CHICAGO (May 7, 2004)

On Mother's Day - this Sunday, May 9 -- Francis Cardinal George, O.M.I., Archbishop of Chicago, will serve as principal celebrant for one of the Archdiocese of Chicago's most joyous events: the annual Mass for Expectant Mothers. The Mass will begin at 11:30 a.m. at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church, 2010 East 79 th Street, Chicago. An informal reception with Cardinal George will follow the Mass. All are invited to attend.

Cardinal George will deliver a homily on the sanctity of human life and the great dignity of motherhood. He will then bestow a blessing on all mothers, with a special blessing for those awaiting the birth of a child. All children, born and unborn, will also be included in the blessing. In addition, each expectant mother will receive a white rose and a medal of St. Gerard, the patron saint of pregnant women, as a memento of the occasion.

"So often in our culture, pregnant women and unborn children are excluded from celebrations and recognition, even on Mother's Day," said Mary-Louise Kurey, Director of the Respect Life Office of the Archdiocese of Chicago. "By honoring them, we pay tribute to motherhood in all its stages, and show that every human life is precious from the moment of conception. This occasion also offers women who await the birth of a child the opportunity to celebrate Mother's Day with all other mothers."