My father rarely spoke about his childhood days in Ireland, but I can recall him reminiscing about St. Stephen’s Day or “Wren Day," a day of childhood revelry for Irish boys. Most people have some warm memories connected with the week after Christmas, a blessed time of vacation for children when there was time, if the weather cooperated, for sleigh riding, or at least ice-skating. Yet although the Church celebrates the Octave of Christmas, a note of sobriety is inserted into the liturgical calendar this week with the commemoration of martyrdoms. St. Stephen, the first adult martyr, is remembered on the day after Christmas -- the cross hovers over the crib, as they say. On December 28, we celebrate the Feast of the Holy Innocents, those infant boys who were killed at the behest of Herod, who felt threatened by the Magi’s message about the birth of a newborn King.
An association has been made in recent decades between this tragic Biblical episode and our own slaughter of the innocents, the reality of virtually unlimited abortion in every state after Roe v. Wade, and in our own state to this day. Responding to this national disgrace, the Respect Life Office of the archdiocese has, for many years, promoted a special Mass and prayerful procession, which is held each year at Holy Innocents Church on West 37th Street. This year’s Mass will take place at 8 am on Wednesday, December 28, to be followed by a journey through midtown to an abortion facility on the east side.
Traditionally, the contrasting moods of this day reflect the varied themes of the Christmas Octave. There is the solemn recitation of the Rosary and the Divine Mercy Chaplet in intercession for the unborn and for mothers in distress. There is also the surprise and delight on the faces of the many Christmas visitors to New York, who marvel at the presence of so many young religious -- Franciscan Friars and Sisters of the Renewal, and Sisters of Life.
After the prayers, the pilgrims reunite for a meal back at Holy Innocents, where many people who have been involved in pro-life activities reconnect and share experiences. After the meal, the young religious repair to St. Patrick’s Cathedral, where they sing Christmas carols as another form of public witness. New participants are always welcome to join in this solemn celebration of the Feast of Holy Innocents, which is also a joyful remembrance of the birth of Our Savior during that special time -- the week after Christmas.