What does it actually mean to respect life? Bishop Bambera says the answer is seeing Christ in others

Bishop Joseph C. Bambera told parishioners during the Diocese of Scranton's annual Respect Life Sunday Mass that respecting life requires seeing Christ in others. During the Oct. 4, 2026, celebration, the bishop challenged the community to demonstrate their belief in the sanctity of life through their treatment of people in daily life.

Bishop Bambera used the Gospel for the 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time to explain that God's creation is entrusted to the care of his people. He noted that this responsibility is found in local settings such as homes, nursing homes, clinics, prisons, and schools.

The mass coincided with the start of Respect Life Month, which carries the theme "Mary, Mother of God." This theme highlights the Blessed Mother's role in welcoming Jesus and her presence during his death on the Cross. Cindy Cox, Executive Director of the Scranton Chapter of Pennsylvanians for Human Life, noted the community's visible support for the cause during the service at the Cathedral of Saint Peter.