Mass for Life and Annual Pro-Life Awards

The annual Mass for Life will be celebrated by Bishop Robert J. McManus on Tuesday, March 25, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. at the Cathedral of St. Paul.  All are invited to join students from our Catholic schools who will be our special guests. 
 The Diocese of Worcester’s annual Pro-Life Awards will also be presented at this Mass. 
 All are welcome to attend!
 

For Clergy Response Form CLICK HERE

The Mother Teresa Pro-Life Award honors individuals whose long-standing commitment and efforts demonstrate heroic witness to the intrinsic value of all human life.  Prospective nominees would include those with many years of service to the Cause of Life (even if currently retired).  Nominees should exemplify fidelity to the teachings of the Catholic Church in regard to the sanctity of human life from conception to natural death, and give faithful witness to the care for and protection of human life in word and deed.

The Ruth V. K. Pakaluk Pro-Life Youth Award honors a young person (high school or college age) who has shown outstanding witness to the value of human life.  Nominees of high school or college age  should demonstrate fidelity to the Church’s teachings on the sanctity of human life from conception to natural death, and possess the leadership skills that facilitate faithful witness in living the Gospel of Life in word and deed among their peers and the potential for extended commitment and dedication.

The Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord is a feast day with special theological significance for the pro-life cause, since it celebrates the moment when God the Son 

assumed human nature in Mary’s womb. We find the biblical account of the Annunciation in the Gospel of St. Luke, Chapter 1. Here we recall the announcement from the Archangel Gabriel of the good new to Mary that she has been chosen to be the Mother of the Lord, and Mary’s affirming response to the will of God, “Let it be done to me according to Your word.”

Each year the Diocese of Worcester celebrates a special Mass for Life at the Cathedral of St. Paul on, or near, the Feast of the Annunciation. All the faithful are welcome and join with students from our Catholic Schools on this important feast day and special celebration of God's gift of life. At this time, the diocese presents the annual pro-life awards, given to individuals who have shown heroic witness to the intrinsic value of each human life. Nomination forms should be submitted to the Respect Life Office by the designated February deadline. (download forms below)

Educational Resources:

CLICK HERE for a Novena for the Feast of the Annunciation.

EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES (click to download):
Respect Life Program
He Made His Dwelling Among Us (one-page reflection on the Annunciation)
The Gospel of Life: A Brief Summary
Respect Life Action Guide for the Solemnity of the Annunciation

To arrange a presentation for students, faculty in-service, or other group contact the Respect Life Office at 508-929-4311 or email [email protected].