ORLANDO  |  Lisa Lopez, an active parishioner at St. Catherine of Siena in Kissimmee, arrived at the Basilica of the National Shrine of Mary, Queen of the Universe to receive Jesus’ healing in the Sacrament of Penance, but felt called to stay longer once she learned of the annual Mass for Life.

“I’m very involved with the Church,” she said. “I try to help wherever I can, so when I heard there was a Mass, I wanted to stay.”

Lisa was joined by approximately 700 disciples at the celebration. Students from nine schools in the Diocese of Orlando prayed for the gift and sanctity of human life.

In his homily, Bishop John Noonan stated, “One of the most precious things God gives each and every one of you is the gift of your life. Whatever you do with your life is your gift to God.”

This message struck sixth grader, Davion C. from Our Lady of Lourdes, Melbourne.

“(Bishop Noonan) asked us if we wanted to go to heaven or hell and that made me think about if I wanted to go and how I should take care of it,” he shared.

One of the shrine’s volunteers, Pedro Lyra, was thrilled to serve this special Mass. As a new father, he appreciates God’s graces daily.

“(This Mass) means everything,” he said. “Life is a big opportunity that God gave us. It’s Jesus. It’s a time to think about our daily life.”

Leidy Rivas, Director of the Culture of Life Office at Catholic Charities of Central Florida prays this Mass “inspires (the) young and old to really serve the Lord” and use everyone’s gifts and talents where they are called.

To learn more about building a culture of life in your parish, visit https://cflcc.org/culture-of-life/.