Special Mass allows parents, family members to grieve loss of child

Published: 2003-10-30

BETHLEHEM, Pa. (CNS) -- Parents and families who have lost a child through miscarriage, abortion, stillbirth or in early infancy need to tell their stories and need other people to help them in their grief, a priest told those gathered for a special Mass in the Diocese of Allentown. "The truth is that we don't have all the answers about death. We do have answers about life so we must ask ourselves, 'Why life?'" said Father Patrick H. Lamb in his homily during the "Forever in Our Hearts" Mass at Notre Dame of Bethlehem Church in Bethlehem. Sponsored by the diocesan offices of Pro-Life Activities and Family Life Ministries, the Mass was designed to give public recognition of the loss of young lives and to allow people to grieve. Father Lamb, who is president of diocesan-run Pius X High School in Bangor, was the main celebrant, and Msgr. William E. Handges, pastor at Notre Dame, concelebrated.

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