SCRANTON – Faithful from across the Diocese of Scranton gathered at the Cathedral of Saint Peter on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025, for the annual Respect Life Mass, marking the 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time and the national observance of Respect Life Sunday.
The Mass was celebrated by the Most Rev. Joseph C. Bambera, Bishop of Scranton, who reflected in his homily on this year’s theme, “Life: Our Sign of Hope!” – part of the Church’s Jubilee Year of Hope.
“Every human life is a precious gift from God, especially the most vulnerable,” Bishop Bambera said, calling the faithful to action in building a culture of life. “We cannot merely speak of our respect for human life … We must enliven our words with action.”
While acknowledging ongoing challenges in defending life – from the unborn to the elderly – Bishop Bambera emphasized that Catholics are called to be “light in the midst of darkness” and to promote mercy, healing, and hope through ministries that serve those in need, like Catholic Social Services of the Diocese of Scranton.
The Respect Life Sunday Mass was broadcast by CTV: Catholic Television and is available to view on the Diocese of Scranton YouTube channel and Diocesan website at dioceseofscranton.org.