As Pope Benedict XVI began Advent with a vigil for all nascent human life at the Vatican Nov. 27, Catholics in the Diocese of Trenton joined with him in prayerful solidarity to offer their intentions for the defense of the unborn.

At the invitation of Bishop John M. Smith, parishes throughout the diocese took part in the vigil in their own way, with many incorporating the prayer service into their Saturday evening worship schedule.

Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., presided at a diocesan Mass for Life in St. James Church, Pennington, in recognition of the pope’s call to pray for all human life.

Among the parishes that continued their evening Mass celebration by offering a vigil for life was St. Catharine Parish, Holmdel. Handmade Rosaries crafted by parishioners were distributed prior to the Mass and worshippers were invited to recite the Joyful Mysteries with a special reflection on life issues. Led by Msgr. Eugene M. Rebeck, pastor of St. Catharine, the vigil also included exposition and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, hymns, a special prayer written by Pope John Paul II and Benediction.

“I was very pleased that all who were able to stay after Mass did so, about 90 percent of those present,” Msgr. Rebeck said. “Parishioners were quite moved, knowing that they were praying in solidarity with Catholics throughout the world.”

In Divine Mercy Parish, Trenton, the vigil was held at 3 p.m., which coincided with the time that Pope Benedict was celebrating his vigil in Rome, giving the parishioners the opportunity to pray with the Holy Father in real time.

“I think what was a powerful realization as we were praying together was that we were powerfully united in prayer with Pope Benedict in St. Peter’s Basilica, and with Catholics all over the world – a witness to the Gospel of Life,” said Msgr. Edward Arnister, pastor of Divine Mercy Parish.

The vigil, which included Scripture readings, exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, supplications for nascent life and Benediction, coincided with the beginning of Divine Mercy’s annual spiritual adoption program. The program, coordinated by the parish’s Altar Rosary Society, allows individuals to “adopt” an unborn child and pray for them daily over the course of nine months.

Msgr. Arnister also noted that it was perfect timing to have a prayer vigil for life scheduled on the eve of Advent, the time when Catholics anticipate the birth of Christ.

“It was a very significant time also – the beginning of Advent – as we prepare for the celebration of the one who is the way, the truth and the life,” he said.

Other parishes chose to hold their vigil for nascent life at a different time to correspond with other Advent activities. In Holy Cross Parish, Rumson, Father Michael Manning, pastor, presided at a vigil Dec. 1 prior to the parish’s Advent family retreat.

More than 70 people attended the vigil, including a mixture of families and other parishioners, according to Lori LaPlante, pastoral assistant in Holy Cross Parish. Father Manning used the opportunity to teach children about the practice of the exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and the request of Pope Benedict to celebrate the vigil.

The vigil included quiet reflection, music and a litany for life. Afterward, children and adults participated in separate activities focusing on stained glass windows and how they reflect the themes of the Advent season.