The conclusion of Respect Life Month is celebrated with a Mass and eucharistic procession

 Asking those gathered to renew their “yes” to life in all forms, Bishop James Ruggieri celebrated a pro-life Mass at Our Lady of Wisdom Church in Orono on Wednesday, October 29, to mark the conclusion of Respect Life Month.

 “Let us pray for the unborn and for their mothers and fathers; for those at life’s fragile end; for the poor, the addicted, the imprisoned, and the forgotten. Let us pray, too, for our state and our nation. Let us pray that hearts may be softened and laws may reflect the truth that life is sacred from conception to natural death,” said Bishop Ruggieri.

The bishop said that the Spirit Himself is at work through those who pray and work to build a culture of life, saying it is not something we can do alone.

“The work of defending the unborn, accompanying mothers and fathers, comforting the dying, welcoming the refugee, and cherishing every human being is not something we accomplish by our own strength,” he said. “It is the Spirit of God who sustains, inspires, and carries this mission forward."

The bishop described the pro-life mission as Marian in its essence, saying that like Mary, we carry Christ into the world.

“Every defense of life, every act of mercy, every prayer for the unborn is a way of saying, ‘My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,’” the bishop said. “Yet, Mary’s song is also prophetic. She sings that God casts down the mighty and lifts up the lowly. The culture of death, rooted in pride, convenience, and fear, cannot stand before the humility of those who love.”

Following the Mass, the faithful joined the bishop in a eucharistic procession that began in the church but then circled part of the University of Maine campus.

“It is the Church moving outward, the body of Christ carrying the body of Christ into the world. It is a visible proclamation that life is sacred because God has entered it,” the bishop said.

The celebration also included the awarding of Respect Life Awards given to three individuals and a couple who have worked tirelessly in pro-life ministry. Lexi Hikel of St. Paul the Apostle Parish in Bangor, who faithfully participates in 40 Days for Life and is a strong advocate for life among her peers, won the youth award. Ryan Young, a University of Maine student who helped to found a Students for Life chapter on campus, was the young adult winner. And Ruth Rogers, from St. Paul the Apostle Parish, was the adult winner for her leadership in 40 Days for Life and for helping to start a Walking with Moms in Need support group.

“Nothing I’ve done in the pro-life movement has been done alone. Through the grace of God, I have managed to surround myself with people who have more passion, more faith, and more joy – and I relish every opportunity to be with them – whether we’re addressing the injustice and tragedy of abortion through 40 Days for Life or helping women find resources during an unexpected pregnancy through Walking With Moms in Need,” said Rogers.

“My honest reaction is that I don't deserve this because, honestly, none of this is me. Everything I do, the courage I have, I wouldn’t be able to do any of it without God,” said Hikel.

“I just want to say, although this is an individual award, I really could not have done this without the help of others, especially Grace Clark, who approached me last year and said she wanted to start a pro-life club,” said Young, who said the goal of the Students for Life club is to plant seeds.

“I think where we make the most impact is just in witnessing to life in the sense of the kindness and compassion we show to others,” he said. “We stand for all people, all walks of life equally.”

Although they were unable to be present at the ceremony, also receiving an award were Knights of Columbus pro-life couple Charlie and Courtney Bougie. The Knights’ pro-life advocacy has included providing ultrasounds for pregnancy support centers around the state.

“The pro-life movement in Maine would not be what it is without the Knights of Columbus,” said Suzanne Lafreniere, the Diocese of Portland’s pro-life liaison, who presented the awards.

Bishop Ruggieri plans to make the Respect Life Mass and awards presentation an annual celebration.