by Debra Niesen
Last weekend, my husband and I experienced one of those rare family days when everyone is together.
With five young-adult children, schedules are difficult to align, but this day they did and it was fun.
We went to bed counting our blessings, specifically each of our children, our son-in-law, granddaughter and the new grandbaby due this summer.
Children, even grown ones, are a blessing.
As we wrap up February, National Marriage Month, the church reminds us that children should be celebrated as living fruits of marital love stories. Marriage is the foundation of the culture of life because love is multiplied through children who are a source of joy and life for grandparents, neighbors, friends and the wider community.
In March, the church offers more opportunities to celebrate the gift of life. March 25 is the solemnity of the Annunciation when Mary’s consent to become the mother of Our Lord gives us the example of how life should be welcomed and cared for.
In celebration of the solemnity of the Annunciation, all expectant parents are invited to receive a special blessing for their unborn children by Archbishop Emeritus Joseph F. Naumann at the 5:30 p.m. Mass at Holy Spirit Church in Overland Park on March 24. Help us spread the word!
While we should always celebrate the gift of new life, we also must recognize that many who desire that gift are suffering through infertility, a miscarriage, a poor fetal diagnosis or marriage struggles.
The Annunciation message also gives hope for these situations. Pope St. John Paul II highlights the angel’s announcement to Mary, which “is framed by these reassuring words: ‘Do not be afraid, Mary’ and ‘with God nothing will be impossible’ (Lk 1:30, 37). Mary also endured much suffering in motherhood so we can look to her to entrust the cause of life to her tender care and intercession.
We can also invoke the intercession of St. Joseph, husband of Mary and foster father of Jesus, for the protection of the family through fertility or marriage challenges. His feast day is March 19. Those on the path of adoption can sign up for the St. Joseph Novena that begins on March 10 (respectlife.org/adoption-novena-resources).
If you or someone you love has experienced the pain of a miscarriage or infertility, there is hope and help. Visit the website at: archkck.org/prolife then “Find Support” for helpful resources and to learn more about NaPro Technology, a moral and effective alternative to IVF. You do not have to suffer alone.
Let’s continue to turn to Our Lady and St. Joseph, both in gratitude and for support.
