Archdiocese Marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month
With First-Ever Diocesan-Wide Liturgy

On Sunday, October 23, 2011, the Archdiocese of Newark will celebrate Mass at 12 noon in the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart for those whose lives have been touched by breast cancer, in recognition of October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

The Most Reverend John J. Myers, Archbishop of Newark, will be the principal celebrant of this Mass.   Rev. Msgr. Joseph M. Petrillo, a priest of the Archdiocese who himself is a survivor of breast cancer, will be the homilist.

Current patients and survivors of breast cancer, their families and supporters from throughout the Archdiocese are invited to attend.

While individual parishes and congregations throughout the country have conducted special liturgies or prayers services during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, it is believed that this Mass is the first-ever diocesan-wide commemoration in the country. 
 
“The altar is the centerpiece of the celebration of the Mass,” said Archbishop Myers, “and the place where Catholics bring all of their joys, fears, sorrows and pain.    On this particular day, we as a Christian community will approach the altar and ask God for strength and hope for patients with breast cancer and their families as they battle this disease. 

“At the same time, this Mass will offer us an opportunity to ask the Holy Spirit to bestow wisdom upon those many men and women in the medical profession both here in this country and throughout the world as they seek to find an ethical cure for breast cancer.”

The Women’s Commission of the Archdiocese of Newark, which strives to bring the teachings of the Catholic Church, especially regarding women, to the attention of people of the Archdiocese, has organized this diocesan-wide Mass.

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