As Nepean couple Antonio and Helen Esquillon prepare for the birth of their child next May, they took the opportunity for a special blessing from Sydney Bishop Richard Umbers at the Mass for Expectant Mothers in Lidcombe last week.
“We’re learning about how much the baby is growing week by week and it really is incredible, that gift of life and how we as mothers carry it,” Helen said.
“This Advent is special and I’m definitely seeking Our Lady’s intercession in drawing closer to Christ on a deeper level.
“On the practical side we live across the road from the hospital which is very convenient, and our families are very supportive.”
Dozens of expectant couples, plus couples who are hoping to conceive, brought their hopes, concerns and gratitude to God at the annual Mass organised by the archdiocesan Life Marriage and Family and Catholic Women’s Network teams.
This time it was hosted by parish priest Fr Epeli Qimaqima at St Joachim’s and followed by refreshments in the parish hall.
In his homily Bishop Umbers spoke of the great gifts of life, love, and faith, and the sacrifice and joys of accepting to become a parent.
“In our very ordinary human lives you are following the way of the Holy Family this Advent,” he said.
“You are living with Mary and Joseph those same concerns and efforts in contemplating the baby who is to come, while all of us are looking forward to the baby Jesus Christ who is to come at Christmas.
“Seeing Christ in the least of our brethren, seeing Christ in children, seeing Christ in the baby that you have, just as Mary was able to see her son, and her God.”
The concept of following the Holy Family is not lost on Janine Fong who with her husband Justin Kuang recently moved from Adelaide and have settled in an apartment in Kensington with their toddler Chloe.
Now expecting another child in mid-2025 they have been exploring different Catholic communities around Sydney.
“We’ve been to quite a few Catholic events recently and it’s been nice to see there are so many and that there are really faith strong networks here,” Janine said.
Anitra and Brendan Smith celebrated their six-month wedding anniversary the previous day and have their first baby due just before Holy Week next year.
“We’ve very quickly moved from newlyweds to being new parents, so it’s been a big year and it’s very exciting for us,” Anitra said.
“We’re just very grateful for the gift of life. We have friends who unfortunately are not able to have children, so we know this is a huge blessing and we hope there will be more support for couples who bear that cross of infertility.”
Hazel Lim, mission manager at the Sydney Centre for Evangelisation, said the Mass was a “beautiful and joyous occasion and blessed witness to Christ’s love this Advent season.”