A certificate of commendation remembering those lost to miscarriages is displayed with a statue of a pregnant Blessed Mother during the “Order for the Naming and Commendation of an Infant who Died before Birth” at the Co-Cathedral of St. Theresa, Sept. 29. (Photo courtesy of Dann Ebina)
By the Respect Life Ministry
Bishop Larry Silva celebrated a Mass for mothers, fathers and family members who have lost a child through miscarriage, Sept. 29 in the Co-Cathedral of St. Theresa. The liturgy prays for those grieving the loss of their child, whether through miscarriage, an accident or any other reason. Each child is loved and honored by the community of faith believers.
The ceremony uses the “Order for the Naming and Commendation of an Infant who Died before Birth” from the Book of Blessings.
The Code of Canon Law states: “It often happens among the people of God that a child dies prior to their birth. If an infant is born alive, he/she should be baptized if possible. If the child cannot be baptized, the church offers the Book of Blessings. These prayers assist the parents and family members with their grief and help deepen their faith and trust in the Lord.”
At the ceremony, Bishop Silva asked the parents, “What name do you give your child?”
The parents are given a certificate by the church naming their child. The community makes the sign of the cross and welcomes the child into our Christian community of faith believers.
The assembly with the bishop recited, “May the angels and saints lead him (her) to the place of light and peace where one day we will be brought together again. Amen.”
The diocesan Respect Life Ministry encourages all parishes to have a Mass for the “Naming and Commendation of an Infant who Died before Birth,” for the many mothers and fathers who grieve silently for the loss of their children. The ministry wants to recognize this loss and grieve with them, not silently, but as a community of believers.
“Please come to Our Lord in the Mass as you grieve and heal from the loss of your child,” said Val Streff, co-director of the Respect Life Ministry. “The Great Physician is ready and waiting to heal you through the sacraments.”
