On the evening of Sunday, November 2nd, ten members of the Hawthorn School for Girls Choirs had the honour of singing at the Closing Mass for the 40 Days for Life Campaign, celebrated by Fr Gustavo Campo at St Nicholas of Bari Catholic Church. This was a meaningful opportunity for our students to use their voices in prayer and singing to glorify God and sanctify the faithful as a witness to the dignity of human life.
40 Days for Life is an internationally coordinated 40-day campaign that seeks to end abortion locally through prayer and fasting, community outreach, and a peaceful all-day vigil in front of abortion businesses. The campaign brings together people of faith in a spirit of compassion, perseverance, and hope.
Our musically talented students are so very grateful for the invitation to contribute to this meaningful campaign. Here are comments which the event organizers sent to us following the evening:
It seemed to me that everyone who attended the Mass was delighted by the angelic singing of the ten Hawthorn Choir girls, from the youngest to the slightly older. Combined with the graceful service of the altar servers and the prayerful demeanor of all in attendance, I was left with the impression that we were experiencing a small glimpse of heaven on Earth.
David
At the 40 Days for Life Vigil Mass, the Hawthorn Choir’s voices rose in a prayerful harmony, surrounding everyone with a sense of hope and compassion. To the women walking through such difficult times, know that there is no judgment, every mother’s life embodies faith, healing, resilience, and love. 40 Days for Life stands beside you, offering support and prayers for you and the little ones, the tiny heroes in the womb, whose lives remind us of the beauty and sacredness of life.
Monika
The Closing Mass was truly uplifting in many ways. During the reception which followed, we heard from many people who remarked that our girls’ singing was absolutely angelic. Our students’ presence also inspired hope among those involved in the pro-life movement, showing that there are young women in the world today who have a genuine interest in protecting society’s most vulnerable. While publicly-funded Catholic schools are not permitted to take part in initiatives like the 40 Days for Life Campaign, our students were able to be there. Immense thanks to Ms Yu for her help in organizing this event, and to Ms Kim and Ms Pappalardo for their careful rehearsal and support of the choir. Experiences like this can only encourage Hawthorn School for Girls to continue to confidently stand up for what is right in the future.
Our deepest gratitude goes to Frank from St. Joseph’s Centre of Hope for sharing an inspiring testimony about his work supporting pregnant women. His words moved one listener so deeply that she changed her views from supporting abortion to defending life.