to life. Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and Mass were held that day at Christ the King Chapel at the John Paul II Center.

The annual Respect Life Mass presents an opportunity to express solidarity for the pro-life cause in a mosaic of color, heartfelt words in support of life and uplifting music.

The Knights of Columbus in colorful regalia, along with the banners and roses from Respect Life representatives, preceded the entrance of deacons and priests who participated in this year’s Mass.

The harmonious voices of the Bishop Machebeuf High School Choir resonated through the cavernous cathedral, adding a tone of solemnity and inspiration during the Mass.

The archbishop presented the annual Pro-Vitae Award to three persons who are valuable proponents of Church life issues: Mary Kottenstette of Most Precious Blood Parish in Denver; Eileen Herman of Holy Cross Parish in Thornton; and Jane Brennan of Our Lady of Loreto Parish in Foxfield.

Also at the Mass, the winners of the Respect Life Essay Contest were announced: Bridget McGann, St. Thomas More School; Bao Nhi Nguyen, and Drew McCutheon, both of Sts. Peter and Paul School; Bethany Saunders, Assumption School, and Julia Pezzini, St. Vincent de Paul School.

Nguyen read her winning essay, which contained the passage: “Women who have lost their babies through abortion suffer physical, emotional and spiritual pain. Grief for the baby is hidden because there is no baby to hold, no pictures, no funeral and no grave to visit.”

The Mass was followed by the 2005 March for Life rally on the steps of the State Capitol, sponsored by Colorado Right to Life. The featured speaker, Ohio family physician Patrick Johnston, is creating a national network of pro-life physicians who will take the Hippocratic Oath and pledge to do no harm.