Memorial Mass honors lost infants

By DAWN PROSSER
Director of Communications
 
Parents and family members who have mourned the loss of a child attended the annual Memorial Mass with Bishop Walker Nickless on Oct. 15 - Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day.
 
October is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness, first declared by President Ronald Reagan on Oct. 15, 1988.
 
“Today we honor the children lost by miscarriage, abortion or other infant loss,” Bishop Nickless said in his opening comments at the Mass. “This is a special time to remember those who died before baptism and depend upon God’s mercy and love.”
 As Oct. 15 is also the feast of St. Teresa of Ávila, Bishop Nickless recited the saint’s prayer: 

“Let nothing disturb you,
Let nothing frighten you,
All things are passing away.
God never changes.
Patience obtains all things
Whoever has God lacks nothing;
God alone suffices.”
 
St. Teresa was the first woman to be named a doctor of the church, the bishop pointed out, which means her words can teach and guide the faithful, even those mourning the death of a child.
 Bishop Nickless noted that many parents at the Mass continue to mourn children who died, died in the womb or as infants, whether it was recent or years ago.
 
“You might be angry with God, feel guilt or shame,” he said. “St. Teresa reminds us that the anger and guilt will pass.”
 
Those in mourning should pray and trust in God’s mercy for the innocent children who died, the bishop explained.
 
“There’s no explanation why an infant dies – it’s not supposed to happen,” Bishop Nickless said. “There’s peace in knowing your little child is in heaven and can intercede for us. They are still part of the family even if we cannot see them or hold them in our arms.”
 
He pointed out that Mary understands the loss of child although she lost Jesus as an adult.
 
“She knows your grief, your pain, your hurt,” he said.
 
As Mary and St. Teresa trusted in God, those who are mourning should trust in God and deepen their faith as “God alone suffices.”
 
Parents who wished to register their child’s name for the Mass were called forward, along with their families, to receive a rose from Bishop Nickless.
 
The Mass was offered in English with music in English, Spanish and Latin.