It is an understatement to say that the past week has been a trial for autistic people, given the shock of hearing the statements being made by the US Department of Health and Human Services and the ramifications of what those words represent. So much could be said… so much MUST be said… to affirm and defend the fundamental dignity and value of autistic lives. This is a defining moment, and one about which Catholic leaders will no doubt have much to say in the weeks ahead as the shock of Pope Francis’ passing so soon after the Sacred Triduum and Easter begins to subside.

Father Aidan Kieran, a priest in Dublin, Ireland, has taken up the call to prayer without delay. As such, he will be offering a Mass of Reparation and Healing for all the times we (as society, and as individuals) have, knowingly and unknowingly, failed to support and value the lives of autistic people.

This Mass will be streamed on Facebook Live at 3pm Dublin time, April 24, 2025. For those of us in the United States, that is 10am Eastern, 8am Mountain, 7am Pacific. The Mass can also be heard on the Radio Maria Ireland website and Radio Maria app.

Please join in this prayer, live or in spirit, to affirm the value and dignity of all autistic lives.