Author: Darren Ally | The Catholic Weekly, March 11, 2025
On 23 March, thousands are expected to gather at St Mary’s Cathedral for the annual Day of the Unborn Child, a powerful demonstration of faith and solidarity in defence of society’s most vulnerable members. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the event and all are welcome with organisers hoping for a turnout of more than 4000 participants.
“There is no greater threat to humanity,” stated Paul Hanrahan, Executive Director of Family Life International and one of the original organisers of the event in Sydney.
“In the past 50 years, more than three billion unborn children have been lost to abortion. This unprecedented tragedy demands our attention and action.”
The day will commence with the solemn choral Mass at 10.30am, followed by the praying of the Angelus at noon. Afterwards, participants will embark on a procession through the streets of Sydney, marching from the cathedral to Parliament House and back.
Leading the procession will be Archbishop Anthony Fisher OP, accompanied by Cardinal Mykol Bychok, who will also be guest speaker on the day.
This year’s Day of the Unborn Child holds special significance, coinciding with an anticipated parliamentary debate on abortion laws.
The legislation under discussion, proposed by Greens MLC Amanda Cohn, would empower the New South Wales Health Minister to mandate Catholic and other faith-based hospitals to provide abortions and require doctors who object on moral grounds to refer women to abortion services.
Both Labor and the Coalition are expected to allow conscience votes on the bill.
“It is crucial for us to come together annually to pray for an end to abortion,” said Monica Doumit, Director of Public Affairs and Engagement for the Archdiocese of Sydney.
“This year’s gathering is particularly significant as we not only pray for the defeat of this bill but also demonstrate to our politicians that we stand firmly for life.”
Hanrahan also highlighted alarming aspects of the proposed legislation.
“They want to compel doctors, nurses, and healthcare providers to act against their conscience,” he said.
“Catholic hospitals may be forced to participate in abortions or face closure, akin to what we saw in Canberra. The scope of who can perform abortions would expand to include midwives, nurses, pharmacists, and other health practitioners.”
The Day of the Unborn Child originated in Argentina in 1998 when President Carlos Menem declared 25 March as the Day of the Unborn Child, aligning it with the Catholic feast of the Annunciation.
This concept gained traction globally and was later endorsed by Pope John Paul II.
“It serves as a reminder that the unborn are persons deserving of acknowledgment, just like those who have been born,” said Paul Foley from the Australian branch of the Tradition Family Property Association (TFP), one of the event’s co-sponsors.
Luke Rifkin, manager of the Servants of Mary, Help of Christians—also co-sponsors of this year’s event—described the day as a “collective crusade.”
“Participants are encouraged to bring parish banners and pro-life signs, emphasising the need to stand up for the voice of the innocent. There’s a remarkable sense of solidarity in public witness,” he said.
Previous processions have faced protests from pro-choice groups, necessitating police presence to ensure order. Despite these challenges, the event, which began with only a few hundred attendees, is expected to draw even larger crowds this year.
Foley noted the potential impact of such public displays, drawing parallels with the March for Life in the United States: “We’ve seen the March for Life every year in Washington, which has significantly influenced public opinion and legislative changes against abortion,” he said.
Unlike secular protests, the Day of the Unborn Child is a “prayerful procession led by the Blessed Virgin,” said Hanrahan.
“Without divine intervention, we cannot win this battle. We must entrust this cause to God and unite in prayer.”
The Mass and procession for the Unborn Child serves as a poignant reminder of the Catholic Church’s unwavering commitment to protecting the sanctity of life from conception.
It provides participants with an opportunity to unite in their faith and publicly bear witness to their convictions.
Those wishing to participate can join the Solemn Mass at 10.30am or gather at the cathedral forecourt at noon for the procession.
All are welcome to take part in this profound demonstration of faith and solidarity for the unborn.
Link to source: https://catholicweekly.com.au/catholics-to-unite-for-annual-day-of-the-unborn-child/