CHICAGO (May 10, 2006) Francis Cardinal George, O.M.I., Archbishop of Chicago, will serve as principal celebrant for the annual Mother’s Day Mass for Expectant Mothers at 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, May 14, at Holy Name Cathedral, State and Superior, Chicago. An informal reception with Cardinal George will follow the Mass. All are invited to attend.

Cardinal George will deliver the homily and 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.

"This prayerful celebration underscores the importance of every life from the moment of conception,” notes Mary-Louise Kurey, Director of the Respect Life Office of the Archdiocese of Chicago. “We are pleased,” she said, “to honor motherhood at all stages and to include expectant mothers in the traditional Mother’s Day celebration.”